Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report which provided an overview of the Youth Voice and Influence function and its contribution to Sheffield’s strategic priorities.

The report outlined how youth voice was embedded across Council services, highlighted participation activity and its impact, and emphasised the importance of continued engagement with children and young people. Members heard that youth voice supported the Belonging Framework and the City Goals by ensuring that young people were heard, were able to influence decisions, and helped shape services.

Strong engagement was demonstrated through the participation of 13,796 young people in Youth Cabinet elections, alongside a range of established programmes that had delivered measurable impact.

The Committee was asked to recognise, support and champion youth voice across the city.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-

a)    Note the content of this report

b)    Recognise youth voice as integral to Sheffield’s strategic priorities

c)    Support continued embedding of participation across services

d)    Encourage Elected Member engagement with youth voice activity

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

Youth voice was essential to delivering Sheffield’s strategic priorities and improving outcomes for children and young people.

It was reported that embedding participation across services led to more effective, inclusive and trusted decision-making.

The recommendations were intended to ensure a continued commitment to youth voice and to strengthen the role of Elected Members in championing this work.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: Reduce or limit youth voice activity

Reducing or limiting youth voice activity had been considered. However, this option was not recommended as it would reduce opportunities for young people to influence decisions, weaken trust and have a negative impact on the quality of services.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: Ad-hoc consultation approach only

Adopting an ad-hoc consultation approach as the sole method of engagement had been considered. This option was not recommended as it would result in ineffective and inconsistent engagement, reduce the inclusion of underrepresented groups and weaken strategic alignment across services.