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Hear by Right FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions              

Here is a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Hear by Right?

Hear by Right helps you follow best practice on the safe, sound and sustainable participation of children and young people in the services and activities they take part in. It is applicable to any organisation working with young people, helping you provide evidence of the participation that is already happening in your organisation and then how to plan for improvement where there are gaps.

Where is the map and plan on the site?

The Hear by Right Standards Map and Plan is available to download online for free by following this link to our Downloads section. Here you can browse and download the Hear by Right Map and Plan and a range of other resources and materials including the Building Standards framework, What’s changed templates and participation training tools.

To see what other users have done, please see the Explore the Hear by Right Standards page where you can browse by organisation, standard or indicator.

Is there a cost involved?

Using the Hear by Right Standards framework, along with all other resources on the site, are free to download online and use in your organisation. The standards rely on self-assessment and no formal training or skills are required.

While The National Youth Agency have made these resources available for free online, we ask that you contribute your shared learning and experiences in the form of Map and Plan entries, case studies, news reports and what’s changed examples.

How can children and young people be involved in the Hear by Right process?

Hear by Right is writen in such a way that the involvement of children and young people is vital in the process. The Building Standards framework and resource pack puts the original standards of Hear by Right in an accessible and understandable language for young people. Children and young people are part of the Hear by Right framework and this tool allows them be involved in a way that is suited to them.

Is there an accreditation?

No. While no formal accreditation comes by using the Hear by Right participation standards framework we use this website to recognise, celebrate and showcase the achievements of users. User may also qualify for the Youth Service Quality Mark and become eligible for the National Award which offers national recognition for those organisations reaching a required standard >>

It says elected member / officer and I work in a school, hospital etc?

While the original standards were written for use by Local Authorities, they can be used and applied in all sectors. Adjusting the language to reflect your organisation or sector does not compromise the weight of the standard itself.

Where can I find supporting materials to Hear by Right?

A range of supporting materials including the Building Standards framework which makes the original Hear by Right standards accessible and understandable to young people, are available from the Downloads section of this website. The book version of Hear by Right comes with an accompanying CD and ready to use tools to assist the process. Some resources are exclusively available online.

Which areas do you work in?

The National Youth Agency works in England only. Whilst we operate within a limited area, we are happy to talk with anyone interested in furthering the active involvement of children and young people in the decision making process regardless of location.

How often do we need to do a Map and Plan?

A completed Hear by Right Standards framework is a constantly evolving and changing document. As more achievements are recording, a Map and Plan can become rapidly out of date and needs revisiting as many or as few times as needed. The process does not end up completion.

What is the best approach to completing a Map and Plan?

The approach and process of using Hear by Right varies as much as the range of organisations and sectors it is used in. While there is no one size fits all approach, we have put together a selection of Briefing Papers for each sector and have highlighted best practice examples in the Shared Stories section.

Who signs us off when we have completed?

Hear by Right map and plan is a self assessment tool and requires direct evidence from children and young people themselves at least on some of the indicators. The name on the front of the map and plan tends to be the lead accountable adult.

Who is meant to complete it?

Hear by Right map and plan is a practical tool to promote the safe, sound and effective participation of children and young people in the services and organisations that affect them. The mapping and planning can be undertaken within a particular service or project, across a department or whole organisation or on behalf of a partnership. Those leading on the process need to be the relevant accountable person. There are a range of ways that you can undertake the process.

What happens next?

When you have completed the map and plan, send it to hearbyright@nya.org.uk and we will share this along with your contact details and your story as well as other resources.