Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence

This week: |#GirlVoice Case study | Lab conference |Welsh Youth Parlt survey | YouthWork Degree includes YouthVoice | Votesat16Watch | + YouthVoice Opportunities | YouthVoice News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer.

YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS

⚡Girl Guiding UK: #girlvoice leads to new #campaign

Spotlight on how youthvoice + advocacy + campaign work together  

Every Year Girl Guiding UK conducts a country-wide survey of over 2,500 girls and young women aged 7 to 21, “both inside and outside of guiding, to tell us how they feel about their everyday lives”. This year’s report (published in the Spring)  revealed that “Girls are changing their everyday behaviour to stay safe in a world that’s increasingly hostile towards them. From missing school to avoiding going out in the dark, girls are limiting their lives and their potential to avoid sexual harassment”. This led to this weeks launch of a new Girl Guiding campaign, GIRLS WORLD, asking the government to commit to making the UK safer for girls. “We’re calling for real action and real protection, so all girls know they can do anything.” The campaign also includes a call on the public to sign an open letter. This is an example of an advocacy approach to getting young voices heard.

Comment: Not all #youthvoice has to be #youthled to be heard. GirlGuidingUK not only listens to girls and young women, but also advocates and campaigns on their behalf and shares the platform with their young advocates. As an organisation, they back their #girlvoice by mobilising their expertise and experience to campaign and access decision-makers – Girls World being a good example. Girl Guiding UK has a strong record of youth participation and representation. They were a founder member of the British Youth Council and were active until it closed in 2024. I remember that they regularly sent their full allocation of 10 young delegates to the British Youth Council annual meetings, with reps chosen by their peers to represent the devolved nations and regions of the UK. Guided by local consultation and the Girls Attitudes survey, many of their subsequent policy proposals were voted into the BYC Manifesto, and their members were regularly elected to the Board, including to the role of Chair. One was my first line manager when I was CEO there!

Even though BYC no longer provides a forum for its delegations to unite with their peers across the UK,  Girl Guiding continues to support its #youthvoice through a young Advocacy Panel that lobbies decision makers/parliament with the direct support of the organisation’s resources. They are not unique. Many other organisations (including former members of BYC) advocate on behalf of the young people they work with, with many supporting their young people to not only articulate their priorities, but to be advocates and spokespeople on behalf of their peers. (Many will be hosting events at the Labour and Conservative PArty conferences over the next two weeks.) Perhaps a new model British Youth Council will empower and enable closer working relationships with its young members’ host organisations, not just as supporters, but as active advocates and campaigners in an alliance – amplifying young people’s priorities even more effectively in the future? [JC/Ed]

⚡Have your say – Welsh Youth Parliament

If so, you’re not alone – 90% of attendees at the Welsh Government’s National Behaviour Summit said challenging behaviour has increased since the pandemic. That’s why we’re launching a consultation to hear directly from young people across Wales. We want to understand what’s really happening and how it’s affecting you.
We’re focusing on crime, safety, and behaviour in schools.
We chose this topic due to rising reports of disruptive behaviour, violence and poor attendance, and concerns about the wellbeing of school pupils. We want to hear YOUR views on why this is happening and what can be done to improve things.
✅ Are you aged 13 – 18? living in Wales ? Complete our quick survey and help shape the work of your Welsh Youth Parliament

⚡YouthVoice Module for Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship

Earlier this year Youth Voice Heard worked with Nottingham Trent University to design a new Youth Voice and Participation  module as part of its 4 year Youth Work apprenticeship degree which got underway this month. The new module will be taught in Spring term. It will cover:
“Why is youth voice important? Who determines whose voices are heard? How do we capture and include hidden voices? Explore the key developmental theories relating to youth voice and apply concepts of equality and diversity to practice situations with young people. Consider how we empower young people to have a positive impact and affect change within their communities? Learn how participation supports young people’s personal, social and emotional development and  contributes to their identity formation.”
Course Leader Dr Frances Howard said “It has been a pleasure to work with James Cathcart on the development of a new Youth Voice module for our brand new Youth Worker Degree Apprenticeship. James’ encyclopaedic knowledge of Youth Voice history, perspectives and case studies combined with access to resources from Young Voices Heard and beyond has been highly beneficial for the development of this module. Being able to incorporate both academic debate and practical resources has helped shape the module into engaging learning that will impact the future practice of Youth Workers wanting to develop the Youth Voice offer of their organisations.”
Whilst YouthVoiceNews is edited by a volunteer, and much of James’s mentoring, campaigning and advocacy work are volunary, YVH CIC will undertake commissions/consultancies like this, to subsidise running costs/overheads. Get in touch if you’d like to commission support to mobilise your youthvoice. 

⚡Votesat16 Watch

⚡Steve Reed MP, the new Sec of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has Democracy and Elections listed as part of his Ministerial responsibilities.  Samatha Dixon MP has responsibilities include Elections and is expected to take over from Rushanara Ali MP who resigned in the summer.

⚡Votes at 16: Are schools prepared for politics in the classroom? – Schools Week Education is a vital part of votesat 16 . The Association Citizenship Teachers calls for citizenship to be made statutory in primary schools as well as better training for teachers.

⚡UK elections chief says children need lessons from 11 to be ready to vote at 16 | Electoral Commission | The Guardian 

⚡Votesat16Watch – poll reveals most 16-17 year olds (59%) support lowering the voting age, but split on whether they feel informed enough to vote.More In Common –  Sunday Times 16-17s 

⚡Coming Up

⚡Labour Party Conference #Youthissues #YouthVoice

For latest details of Labour and Conference fringe programme on youth issues, including those where young people have been involved – go to Citadel Comms website.  We will track social media and report on any outcomes from these fringe events.

⚡”Youth Council UK” – NYA are expected to make an announcement in coming weeks / to communicate on their plans for a new “Youth Council UK”. A structure around membership, fees, voting, exec board and membership is expected in advance of an inaugural meeting in November [though this isnt leaving much time to decide whether to join /pay membership fees / or make arrangements to attend Ed/JC]  They have now published the members of the “Youth Council UK Team” who are advising on these proposals, a process which has been led by former MP and trustee of BYC, Lloyd Russell-Moyle (CEO of Woodcraft Folk)

⚡Party Conferences – young voices to be heard: Young voices will be heard again this year at the Labour (28/9 – 3/10 Liverpool), Conservative 5/10-8/10 Manchester) and Lib Dem (20-23/9 Bournemouth) conferences within the main conference areas and in fringe meetings. Most are hosted by youth organisations, and many coordinated “Youth and Skills Zones”, by Citadel Policy and Communications. Jonathan Hopkins (Dir of Citadel said “We’ve had a bumper year at the Youth Zone, creating a ‘festival site’ combined with our Skills Hub at Labour of four marquee venues and a youth bus in the conference centre, and return to LibDems with a Youth & Skills Day run jointly with the party, and are waving the flag still with events at Conservatives. That’s 100 fringe events in total this year, of which 70 are at Labour. In total, there’ll be c100 young people we’ve supported to attend and directly contribute”.

⚡Centre for Youth Voice Relaunch 30th Sept – invite The Centre For Youth Voice will relaunch on 30th September, 4-6 pm. Details and invitation Here. This event will be hosted by Young Ambassadors and the Network of Regional Youth Work Units. The event will launch the new website, profile the training offers and resources that will be available for practitioners and young people, as well as discuss areas for future development. (see YouthVoiceNews 18th Aug for more info.)

⚡UK Youth Parliament debate in House of Commons – Thursday 6th November, Topics to be confirmed.

⚡Launch/Inaugural Meeting of Youth Council UK  November Date to be Confirmed – but likely to be a Sat to enable young delegates to attend, and may very well be online.

⚡18th Oct: Next Gen Conference (UK youth in democracy) for those aged 16-30/ Min of Sound https://lnkd.in/e5g6SefD

If you have an event open to all, or of significant interest, let us know.

RESOURCES:

⚡Youth Voice Annual Census 2025: results The voices of over 8,000 young people (aged 11-30 / UK, surveyed between Mar-June, + 11 focus groups with 72 young people) tell us how they feel about where they live, work, and study. (Youth Employment UK has conducted this census every year since 2018. Click Here for full Report. Key Findings in YouthVoiceNews 17th Sept   Crime and violence is now the number one national issue (43%), overtaking leadership (22%) and the economy (38%). Locally, crime (37%) and safety (25%) are also the most common worries.

⚡Youth Voice Poll /Research: Views of 16 and 17-year-olds/ More In Common Aug 25 on Votes at 16 | Voting Intentions |  Mental Health and WellBeing | Legacy of Lockdown | School  | Vaping Smoking Drinking | Screentime, Social Media | Online Safety |AI | Feminism and Gender Equality | Pride and Patriotism | Monarchy | Climate Change | Boats crossing the Channel |…. and how their priorities diverge on the Big Issues compared with the wider public.Read the full report click : Source and Full Research results and tables: Sunday Times 16-17s Sample 1,000 / GB (Eng/Scot/Wales) 15-20th August 2025

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

Our pick #youthvoice opportunities. For a broader range of early career/skill-building roles go to our friends’ website Youth Opportunities | Early Career and Skill Building roles in the UK

If you have a #youthvoice opportunity coming up, drop us a line info@youngvoicesheard.org.uk

⚡Youth Assembly for Northern Ireland is inviting high school students in years 9-12 in Northern Ireland to have their voices heard and influence decisions that affect them. Youth Assembly Members serve a two-year term and work closely with the Northern Ireland Assembly. No previous experience needed. Apply by Monday 29th September.

⚡Young NCB – Black and Global Majority Group: 11-18 young people identifying as Black and Global Majority aged 11-18 (11-24 for disabled young people and those with special educational needs). “Joining the group will give members a chance to learn new skills, meet new people and have access to amazing opportunities”. There are four in-person meetings a year at our London offices and all members get vouchers for taking part. Members can have their voices heard on issues which are important to them and help shape the work of a national charity. If you’re interested in applying, go to https://buff.ly/OA1d9dZ and if you have any questions email participation@ncb.org.uk Applications close Monday 6 October.

⚡The Politics Project: “We are looking for enthusiastic young people aged 14 to 20 to join The Politics Project’s Steering Group, a diverse group of young people from across the UK who support us in effectively engaging young people in politics and democracy. The YSG will help us to ensure we are delivering what young people want and need to achieve that aim. No prior experience or qualifications are needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved: 📖 Help us shape current programmes and resources.🤙 Develop ways of engaging young people in the work of TPP. 📈 Take responsibility for the meetings and strategic direction of the YSG.⭐️ Act as ambassadors for TPP at events.➡️ Applications are open until 11:59 pm on Sunday, 28th September 2025. Young people can apply by writing, or by sending in a short video or voice note.🔗 Click here to apply: https://lnkd.in/diCTpM6v

⚡EY Foundation (funder) Youth Advisory Board: 16-25 – England/Scotland? The YAB is a group of 12 young people, aged 16-25 from across England and Scotland who act as advisors to the EY Foundation. All expenses paid. YAB members sit on the board for two years and are responsible for bringing a young person’s perspective into every area of the EY Foundation’s work. As ‘Advocates for Change’, YVF members will be proactive in supporting our organisation to create systemic change for young people from low-income backgrounds, addressing youth unemployment issues and social mobility. As part of their role YAB members: Attend quarterly YAB meetings to provide comments and feedback on key plans before they are taken to the Board of Trustees; Work with the EY Foundation team in a variety of ways including attending meetings, sharing feedback and ideas, contributing to social media or speaking at events; Have the opportunity to work on their own projects related to the EY Foundation. Apply to join our Youth Voice Forum 👉 https://lnkd.in/eMG9SqEi Head to our website to find our recruitment handbook, information on eligibility, and how to sign up to our information sessions 👉 https://lnkd.in/eGD6YTWC. Deadline 26th Sept YVH. Quality pick – “one of the most thorough role recruitment/specs I’ve come across/JC/Ed”

⚡YoungMinds Youth Panel offers young people the chance to shape the charity’s work by providing insight on strategy, safeguarding, fundraising, and organisational decisions. Panel members help guide the future of YoungMinds while gaining experience in the ‘behind the scenes’ of a charity. Apply by 29th September.

⚡Join the Electoral Commission’s Youth Voice Network for Scotland and help shape the future of democracy. If you’re aged 12 to 18, live in Scotland and are keen to find out more then download our information sheet. You’ll meet (online and in-person) around four times a year to share views, create resources, and contribute to national campaigns on voting. Recruitment is open from June to September 2025. Learn more and apply here.  by end of Sept 25

Trustee positions – Interested in becoming a trustee? Only 3% of trustees are under the age of 30. Find under-30-friendly trustee boards through Young Trustees Movement

For other YVH recommended resources, go to the www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES, or click #YouthVoiceNews – Recommending Reads and Resources for a summary of what’s on the website.

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