Latest news

In April, we launched a new pilot with six local authorities in south east England to develop and encourage excellent and meaningful participation of children and young people in decision-making. The project will explore the ways in which digital technology, such as social media and the arts, including dance and film, can be harnessed to improve engagement with children and young people.

It will aim to ensure that a diverse range of children and young people from the local authorities in the project help to inform and improve services for children and young people. These include disabled young people and those from Traveller communities.

Our work so far has revealed good practice within all of the authorities involved, but shown that work is needed to share this within and across the organisations so that others can benefit. To achieve this we have set up and are supporting networks of participation officers.

We will look at how this model of working improves children and young people's participation in decision-making, both at local and national levels. Our final report will consider the scope for similar projects across England.

We are working with Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Medway, Southampton Hampshire and West Sussex local authorities. We are also partnering with other local and national organisations whose knowledge and experience this pilot can build on.

We will keep you updated about the progress of the South East Pilot project as it develops. To find out more, contact Shaila Sheikh, South East Participation Coordinator.