Youth Voice This workshop will look at the views and needs of young people, what they want from the next government in terms of education and training and how to develop a clear Youth Voice for your organisation.

Youth Un/Employment Landscape UK International Policy Funding Data Research Organisation Membership Networking Sharing best practice Events & Webinars Surveys Forum Signposting Campaigning & Lobbying Money Min Wage for apprenticeships Zero Hours Unpaid internships Underemployment Careers Education Work Experience Pathways Training Standards Employer Engagement Curriculum for work (supporting BYC) Funding DWP Sanctioning Political Consistency Youth Voice Regional Campaign Groups Surveys Events & Webinars Forum Signposting Training Ambassadors Events Delivery Representation Magazine Online Content Training & Mentoring O2 YEUK Overview

Youth Voice

Youth Voice – Careers Education 58% were provided with an interview with a professional careers advisor whilst in school or college. However, only 1% received advice about all of their options. None of the young people who took part were advised about traineeships, 24% were given advice about university courses, 9% were advised on post-GCSE study placements outside their current institute. 11% were given CV and application advice, 7% were advised on apprenticeships, 2% were given labour market information. All 131 young people who took part in the survey felt that the education system needed to do more to support young people.

Youth Voice – Careers Education The recommendations from young people taking part in this survey include: Making careers education and work experience compulsory; Ensuring that all pathways are covered including apprenticeships and vocational learning; Including enterprise education; Providing more opportunities to meet with employers at school and in an employer setting.

Driving policy or programmes without youth consultation Mismatch in services Mismatch in delivery Reduced outcomes Poor return

Developing a Youth Voice Benefits Effective design Successful engagement Improved results Return on investment Authenticity Young people & staff develop skills whilst supporting any youth consultation

Developing a Youth Voice Have a clear plan What is the desired outcome, be clear and specific – “understanding what young people want from an employability qualification – what content will be of interest, how would they prefer this to be taught, over what period” Look at the best way to gather this information, is it needed anecdotally or in a would a structured survey be more useful Would further research be needed, is their a staging process, should this be with the same group or with different young people Identify the young people Consider how you will need to recruit young people to be involved Involve young people from existing networks or online Ensure that the purpose of their engagement is clear and easy to understand, that they will not feel patronised or that the exercise is a token gesture.

Developing a Youth Voice Good practice Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities Ensure staff working on the project have had adequate training and resources Have clear next steps Ensure that there is an opportunity for sharing the analysis and giving appropriate feedback

Developing a Youth Voice Additional things to think about Can young people be involved in setting up the Youth Voice/Research project? Where involving young people ensure they have had the training and support to complete any part of the research or feedback with confidence Young people may be more open to talking to another young person Consider the challenges that might face the young researchers/contributors How will you continue to communicate to the group, demonstrate what changes they have made and ensure they receive clear value? Consider rewards for their involvement, is it appropriate to recognise their time with gift vouchers? Make sure that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place and that young people are treated fairly and they and their data is safe

Youth Friendly Charter Youth Voice – We are committed to listening to young people and to providing opportunities for their voice to be heard within our community or organisation. Creating Opportunity – We are committed to providing diverse opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experiences they need for work and life. Recognising Talent – We are committed to recruiting young people based on their ability, talent and potential. We understand they are still developing and may have had limited work experience during full-time education. Fair Employment – We are committed to removing barriers for young people to enter the workplace. We offer fair opportunities and rewards based on the role we are recruiting for and in accordance with the highest industry standards. Developing People – We are committed to training and supporting the development of young people, so they are motivated to take ownership and responsibility for their careers and they are equipped to progress.

Become Youth Friendly Today Laura-Jane Rawlings