“Heard Not Handled” quote of the week – is the title of Participation Peoples latest podcast in the good practice section ⬇️ I love its directness, both affirming good practice, and challenging bad. Also this week.. YOUTHVOICENEWS and DIGEST.. ⭐NEWS – Roadshow Response report to Youth Strategy: Youthvoice – challenges and call to action

⭐NEWS – Social Media Ban: what’s the point of consultation if there is no feedback?

⭐NEWS – Why Minister Stephanie Peacock MP signed the Power of Youth Charter, Big Issue

⭐NEWS -King’s Birthday Honours update: recognising and celebrating young changemakers

⭐GOOD PRACTICE Roundup: National Lottery, PeerPower, ParticipationPeople, ScottishYouth Parlt

?RECOMMENDED READS: Laura Lundy, Marc Harris, James Sloam

⭐ROUNDUPS: Newsletters (DCMS youth team); Votes at 16Watch,

?OPPORTUNITIES – for all ages, includes advisory groups

?HAVE YOUR SAY – consultations/surveys

? RESOURCES/CASE STUDY – Young Voices Heard approach

?RESOURCE/GOOD PRACTICE – Youth Voice Standards in Organisations, 10 Steps

?RESOURCES – Editor’s pick “YouthVoice News & Opportunities Digest” is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer. Join over 780 stakeholders, practitioners and young leaders who have signed up to get this free newsletter (LinkedIn or Website) sent directly to your email, via LinkedIn here. (Browse back issues here). Please ‘Tag’ us to your posts (#YouthVoiceNews or @YouthVoiceHeard) so we can highlight and share your youthvoice. “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 NEWS National Youth Strategy: Roadshow feedback report on youthvoice & participation. – Not there yet, but opportunity for action.. In a report shared in the latest DCMS Youth Teams newsletter, feedback from nearly 2000 workers who attended the ‘delivering together’ roadshow events across England, highlights some of the challenges that the new Strategy needs to address in youthvoice and participation.

We’re not there yet but the strategy represents an opportunity for action and is branded “Delivering Together”. Current youth voice can often be tokenistic or consultative rather than supporting genuine decision making

Youth voice is dominated by confident or already-engaged young people, with representation of other voices missing

Feedback loops are not strong and there is little visible change for young people to see Participants emphasised the need for: 1/ Youth voice embedded in governance, commissioning and accountability, 2/ Paid, accessible and supported participation, including political education in view of voting rights at sixteen; 3/ Outreach‑led and creative engagement (including with NEET, home‑educated, disabled and rural young people); 4/ Detached youth work is essential for seldom heard groups; 4/ Clear standards for “meaningful participation” e.g. rights‑based approaches, diverse representation 5/ Stronger links between local youth voice and national policy spaces with clarity on the roles of each.

Comment: The roadshow report highlight many challenges that have been well known for decades and solutions that are well-rehearsed. Whats new is that they are being heard, and were probably shared prior to the Strategys development. The #iwillMovement also convened Seen and Heard events and produced a short video – which also called for action….(Read More) .

Who, how and where will be critical but a ‘delivering together’ call lead to an expectations that someone else will take the lead in driving action. One general call was for more collaboration and coordination. My biggest takeaway observation is the call for minimum standards to define ‘meaningful participation’.

Despite the presence of several good practice models, and plenty of advice on what good practice looks like, criticism or poor practice and tokenism still persist – with feedback loops being the most obvious example. Why? Poor practice is rarely called out directly because most assessment tools and models are offered as inhouse self-assessment as a means rather than externally assessed and accredited.

This would require investment in both practice development and independent assessment (perhaps with peer assessors). A simple agreed minimum standard (not just another charter) but something that could result in awarding an Approved Provider Standard status. JC/Ed Check out YVH’s Meaningful Participation – 10 steps/Minimum Standards Checklist which is the most downloaded resource from the Young Voices Heard website since its launch 5 years ago. ⚡Social Media Ban Consultation – Youthvoice sought, but was it heard?

The Government promised that its policy on a social media ban or restrictions that would keep young people safe, would take account of a consultation, which would include young people’s views. However the PM’s recent announcement that they will go ahead with a ban has been criticised that is that is was selective with the findings to support this. The official Government fact sheet briefly claimed that two-thirds of young people agreed that under-16s should not be allowed on at least some platforms.

However, the Govt commissioned Savanta report on a survey of 9,000 young people, showed only 29% of 10-21 year olds supported a full, blanket ban. In the open public youth consultation, that support dropped even lower to 19%.

The report notes: “Across both young people sources, the clearest position is selective access rather than a blanket ban.

Mixed

Reaction on LinkedIn here . Youth orgs are now making the case for young people to shape the roll-out – reported in Children Young People Now article and @IwillMovement (who coordinated a consultation) co-Chairs responded – “Young people must be at the forefront of what comes next, not only as the subject of this legislation, but as equal stakeholders in shaping it .. we will be watching closely to make sure that investment in young people, including the commitments made through the National Youth Strategy, matches the scale of this moment” Henry Hughes, co-Chair Comment: Amid mixed reviews and accusations that it was a politically motivated announcement, and that the consultation results were heavinly ‘curated’, the process highlights that despite the DCMS youth strategy’s commitment to giving young people a voice on policy issues, there is still a risk of voices being unheard. There is no formal duty to give direct feedback to such consultations ‘you said we did’, built in despite the DCMS good practice guidance to other Government departments recommendation to do so.

It also highlights the limits of the DCMS strategy’s reach into No 10 and why we need, in my view, a cabinet-level Youth Minister is required to not only coordinate youth policies and voice participation, be accountable to young people representatives, and to hold other departments to account. It also emphasises the need for a strong national youth voice body to lobby for their voices to be heard by Government and the media – to influence policy debates on an equal footing as other groups – parents, teachers, voters…. Will the next PM move up a gear and listen to Henry call to be kept in the loop (possibly with allocated places on Departmental Boards), to ensure that the Youth Strategy Commitments are followed through .. – JC/Ed ? King’s Birthday Honours recognition to young change makers: Feature Congratulations to: #MikeyAkers (24), Verbal Dyspraxia awareness & Mikey’s Wish Foundation founder; Alexia Williams MBE (26), skills and STEM champion; and Kabir Kaul BEM (21), conservationist ? who are the latest ‘young’ changemakers to be recognised for their exceptional public service and volunteering in the Kings Birthday Honours List.

Read their stories here and follow this link to check out 76 other case studies in YoungHonoursList 2012-2026. If you know of others, let me know. Published twice a year on the #YoungVoicesHeard website,



the list also has a Resources page which includes nomination info/video/links for KingsHonours and other national recognition/awards such as The Diana Award, The British Citizen Award (youth), PrideofBritainAwards, and check out The #iWill Movement young ambassador scheme. #YouthVoiceHeard ➕#YouthVoiceRecognised?#PowerofYouth Exercised! ? DCMS Minister Stephanie Peacock MP writing in June’s Big Issue, on why she signed the #iwllMovements Power of Youth Charters commitment to youth voice being heard. “Young people deserve more than a say – they deserve a seat at the table”.

Read More Comment: Great to have a Minister so tuned in and committed to the principles of participation, but will she keep her job when a new PM has a ministerial re-shuffle? Will civil servants be redeployed? One of the challenges with Government is whether policies and strategies that are led by youthvoice/power of survive when their champions, like Stephanie and her boss Lisa Nandy MP, move on, and good intentions and promises get watered down or changed.

Let’s hope that a proposed early general election doesn’t stop the V16 Bill! Now is the time to write to the next PM lobbying for focus and priority on youth issues/policies and young voices to shape them (Youth Minister, YouthVoice shadow cabinet / advisory board, etc.). So let’s get scribbling..

Ed/JC GOOD PRACTICE & INNOVATION ROUNDUP ⚡National Lottery Community Fund embeds youthvoice to influence grants. Two new positions on Climate Change Action Fund panel are being advertised this month – both are paid two-year roles. Read More about this opportunity and the role of embedded youthvoice in action at the National Lottery – one of the UKs leading pioneers of good practice in action. (video) ⚡Peer Power Youth celebrates 10 years – CEO @Anne-Marie Douglas reflects on this innovative empathy-led model which facilitates youthvoice and influence.. “Peer Power is an empathy-led social justice charity.

We partner with children, teenagers and young adults who have experienced injustice, abuse, loss and exclusion. Together, we work to heal trauma and adversity through caring relationships and transform youth service systems by supporting the young people we partner with to influence and inspire action.

Our goals: individual change and change to services and systems. Read More ⚡Participation People’s latest podcast ‘Heard Not Handled’ (great title ! Ed) is a podcast that brings to life the experiences of young people living with long-term illness and disability, produced in partnership Bright Futures UK.

Together with Joshua Pelled and Eden Byrne, they unpack what young people say about education, confidence, belonging and the emotional labour of navigating systems that often don’t see the full picture. A great good practice example of less heard youthvoice empowered from lived experience. Read more/Listen ⚡Scottish Youth Parliament 84th Annual Sitting workshop “bringing together representatives from Universities Scotland to explore the challenges and opportunities young people face when progressing into higher education, employment and future careers.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to hear directly from young people and engage with their experiences, insights and ideas. It also highlighted the important role young people can play in shaping discussions around employability, skills development and future opportunities.” Facilitated by MSYPs Jake MacCulloch and Sophie Kerrigan. Read more (&video;) – where you can also follow a link to SYPs current manifesto and policies… (Watch this space for full report on the Annual Sittings outcomes..Ed) Comment – Another example of how the Scottish Youth Parliament is an innovative and proactive model of youthvoice and influence.

I’ve read a lot about how adult-led orgs need to change to accommodate young people’s voice or that we want decision-makers to invite young people to sit at their table or even to design the table, but this is an example of young people “shaping discussions” by making space at their house. I’m sure they made their guests welcome! Perhaps there is something here about letting each other be who we are, less “them and us” and when both are comfortable, meaningful dialogue flows.

Love it! JC/Ed ?RECOMMENDED READS ⚡Laura Lundy on the social media ban debate “too often the case that children’s civil and political rights are discarded in well-meaning attempts to act in their ‘best interests” Read more ⚡Marc Harris reviews new blog by Rob Eagle and Stephen Dobson on why we need to rethink evaluation with young people. “If organisations want young people to be at the heart of their work, that commitment must also be visible in their approach to evaluation.”Read More ⚡James Sloam on the findings of a recent workshop on ‘Education Evolution: Amplifying Youth Voices in the Curriculum’, to mark the launch of our new Institute for Social Purpose Innovation. ” Read more NEWSLETTER ROUNDUP ⚡DCMS Youth Team Newsletter June 26 includes the latest on Youth Strategy, Social Media Ban and more. ⚡NEW – The Young Trustees Movement is now posting weekly notifications of young trustee vacancies. Follow their LinkedIn posts direct every week. (Here is this week’s) Explore roles and more on their website: If your organisation is looking to bring more young voices into leadership/decision-making , visit our website or email [email protected].

If you have a YouthVoice newsletter with free opportunities or information – get in touch! [email protected] ⚡VOTES AT 16 WATCH ⚡VOTES AT 16 WATCH – ?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 ⚡Representation of the People Bill: progress of the bill – The House of Commons Library The House of Commons Library – UK Parliament. This briefing tracks the progress of the bill to introduce votes at 16, automatic voter registration, tighten the rules on political donations and … ⚡Canada Parliament Senate commissions study that will explore Votes at 16: “The study will consider ‘possible expansion of the right to vote under section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms” and review the administrative readiness of federal election machinery to enfranchise younger voters”. Read More OPPORTUNITIES to “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] YOUTH VOICE OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOUR SAY SURVEYS ⚡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) ⚡United National Youth Office – Education 2030 launches general youth and student consultation to co-design the Post-2030 Education Agenda! “True educational transformation begins when youth step up as key partners in decision-making…This initiative is a powerful step toward driving meaningful youth participation in global governance.

It is a direct opportunity for young people aged 11–30 to influence policy, guide world leaders, and shape how education will look for generations to come”. Read More – for young people & supporters. Open until Sept 26.

HAVE YOUR SAY – Advisory Panels and Young Leader opportunities ⚡AI Advisory Board – Department for Education/Children’s Commissioner England in partnership with the Children’s Commissioner to give you “direct say” in the government’s work on AI in Education.



Age 16-18 (presumably England/Ed) “We would like to hear what you think about how schools, government and technology should approach AI in education.” Find out more and how to apply here. Deadline 23:59 on Sunday 21st June 2026. ⚡Young National Children’s Bureau – Advisory Groups: “Aged 11-24? and interested in shaping the work of an organisation committed to building better childhoods and brighter futures?

Or maybe you know someone who might be? – have your voice heard – represent the views of other young people – influence decision makers – take part in exciting projects and opportunities. You can see some of what the group get up to here”: https://lnkd.in/eTpgSZtH and Read More . Deadline 6th July ⚡Young Citizens Consultation “Shaping the Future of Citizenship Education” 16th July, London, 9.00-1.00: Aged 16-25?

Paid (£120) one-off consultation event, London 9.00 am -1.00 pm ” Are you 16–25? Shaping the future of citizenship education? “We’re bringing together a group of young people in London to help us design the “Big Challenges”: a brand-new programme that will get students talking about the biggest issues facing society today, from AI and misinformation to the climate crisis and democracy. Read More / EOI form Expression Of Interest form Deadline 19th June ⚡UK Youth is recruiting younger trustees (aged 18–22) with lived experience of youth work and/or the youth or outdoor learning sector.

We welcome applicants who also bring skills or experience from education, volunteering, employment or lived experience. Deadline 17th July – Read more. If you have a #youthvoice opportunity coming up, drop us a line [email protected] SUPPORTERS OPPORTUNITIES – Events & Resources ⚡Young Trustee Movement – Champions Training 6th July , 12-1 Zoom (for both workers and young people interested in embedding youth voice in Governance) .. “for those keen to build more inclusive and representative boards”.

Read more ⚡Schools and youth groups invited to sign up for democratic engagement and V16 discussion packs for Parliament’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee Inquiry. The ‘Modernising Elections Inquiry’ is exploring the health of electoral democracy in the UK in the light of plans for votes at 16 in the Representation of the People Bill. How prepared do children & young people feel to vote?

What could be done to increase their democratic engagement?

Committee Chair Florence

Eshalomi MP said, “The responses from these discussions will help shape the committee’s thinking and the recommendations we make to government on how to boost citizen engagement and democratic participation”. Sign up for an activity pack. Deadline 15th July.

Read more + Pack here. Resources ?Centre For Youth Voice – check out their LinkedIn posts! The Centre for Youth Voice has now started to post regular features/signpost blogs/case studies on LinkedIn – why not follow them directly here? ⭐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. ⭐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 ⭐”Democratic Engagement Fund” launched by Government (MHCLG) – offers a new opportunity for Civil Society Organisations to secure funding to deliver politically neutral, place‑based projects that help people understand, engage with, and participate in democratic life. “With grants of around £25,000 (and up to £50,000 in exceptional cases), this fund is designed to support organisations already rooted in their communities to reach people who are less likely to engage in democratic processes – including young people, ethnic minority communities, disabled people, people experiencing homelessness, frequent movers, and people from lower socio‑economic backgrounds.” If your organisation has strong community reach, innovative ideas, and a commitment to inclusion, this is a chance to make a real and lasting impact on democratic participation in England. For further information, visit the Democratic Engagement Fund: Prospectus – GOV.UK, you can find the prospectus, and access the application. ⭐RECOMMENDED: Blagrave Trust “Young People in Policymaking – final learning report” Read more ?The Politics Project (which coordinates Democracy Classroom) have a new one-stop Resource Hub for schools, democracy engagement practitioners and young leaders.

Read more. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐RECOMMENDED – Bumper Resource – 188 x Slides (yes ! 188? – includes lots of research/detailed plans, progress, and opportunities to get involved – from the Votesat 16 Strategy Day.

In March Democracy

Classroom convened an in person Votesat16 Strategy day, where over 100 attendees heard a range of presentations from: The Economist Foundation (research), Partnership for Young London/The Jack Petchey Foundation (research), The Electoral Commission (research and prepration plan), The Politics Project (Wales), The Northern Ireland Youth Forum, My Life My Say (voter registration), ShoutOutUK (Wales), Education Scotland, UKYouthParliament, Minister Samantha Dixon MP, and her department team (on the passage of the legislation), and the Democracy Classrooms – Roadmap to Votes at 16. A Must-Read, Resource Here Young Voices Heard- Services – We not only host #YouthVoiceNews but also offer services to help you mobilise your #youthvoice, including: quality assurance/assessment, training/mentoring for staff and young leaders; project management, and fundraising assistance. Last month, we supported or advised: Youth Council UK, Youth United Foundation, Shout Out UK, Be The Change Media Network and Votesat16.co.uk .

DM [email protected] for more information. “Youth Voice In Organisations – 10 Steps to Good Practice” James Cathcart, 2020: The most downloaded resource (1600 and rising) from 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.☑️ CASE STUDY “The importance of youth voice and advocacy, and connecting the sector together” by Lucy Read, (reproduced with permission) with an introduction by James Cathcart reflecting on 10 years of the Young Voices Heard ‘movement’ for change, and 35 years in the youth voice to action/empowerment business. “Young Voices Heard shows that open youth infrastructure is both necessary and achievable. Their approach, rooted in historical learning, bottom-up knowledge sharing, international connection, and genuine power-sharing, offers a roadmap for transforming the UK youth sector. As traditional infrastructure disappears, new models like Youth Voice Heard point towards a more resilient, collaborative future driven by a culture shift from competition to co-creation and from adult-led provision to youth-driven innovation” Read Here.

For other YVH recommended resources, go to the www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES.

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📌 #YOUTHVOICENEWS, 24TH JUNE – ISSUE 78 (Jun)
🏢 Youth Voice Heard
📍 Jun