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YouthVoiceNews & Digest, 3rd Sept: Issue 83

Editor

“YouthWashing – You have seen it, even if you have not had a word for it. A photograph on page fourteen of an annual report. Three young people, usually doing something that photographs well, seated at a table with nine older professionals. Everyone is smiling. The caption says something about meaningful engagement. Somewhere in the same document, a sentence beginning with ‘we are committed to amplifying young voices’ sits inside a strategy that young people did not write, were not consulted on or co-produced in any substantive way, and will not be asked to evaluate.That is youth-washing. And it is everywhere.” Millicent Wenlock, Beyond Consulting, is the featured Blog in a new YVNEWS feature from the Be the Change Network. ….⬇️

Also in your  YOUTHVOICENEWS 

“YouthVoice News & Opportunities Digest” is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer. Join over 820 (LinkedIn and Website) stakeholders, practitioners, and young leaders who have signed up to get this free newsletter (LinkedIn or Website) sent directly by email. Subscribe and view previous issues via LinkedIn here. Please ‘Tag’ us to your posts #YouthVoiceNews,  so we can highlight and share your youthvoice work. (There is a small charge for commercial adverts)

NEWS | 3rd Sept| DIGEST

 

NEW RESOURCE: Informal Democratic Education Practice Guidance – for Youth Workers. (Launch 30/9/26 with Dr Carole Pugh). York St John University and the National Youth Agency (NYA) are launching a new Informal Democratic Education Practice Guidance to support youth workers in helping young people understand democracy, explore political issues and engage confidently in decision-making. The event will introduce the guidance, share key research findings, and explore what effective informal democratic education looks like in practice through real-world scenarios, case studies and practical examples. It will be of interest to youth work practitioners, managers, policymakers, academics and young people committed to strengthening participation, democracy and youth voice. Learn more and register for the launch event: https://lnkd.in/erhFRACR Note – this is an in-person event but a recording will be shared at a later date.

Help shape the future of Youth Empowerment Programmes with young people.  Consultation welcomes views of organisations as well as young people. “Seen and Heard (England)” :Deadline end of Sept. Government consultation of young people aged 10-21 and organisations. The DCMS Youth Team wants to hear from young people and organisations across England to understand “the role of youth services and young people themselves” in increasing young people’s involvement in democracy and decision-making. This follows the publication of Youth Matters national strategy and the upcoming Votes at 16 legislation. They are “keen to hear from a diverse range of voices, particularly those who are currently under-represented in these programmes. DCMS have now confirmed with YouthVoiceNews that this consultation, whilst prioritising the views of young people, also welcomes the views of organisations too, as long as they make that clear in the feedback form at the end of the Discussion Guide Toolkit. This means all organisations engaging with young people, not just those doing traditional ‘youth work’. Ministers are particularly keen to ensure under-represented groups of young people are engaged through all types of grass-roots organisations who may be supporting/ engaging with young people. “The result of this will directly inform our policy development in this area”. Share this survey for young people through your networks so that as many as possible can take part; and/or “run a discussion with young people using our Discussion Guide Toolkit and accompanying workshop slides; and/or give your organisations feedback on the same questions. Please send feedback or any questions to youth@dcms.gov.uk

UK Youth Parliament Conference 2026 Hull. Last week (end of August) member’s of the Youth Parliament travelled to Hull for a three-day residential conference, where they: heard from guest speakers, took part in workshops and, debated three motions: 1/ Mental Health, Wellbeing and Safe Spaces; 2/ Anti-Hate Crime and Anti-Discrimination Education, and Jobs and Your Future, before voting on one of these to be their next national campaign.  One of the speakers’ topics was to address the issue of why the Youth Parliament still matters in today’s political landscape. Youth Workers (who accompanied the young reps) also met Dr Carole Pugh, who “facilitated conversations about how youth workers create space for democratic education” in advance of the launch of York and NYA’s new resource ‘Informal Democratic Education Practice Guidance’ – to be launched at the end of Sept (see above in News).  UKYP is a DCMS youth voice contract managed by the National Youth Agency.  The yearly programme usually includes a debate in the House of Commons in the autumn. More info on UKYP@NYA here.

Comment: The UKYP contract, formerly with the British Youth Council, is understood to continue to March 2027 and its role has been under review in the context of the DCMS’s Youth Strategy consultation. The programme (formerly an independent charity) has been running in a more limited form (without the Make Your Mark mandate) and has provided a home for the old BYC Youth Select Committee, which had previously been made up of representatives from BYCs Local Youth Council network, Young Mayors Network and others, as well as UKYP reps. Whatever the outcome of the current round of consultations, there is much to commend its special relationship with Parliament, and I hope that a Youth Select Committee model is retained and restored to represent a wide range of young voices. JC/Ed

Youth Council UK – appoints Five Support workers to its Executive Board. The recruitment process included youth-led interviews, co-facilitated by Ashrita, Chair of Youth Council UK, and Harrison, UK Young Ambassador to Europe. The new members, names to be confirmed, will join 19 young YCUK Board members (17 elected earlier this year). More info about YCUK@NYA here

Comment: The aim of YCUK was to continue the legacy, value and mission of the previous national youth council – The British Youth Council, but in a refreshed format and constantly evolving and transitioning to become an independent organisation.  The BYC charity Board of Trustees were accountable to its membership, who set policy positions, manifesto and campaigns at an Annual Council Meeting, made up of young delegates from its membership. YCUK has yet to publish its 200+ membership, but the website reaffirms democratic principles and that its membership “represents 7.8 million young people”. Looking forward to seeing how their views will be represented in the new structure and what priorities/campaigns they set.  JC/Ed.  

Commonwealth YP

⚡Commonwealth young leaders call for stronger voice in democratic institutions – More than 50 young people joined a dialogue ‘event’ convened by the Commonwealth Youth Programme on 12 August. Speakers from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific shared sharply different realities but one common message: youth must be treated as partners in building inclusive, accountable and future-ready institutions. Across the discussion, speakers drew a sharp distinction between being invited into the room and having the power to shape what happens next. Read More. They recommended: 1/ A new Commonwealth Youth Democratic Resilience Framework that member countries can adapt to national contexts and exchange solutions across regions; 2/ A clear requirement for all institutions to publish how young people’s recommendations were considered and acted upon; 3/ Greater investment in digital education and a Commonwealth-wide pipeline into digital jobs; 4/ Meaningful youth involvement before decisions are made, not consultation after the fact. The recommendations will feed into the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum in Antigua and Barbuda from 1 to 4 November, held on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Blagrave Trust’s next steps and update on their partnership with the Alliance for Youth Organising –Blagrave has announced a shift in its funding strategy, bringing its core support for the Alliance for Youth Organising to an end while remaining a committed partner. “Over the last few years, we’ve been proud to work alongside Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Civic Power Fund to help establish and support the Alliance for Youth Organising, strengthening the infrastructure, funding and connections needed for youth organising across the UK to flourish. As Blagrave shifts its strategy towards deeper, long-term investment in London, Birmingham and Portsmouth, our core national funding for the Alliance is coming to an end. While our role is changing, our commitment to youth organising remains strong.”Read More/Link to Blog

Comment – The Blagrave Trust has been a bold pioneer in empowering youth led / youth voice innovation, and their input into this alliance has led to significant development in genuine youthleadership. By “Youth Organising” the alliance means “Grounded in a commitment to racial, gender, disability and economic justice, youth organising is the process of engaging young people in building power for systemic change while supporting their individual and collective development. Proximity to the issues is key, so lived experience is essential. It is youth-led, but elders can play a role through sharing their knowledge, expertise and networks. It is a powerful way of creating transformative, collective change”. Check out the Alliances innovative approach, blogs and list of 16 Anchor and Explore 16 projects that have recently been announced as successful out of 600 applications. JC/ED

RECOMMENDED WATCH

⚡ Children’s Commissioner (Eng) on use of language on what we ask children and young people on the “social media ban” . In evidence to a Lord’s Committee, Rachel fed back that children don’t want a ban but do want restrictions on the platforms to keep them safe. Check out how she brokers and interprets what they say to the Lords.  Read and Watch 

RECOMMENDED READ

⚡Children’s Commissioner (Eng) – Celebrating Children’s and YPs participation and Engagement – Rachel de Zouza underlines the importance of youth voice and influence in her work and their role in changing Government policy and practice direct. This article takes you on a tour of her getting “youth voice heard” initiatives in recent years and sets out an agenda for even more inclusion for the future. Read More

⚡’ Britain doesn’t have a youth disengagement problem. It has a democracy problem’ James Sloam (https://lnkd.in/e4Ct6SNB) James explores the challenge, offers hope, and spells out what needs to happen to ensure meaningful youth engagement. “Two things must happen:1. Give young people the skills and confidence to participate. 2. Give them genuine power to influence decisions—not tokenistic consultation. The goal should be a virtuous circle: more voice → more trust → better policy → stronger democracy”. Summary Here &  Article Here

Comment: Another excellent piece by James – I hope he is regularly consulted by Govt Ministers. A shoe-in for a UK-wide conference on YouthVoice/Participation and Influence 2027! JC/Ed 

NEW FEATURE – RECOMMENDED BLOGS & PODCAST – from the “Be The Change” network of young creatives and commentators – Getting their voices heard here.

Young Voices Heard is a supporting partner of Be The Change – “who are dedicated to sharing stories, amplifying underrepresented voices, and informing the public about issues that matter most to our creators. Our team is made up of dozens of young people from around the world who produce podcasts and blogs with an emphasis on social impact.” Their network of young podcasters and bloggers get their voices heard on a range of topics, including independent insight into the developing world of getting young voices heard. This feature will regularly highlight one of their young creatives podcasts/blogs in every issue of #YouthVoiceNews and signpost you to their platforms where you can sign up to them direct.

“YouthWashing” by Millicent Wenlock

This feature is from Millicent Wenlock’s “Beyond Consultation” series of Blogs – which are an articulate, insightful, and ongoing (so subscribe) commentary on the challenges of genuinely empowering youth voice and influence. This episode caught my attention was published in July – “YouthWashing”  Check out the whole series and subscribe.

⚡VOTES AT 16 WATCH

Votes at 16 legislation passes Third Reading Commons 411 Aye 102 Noe  at the end of a 5 hour proceedings and debate and will now go to the Lords for further debate and amendments. It is likely to become law later this year or early 2027 – when, as enabling legislation, the relevant Government Departments and Electoral Commission will set out plans to deliver it, including pilots, and we will see it in action – hopefully in time for the next General Election. Hansard transcript  Matt Bishop MP, Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Political & Media Literacy, and supporter of Votes at 16 education had drafted a new clause that would require the Electoral Commission to carry out education programmes for young people ahead of being eligible to vote, and training for educators on providing such information. This amendment was backed by ShoutoutUK who are the secretariat of the APPG. Read more

Comment: Votes at 16 on its own is not enough. I’ve long advocated for the “Votes at 16 Plus Education” briefings. Campaigners and stakeholder like ShoutOutUk and the Democratic Classroom network (inc Young Voices Heard) should continue to press for consistent measures that support young people to vote, and for political parties to start listening to what they want, and for political parties to develop some 16-17 focused policies – travel? climate change? cost of living? curriculum for life, training, jobs, university fees. I hope that some NGOs are planning to lobby party conferences to produce youth-focused policy commitments, taking and making space for young people to be heard direct by politicians – if thats you, Youth Voice News would love to hear from you and come along! Ed/JC

👀The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee wanted to learn more about how young people feel about votes at 16 and what support they need to feel ready to vote. Over 1,500 young people from schools, colleges and youth groups took part in completing our activity discussion pack.  Find out what they had to say about political education, the effect of social media and feeling ready to vote: https://lnkd.in/edNrGxPM   Read more

👀Royal Holloway University lands major funding for V16 Phd Research “We’re excited to share that we’ve been awarded a £5million Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarship grant from The Leverhulme Trust to fund its ‘Next Generation Democracy’ doctoral programme. The programme will fund the training of up to 30 PhD scholars to investigate how 16 and 17-year-olds will shape, and be shaped, by UK democracy. Read more: https://ow.ly/voix50ZuWrS

👀Votesat16Watch is a rolling news page – a summary of the latest stories, events and research since July 2025. In addition, there is a timeline history of the Votes at 16 campaign activities, including milestone events in parliaments in the UK and around the world.  Timeline/Resources

YOUTH VOICE OPPORTUNITIES “mobilise your youthvoice”

[Note – all opps are based on info from hosting organisations. We endeavour to include accurate age range, dates and deadlines – but for up-to-date info, check with the organisers. Ed]

 

HAVE YOUR SAY – SURVEYS/PANELS

⚡Seen and Heard (England): Government launches consultation of young people aged 10-21 and organisations, to help shape the future of Youth Empowerment Programmes with young people See lead story above in NEWS. “The result of this will directly inform our policy development in this area. Share this survey for young people through your networks so that as many as possible can take part; and/or “run a discussion with young people using our Discussion Guide Toolkit and accompanying workshop slides“. Please send feedback or any questions to youth@dcms.gov.uk Deadline end of Sept (extended from initial deadline of end of Aug, Ed)“ 

⚡The Big Future survey –  Children’s Commissioner (England) consultation of 1 million. Age – up to 18. Deadline Friday 23 October 2026. What changes do you want to see in your communities? What are your biggest concerns and hopes for the future? What do you think a good childhood should look like, now and in the future?” Read More Here, (include guidance and survey link) 

⚡Government – Youth Climate & Nature Panel: Age 16-25 (UK) Deadline 11th Sept – first round for 16-18 year olds. This new initiative from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) aims to put “young people’s voices at the heart of climate and nature policy. [I wish orgs would stop using that phrase! Ed]. We are looking for passionate young people representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives from across the UK who want to help shape the future of climate and nature policy, share their views, and inspire wider action”.  Read More Apply

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

YOUNG PEOPLE’S OPPORTUNITIES

My Life My Say – new recruitment to The Squad programme for aspiring young leaders aged 18-30. Deadline 12th Sept 📣 Are you looking to level up on your path to leadership? The Squad Leadership Programme could be exactly what you’re looking for! As part of the programme, you will receive:
👉 Monthly Sessions: Regular, in-depth sessions covering leadership skills and community engagement.
👉 Exclusive Opportunities: Hands-on experiences and networking opportunities across the youth sector.
👉 One-on-One Mentorship: Personalised guidance from the Squad Community Manager.
Want to know more? Visit https://lnkd.in/eRtjwwX8 for more info on the Squad and to apply to the Leadership Programme ☑️
Applications close: 12PM September 10th Contact paris@mlms.org.uk for more info.ReadMore 

SUPPORTERS OPPORTUNITIES – Events & Resources

#YouthEmploymentUK youthvoice annual census results 10th Sept midday Webinar online launch of the 2026 Youth Voice Census – will reveal the findings YEUK biggest Census yet of 10,000 plus 11-30 year-olds. “valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing young people today, along with practical takeaways to help inform your work.” Comment – this excellent census ranges much wider than employment/careers issues. A must for those seeking evidence of #youthvoice views ReadMorelink to book free place.

⚡👀Centre For Youth Voice – check out their Website here for the lastest opportunites and browse their resources/archives. 

The Centre for Youth Voice has now started to post regular features/signpost blogs/case studies on LinkedIn – why not follow them directly here? where you can read the latest training opportunities for September.

⭐The Centre for Youth Voice is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by the Network of Regional Youth Work Units. They offer free training, so sign up for their newsletter for the latest info. Also, visit their website to access Publications/Resources. Recommend the Typology (types) of youth voice models.

⭐RECOMMENDED – YouthVoice Co-assessment framework: The Centre for Youth Voice has launched a co-assessment framework (free) for practitioners and young people to use together to reflect on their youth voice practice. You will be able to complete it online/and share anonymously with the Centre to share trends.  “It’s a map for continuous improvement, not as a pass/fail assessment”. The framework covers the full range of approaches to youth voice — from youth consultation and co-production, to youth-led governance, activism, and social action.

➡ Tool and PDF download: https://www.regionalyouthunits.com/self-assessment-tool
➡ Launch recording: https://youtu.be/s7tOjUyyH3o

The Politics Project Training – Sept/Oct 2026 ReadMore

1/ Conversations with Politicians training supports youth practitioners to invite politicians into their youth space to talk with young people. For many young people this may be the first time they meet a politician, so getting it right can play an important role in shaping how they understand politics and their place within it – what talking with politicians looks like when it’s done well, and how to form positive relationships between young people and their elected representatives – Explore the outcomes you want from talking to a politician, and how to design a session that will achieve those outcomes for your young people – Explore which politicians would be best placed to meet your young people, and how best to get in touch with them. Thursday 24th Sept, 11-1pm. Sign up here. Wednesday 14th October, 11-1pm. Sign up here.

2/ Gamifying Democracy Training  Back by popular demand, we’re running Gamifying Democracy training sessions online. Ideal for youth practitioners looking for meaningful, practical, and enjoyable ways to bring politics to life with young people, we’ll be sharing games and activities that you can use in youth settings to start conversations about politics and democracy – explore their power and agency, their ideas and opinions about local, national and global topics, and their emotions towards politics and politicians. Sign up to the training, taking place on Thursday 1st October, 11-1pm here

Young Voices Heard- Services  – We not only host #YouthVoiceNews but also offer services to help you mobilise your #youthvoice, including: quality assurance/assessment, mentoring for staff and young leaders; project management, and fundraising assistance.  DM James@youngvoicesheard.org.uk for more information.

RESOURCES

YVH website has a free RESOURCES page, selected and recommended by YVH from a range of organisatinos including those developed by or with young people  www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES.

RECOMMENDED

“Youth Voice In Organisations – 10 Steps to Good Practice” James Cathcart, 2020: The most downloaded YVH resource (1600 and rising)  from the  Young Voices Heard/ Resource Hub. A step-by-step guide, put together following research and review of 20 years of youth voice models and methods by James Cathcart. Young people were involved in its development as part of a Power of Youth Challenge in 2020 on a draft quality mark and the Youth Voice Charter 2020 (used in YVH assessments) – thanks to  iwill Ambassadors. Read here: Ten Steps to Good Practice – minimum standards checklist for organisations.☑️

“It’s so useful to keep abreast of things going on in the sector. Youth Voice News makes me feel connected to other advocates/researchers/practitioners. As long as I read the newsletter, I am fairly certain that I’m not missing any major developments.” Readers’ feedback survey, March 26

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