#YouthVoiceNews, 19th November – Feature Edition

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

Feature length report on Lundy conference from Edinburgh – spotlight on Scottish Youth Parlt | #iwill week – What do You Stand For? |  Curriculum for Life – at last, another former BYC/UKYP campaign success | New Resources & Training  – Gamifying Democracy from the Politics Project & New Peer Research Toolkit – Centre4YouthVoice | plus the usual Opportunities for young people and supporters | Resources| YouthVoice News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer.

YOUTH VOICE HEARD – FEATURE NEWS OPPORTUNITIES

⚡FEATURE : Lundy Model Network,  Edinburgh conference – Report and Reaction

Lundy Model Network is a LinkedIn Group of 3,400 who are  “A collective of individuals dedicated to sharing good practice on meaningful child participation”. Posts on LinkedIn and Events are aimed at practitioners and are facilitated by a  Steering Group of members and the Anna Freud Foundation. For more information contact Bernadette.martin@annafreud.org

The Lundy model (other models are available) is a popular framework developed by Professor Laura Lundy in 2007. It “provides a way of conceptualising a child’s right to participation, as laid down in Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 2 It is intended to focus decision-makers on the distinct, albeit interrelated, elements of the provision. The four elements have a rational chronological order: space, voice, audience, influence”. Whilst the focus is on children (<18) it has been adapted (and debated) as a useful framework for a range of local participation initiatives.

The “Gathering”: Over 90 people from all parts of the UK and Ireland gathered for the fourth Lundy practitioners network in Edinburgh last week. Its aims were to promote cross-sector collaboration and shared learning; To amplify and unite the voices of participation, leads working with the Lundy Model in their daily practice; To promote rights-respecting services, ensuring that children, young people, and families across the four regions have access to quality participation opportunities within rights-respecting contexts. Slides of presentations are available on request or simply join the LinkedIn Group to find links to posts and a Video of the conference which will be posted soon.

Presentations were made by Bruce Adamson (human rights lawyer and former Children’s Commissioner Scotland), Laura Lundy on the Myths of Participation (see slides), Dr Louise Hill (Dir of Childrens Parliament – Scotland), and Stuart Dunne (CEO Youth Focus NW) on the new youth participation UK Synergy Initiative partnership, as well as a number of small group workshops.

Scottish Youth Parliament – exemplar of embedded youthvoice

The highlight for me was the presentation about the genuinely youth-led Scottish Youth Parliament by one its young leaders, Vice Chair Marcus Flucker (Vice Chair of the Board and MYP). In 2019 young leaders from Project Hope challenged the sector to stop calling initiatives ‘youthled’ when there are not – but the habit persists – with the exception of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

“At SYP, ‘youth-led’ means that young people are the decision makers, while adults are supporters, advisors, and facilitators. In practice, staff take hundreds of SYP related decisions every work day. To be ‘youth-led’ therefore, we empower young people to take the key decisions that have significant and / or long-term impact”

“All of the elected board of trustees are young people, who have four independent ‘adult’ advisors. All strategy, policy and campaign decisions are made by either the board of through our youth committees of MYPs. When adults take these day-to-day decisions, they should be informed by knowledge of the views of young people on a topic. A good rule to follow is that young people with knowledge of the topic should never be surprised by a decision taken by adults in a youth-led setting. Further, as supporters, adults build up by being supportive, deliver training to, and champion young people. As advisors, adults use their knowledge, research, and expertise to ensure young people have all the information they need to take key decisions. As facilitators, adults create space for young people to take the key decisions by addressing power imbalances and practising meaningful participation.

Marcus is the first young stakeholder to make a presentation of a Lundy event illustrating that young people can be both beneficiaries, champions and peer-practitioners, with something important to contribute to dialogue about the models and frameworks of youthvoice and participation.

Youth Voice – Reaction

“Today’s event was a powerful opportunity to develop our understanding of the Lundy Model, and reflect on how it works in practice within our individual settings. It was a comfortable space to challenge your own thinking and discuss ways forward. It was particularly valuable for me to consider prompts and ideas from the lens of both a young person and now a professional champion for children’s rights. Huge thank you to all those involved in making the day a success.” Arthur Templeman-Liley, 18, Children’s Rights and Youth Participation Consultant.

“Attending the 4th annual Lundy Model Network was truly inspiring and affirming. It was a change to hear from existing programmes and initiatives and hear the change they are making and also affirming the gfact that youth voice, participation and children’s rights are so important and the work that we are all doing individually and collectively is vital. Especially in a time when the world is so divided, communities are at odds and misinformation/climate crisis is on the ris. Youth participation and children’s rights stands central to combating these! Thomas Williams (17), Participation and Youth Consultant.

NEWS

⚡What do you Stand for? (#iwill week 2025)

#iwillWeek 2025 is a celebration of youth social action, led by the power of youthvoice and supported by charities @UKYouth, @Volunteering Matters and the #iwillFund at the National Lottery.

This year’s theme – What do you Stand for –  invites everyone to reflect on the values and causes that unite us. Across differences in background, belief, and geography, young people are taking action for truth, dignity, justice, community, and joy – proving that our shared humanity is stronger than what divides us. Read this blog to hear what young people think The Power of Youth Voice: #iWill Week 2025 – UK Youth

Comment: “I stand for the inclusion, promotion and support for greater #youthvoice participation in public life – in organisations, in the community, on boards and in parliament. Through Young Voices Heard (vision and values) to share, connect and enrich best practice as informed and influenced by young voices heard, respected and included as equals.”  

“The #iwillmovement (the successor to the iwillcampaign for more opportunities for young people to take part in youth-led social action volunteering) has evolved in recent years to become a movement seeking to empower young people, particularly by hearing and responding to their voices. Much of what Young Voices Heard has been inspired by this, and many of our early initiatives were designed with iwill ambassadors such as the our Youth Voice Charter 2020 and Youth Voice in Organisations 10 Steps to Good Practice (the most downloaded resource on the YVH website)

I remember taking several representatives from the British Youth Council to the launch at Buckingham Palace in 2013, to meet the King (then the Prince of Wales and patron of #iwill) and stand alongside their peers and politicians for this photo. Two of them went on to be recognised as ‘giants’ of youthvoice and youth-led movements – Kenny Imafidon MBE and Rhammel Afflick BEM.  See if you can spot them!” [JC/Ed]

⚡Curriculum for Life – at last!  Another former British Youth Council and UK Youth Parliament campaign comes to fruition.

A victory for youth voice as curriculum reform takes root – Educate magazine

Many youth organisations and students who contributed to the review are celebrating the government’s commitment to embedding their priorities into national policy as the final publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review is released. The reforms reflect a growing consensus around the importance of life skills, sustainability, and inclusive learning. And the Electoral Commission welcomes the new measures which will help prepare for Votes at16 and generally herald a new age for democracy

Comment: This is another example long-term #youthvoice campaign that has taken over 20 years to achieve success (like votes at 16), and young campaigners old and new, deserve to share credit with those who contributed to the review. For example I remember when at the British Youth Council/Uk Youth Parliaments (2008-2016) they consulted children across the UK through their Make Your Mark poll (which peaked at over 1 million aged up to 18 ), that Curriculum for Life was consistently in the Top Five topics and frequently debated by young MYPs in their parliamentary debate.

⚡ New Resource + Training – Gamifying Democracy, The Politics Project

⚡Votes@16Watch:

⚡Free Webinar on Youth Work and Votes at 16

2oth Nov 12.00- 1.00 –  Online/Event link: Supporting Young People To Vote: Event/Webinar, by Carole Pugh, Designed with policymakers  in mind [though stakeholders of all ages will benefit too, Ed] this webinar will explore:

✨ How youth work equips young people for political citizenship
✨ The role it could it play in engaging disadvantaged groups of young people
✨ The barriers and policies that limit youth work’s capacity to support political socialisation
✨ How can we maximise youth work’s capacity to ensure that 16-17 year-olds are adequately supported to vote 

⚡Electoral Commission – to work with Govt/Dept for Education to update curriculum content ahead of votes at 16.

Changes to the curriculum opportunity to transform democratic education in schools | Electoral Commission The Commission will work with the Department for Education, schools and partner organisations to enhance the citizenship curriculum ahead of the new curriculum’s publication in 2027. Support and guidance will be provided to teachers to ensure lessons are politically impartial.

The Curriculum and Assessment review in England (Opens in new window), published recently, recommends improvements to the teaching of democratic education and mandatory citizenship education at the primary level in line with recommendations made by the Commission earlier this year. Research by the Commission found that nearly three-quarters of 11-25 year olds wanted to learn more about politics in school. The UK Government’s intention to lower the voting age to 16 increases the importance of supporting young people to learn about democracy, elections and how to cast their first vote with confidence. The plans would create an avenue for young people to begin learning about democracy from age five, growing their knowledge and skills as they advance through primary, secondary and post-16 education. If implemented, the recommendations would also strengthen curriculum content on media literacy, mis- and disinformation, oracy and debating.

OPPORTUNITIES

MOBILISE YOUR YOUTH VOICE: Opps for YP & Supporters

⚡ Call for young media spokespeople – young leaders, campaigners, or just want to have a say… aged 16+  

The  Intergenerational Foundation believes that intergenerationally fair policymaking will only be achieved once young people’s experiences and perspectives are fully included in the national debate. “We are often contacted by journalists who ask us to put forward a young person to share their opinion on issues that affect them. Topics can range from housing, university, pensions, taxation, climate change, government spending, or mental health. IF is in need of more spokespeople to respond to these kinds of media requests. You do not need to be an expert on any topic to get involved. What’s important is that you share your own experience and opinions, and that you’re passionate about standing up for the living standards and opportunities of younger people. Previous IF spokespeople have found the experience highly rewarding, with it boosting their confidence, communication skills, and CVs.”  If you are aged between 16 and 40, [is the definition of ‘young’ getting older and older these days? Ed] and think you might want to get involved, or know someone who might, please email tobias.whelton@if.org.uk for a confidential chat.

YOUTH VOICE OPPORTUNITIES

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

♦ Future Leaders Network: international delegates aged 18-30 UK Closing Date 28th November – Click to Youth Opportunities FLN for full details

♦ Student Minds – Trustees 18-30. closing date 15th Januaury 26. Click Youth Opportunities SM for details

♦ St James’s Young Changemakers Programme – Advisory Group/ paid role/age 22-30 / by 24th November – Click through to Youth Opportunities SJ for full details.

♦ Youth Leads (Gtr Manchester) – Advisory Board, Age 14-25 / by 30th November. Click Youth Opportunities YL for full details.

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

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

SUPPORTERS OPPORTUNITIES

⚡Centre for Youth Voice – Free Training & Events

November 25th – Community of Practice: Evaluating Peer Research with Young People: We’re bringing organisations together to look at how we collectively evaluate the impact of peer research.

December 3rd – Authoring Our Own Stories Roundtable: Peer researchers working with Yorks & Humber Youth Work Unit, Youth Focus North West, Youth Focus South West and Partnership for Young London, come together to share key findings and common links across their research projects on a range of themes related to civic identity.

December 9th – Peer Research Toolkit Launch: Join us for the launch of our new Peer Research Toolkit, for organisations looking to involve young people in research.

February 24th – Community of Practice: Evidencing Impact and Change of Youth Voice: We’re bringing organisations together to look at how we collectively evidence the impact of youth voice.

Multiple dates – Involving Young People in Services: Professor Kaz Stuart is delivering three training sessions around creating opportunities, supporting, and evaluating young people’s involvement in services.

• January 13th – Creating High Quality Opportunities for Young People to be Involved in Services
• February 10th – Supporting Young People to be Involved in Services
• March 10th – Evaluating Young People’s Involvement in Services

Multiple dates – Peer Research Toolkit Training: Based on the toolkit, we are delivering 90-minute training sessions on different aspects of the peer research approach, with presentations and Q&As.

• January 20th – Introduction to peer research
• January 27th – Setup, recruitment, budgets of peer research
• February 3rd – Co-designing research aims and questions
• February 17th – Participatory research methods
• March 3rd – Ethics, safeguarding, and data protection
• March 17th – Conducting fieldwork with peer researchers
• April 14th – Involving young people in analysis
• April 28th – Impact and embedding participation

⚡Young: Leaders/Reps/Campaigners

BYC to Youth Council UK – will be recruiting a new Management Committee/Board and delegates to the Youth Council. (its not clear if the Committee and the Board are the same thing)

Although we expect (and hope) that the priority purpose of the revived youth council will still be the voice of young people across the UK, the first round of recruitment targets highlights the benefits for organisations supporting youthvoice. Benefits will include: Opportunities to join national forums, working groups, and for your young people to participate in national campaigns; Preferential rates for leadership, governance and safeguarding training; Early access to exclusive resources, and research and policy briefings; Full voting rights, participation in policy consultations, and eligibility for leadership roles; Use of the YCUK Founder Member Mark and profile-raising opportunities.

Youth organisations invited to apply are: national or local youth organisation; youth wings of political parties; any committee, network or body where young people have decision-making or policy-making power; youth participation bodies aligned with government at any level; for example, a youth council, youth parliament or youth forum; youth support bodies or corporates; for example, a youth work unit, an organisation with an interest in youth or youth work, or a ‘for youth’ organisation – but do not have a group of young people setting your policies. They will be following this up with more info on how these founder members can nominate ‘young’ representatives/candidates to its first ‘Board’.

Organisations must pay a one-off joining fee of £50, but will need to pay annually between £100 – £1500 a year from April 26, depending on the membership/reach of the organisation.   Full Details here: New Youth Council UK opens membership – National Youth Agency, and includes Q&A and an email for further information. Elections to the Management Exec/Board are scheduled for January.

RESOURCES:

⚡Toolkit – Democratic engagement/The Politics Project

The Politics Project, which promotes the democratic engagement of young people, have produced a new resource –  At The Table toolkit.  Part of the London Voter Registration Week the toolkit has many transferable tools and tips that could be used throughout the UK. Specifically developed for youth practitioners and young people, At The Table is a toolkit for starting conversations about democracy in informal youth settings with young people who feel less connected to democratic processes. It’s full of easy-to-use games, designed to be fun while allowing space for meaningful discussions.

⚡Insight – “Young People are Ready to Lead, but they need our support” survey findings & insights report

“At Big Change, we’ve always believed in the power of young people to reimagine the future. And so, we conducted some research to better understand how they feel about stepping up to the immense challenges they face. After surveying more than 1,300 young people aged 16-28 in the UK in a YouGov survey, we received some encouraging insights. The exciting news is that young people want to create change in their communities and beyond. Young people are ready to lead the way and help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges – but they need our support. Young people are ready to lead, but they need our support   | Virgin

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.