Today I’m launching recruitment for my third – and final – group of Youth Ambassadors. As I begin my final year as Children’s Commissioner for England in March, this cohort of Ambassadors will play a critical role in holding decision makers accountable for what we need to see happen to improve children’s lives.
It’s going to be an exciting and busy year, so I’m looking for another 16 insightful and articulate young people with a vision to change the world for the better. Among this 16 will be a diverse range of personal experiences and passion to improve children and young people’s lives. It will be the job of the Youth Ambassadors to push politicians to listen and act upon what children and young people have told me they need for a better life.
Over the past two years, my first two groups of Youth Ambassadors have talked truth to power, bringing their voices and experiences to Secretaries of State, parliamentary Select Committees, CEOs of major companies and policy makers across government. They have spoken in Parliament, learnt about government and politics and have had the opportunity to talk to the media on television, radio and online – as well as hosting my Big Conversation Podcast with interesting guests from across education, health, care and justice.
To apply, you need to live in England and be aged 16 or 17 years old in April 2025. I particularly welcome applications from young people with lived experience of the care or health system, those with a disability or additional need and those from disadvantaged backgrounds who feel their stories aren’t always represented in decisions taken by policy makers. You can find out more about the role and apply below.
My current Youth Ambassadors have explained in their own words what they have learnt over the past year, and why it’s so exciting to be part of my Ambassadors Programme:
Yusuf: “I’ve loved being an Ambassador because it has given me the chance to represent young people on issues that shape our lives, from safety and rights to education and health. It has shown me how powerful our voices can be when we speak up about what matters. I’m committed to continuing that work and being a strong champion for children and young people across England and beyond, making sure every one of us is heard and valued.”
Annabel: “Being an Ambassador has made me feel like I’m making a real difference. It’s given me the opportunity to get in front of the adult change makers and I honestly feel like I’ve been listened to. Our voices matter and being an Ambassador has proved that to me.”
Finlay: “I have loved being an Ambassador because it has allowed me to discuss ways to make children’s lives better and speak about what matters to young people about online safety, education and transport. It has also taught me lots of useful skills such as media training.”
Ashaz: “I’ve really enjoyed being an ambassador because it has allowed me to represent the voices of young people across England and make sure their rights and wellbeing are protected.
My role involves listening to children from many different backgrounds, understanding their experiences, and raising their concerns with decision-makers, policymakers, and parliamentary bodies.
Working alongside other young people to influence national conversations has been incredibly rewarding. It has truly been an honour to speak on behalf of the young people of my constituency and the wider nation of England.”
Rosanna: “I’ve loved being an Ambassador because it has given me that opportunity to champion children’s voices and ensure that children are heard in all decisions that affect their lives. It has shown me how powerful children’s voices can be and how important it is for us to speak up even when it’s difficult.”
Violet: “It has been a pleasure to be a Youth Ambassador. It’s a wonderful opportunity to speak for young people and ensure their voices are heard. It has reaffirmed for me that young people need to be listened to as they cannot vote. I hope other young people continue to have the opportunity to be Ambassadors and government continues to listen to us.”
Ariana: “I have really loved being an Ambassador as it gives me amazing opportunities to share things that I believe strongly about with fellow Ambassadors who too have such powerful ideas to put forward. It has allowed me to speak with the guarantee that I will be heard as a young representative.”
Emma: “I have loved being an Ambassador. Being surrounded by amazing people who want to make the world a better place for children is heartening and leaves me hopeful for the future. It has not only given me the opportunity to use my voice but also to ensure other children like me are able to use theirs and be heard.”
Chan: “I’ve really enjoyed being a Young Ambassador because it’s given me the chance to use my lived experience as an adopted young person in real policy conversations. Meeting a Minister, who is also adopted, was especially meaningful. I’ve spoken with major tech companies about the impact of social media, contributed to discussions on the NHS 10 Year Plan as well as participating in conversations about assisted dying and its impact on young people. Speaking about education and how to improve the current curriculum for all young people as well as co-hosting a podcast with the Youth Sport Trust to help amplify young people’s voices have been amongst my favourite parts of the role. I’ve learned so much from the other Ambassadors and grown in confidence speaking up.”
