Structures

Commentary

Structures to set up and sustain active involvement need to be accessible to a range of children and young people, avoiding over-reliance on a small group and responding especially to those most often left out. Structures need to be flexible and open to regular rebuilding and renewal. While advisory groups and committees have their place, they can be intimidating and not always lead to change. Many successful models are more local or task specific, where children and young people’s involvement can be more relevant, engaging and fun. Whatever the structures, they must be rooted in shared values and be explicit about how much power is shared in the context of the needs and constraints of the organisation or partnership.

Indicators

Emerging

3.1 - Children and young people are consulted on and help review structures for their active involvement

3.2 - A range of approaches are in place, both formal and non formal, that encourage and enable the participation of children and young people on their own terms and in ways they feel comfortable with

Established

3.3 - There are structures that make sure a range of children and young people's views are built in to decision-making

3.4 - Links with other relevant organisations are established and maintained to ensure the inclusion of diverse groups

Advanced

3.5 - Children and young people are joint partners in decision-making and scrutiny structures

3.6 - Children and young people have effective representation on local cross agency partnerships that affect them

3.7 - Links with a range of regional and national organisations and initiatives are established, maintained and resourced