This section includes information for practitioners on the approach for youth voice across the region. It has been developed by Community Learning and Development staff, teachers, third sector organisations, officers and wider partners, with support from Education Scotland. It has been endorsed by leaders and directors in each of the 4 local authorities alongside being supported by the Regional Improvement Collaborative.
The approach has three key elements. These elements should be utilised/incorporated within Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling and West Lothian when youth voice work is being conducted.
This document details how practitioners and leaders should implement youth voice within Forth Valley and West Lothian. It gives clear detail on the overall outcomes that should be strived for, the structures which exist in each local authority, approaches which should be followed and network links.
The charter details 10 principle statements on how children and young people wish to be engaged with when adults seek their views. These statements have been created with the views of hundreds of children and young people across Forth Valley and West Lothian. It was assembled into a working charter by young people involved in youth voice structures across the region.
All establishments should utilise the charter in their groups, councils, events, agreements etc.
View Youth Voice Charter (Signed Edition)
This resource has been developed to allow educators to upskill and empower the children and young people they work with. This may be in the setting of a youth forum, a pupil council, a ambassador group or a youth group. It allows them to ensure children and young people are confident on key themes when it comes to youth voice including consultation, research, data, teamwork and action.
The resource provides children and young people with the ability to consult their peers on any topic. This ensures that a wide range of voices are heard and not just a select few.
All establishments are encouraged to use this resource as their main process of supporting youth voice structures to represent and advocate for their peers on school, community, authority, regional and national themes.
Contact for more information, support or feedback on the resources:
Jamie Dungavell – Jamie.Dungavell@educationscotland.gov.scot
Julie Beckett – Julie.Beckett@educationscotland.gov.scot
