1. Standard: Our values

It is important that children and young people, parents, staff, and the wider community, knows that LBWF has created and agreed a set of standards for the involvement of children and young people. The standards will enable us to be clear about what needs to be changed, and help us identify what resources and commitments are needed to make these changes

Rating activity

  1. In place and effective
  2. In place but needs improving
  3. Currently being established
  4. Not in place

What works well?

In terms of this standard, children, young people and their parents/ guardians in Waltham Forest have told us they appreciate the following:

  • Consistency in the way the council works, the staff they will be working with (a familiar face) and the information they will be given - there is nothing worse than being told a different story every time they ask for information or try to become more involved
  • Having the opportunity to be involved in decisions from the outset – being asked for your views once the most crucial decisions have been taken is frustrating and off-putting!
  • Having the chance to input into even the simplest processes, e.g. designing the layout of a room, helping to tidy up after an event they have been involved in
  • Working with staff who are understanding of their particular cultural and language needs
  • Working with others whose diversity reflects the local community of Waltham Forest
  • Having the chance to observe what involvement activity looks like before making a commitment to become involved
  • Respect for their time commitments and responsibilities e.g. school hours, after school activities, homework, exams etc
  • Opportunities for personal development, e.g. learn new skills, be accredited for their contribution
  • Having practical support to become involved, e.g. transport, receiving information in advance

Online matrix for the standard "Our values"
Indicator Existing activity Supporting evidence Rating Next steps / plans
Level 1        

LBWF shows its commitment to involving children and young people

Example >>>

Creation and/or sign up to specific policies and strategies for the involvement of children and young people

Overview: CYP Consultation & Participation Strategy

Service area: Community Engagement

Directorate: Environment

Lead contact: L Buchanan

 Title:

1

2

3

4

Objective

Service area:

Lead contact:

Our agreed standards, and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) determine all involvement activity

Example >>>

Cross council sign-up to involvement standards framework and toolkit for children & young people

Overview:

Service area:

Directorate

Lead contact:

 Title:

1

2

3

4

Objective

Service area:

Lead contact:
Level 2        

Children and young people help agree standards governing LBWF’s involvement activity on a corporate and directorate level

Example >>>

Agreeing how to working in partnership with children and young people to complete this audit

Overview: In Our Shoes consultation on Hear by Right Standards

Service area: Community Engagement

Directorate

Lead contact: L Buchanan

 Title:

1

2

3

4

Objective

Service area:

Lead contact:

Our values in relation to involvement are clear and visible to staff, children and young people, partner organisations and the wider community

Example >>>

Internal/ external publication and dissemination of policies/ plans/ events detail involvement work and activity, and how it has made a difference

Overview:

Service area:

Directorate

Lead contact:

 Title:

1

2

3

4

Objective

Service area:

Lead contact:
Level 3        

Partner organisations support and promote our values

Example >>>

Our partners join council-led working groups promoting the involvement of children and young people

Overview: Working in Partnership with Children & Young People Working Group

Service area: Children Services

Directorate:

Lead contact: Suzanne Elwick

 Title:

1

2

3

4

Objective

Service area:

Lead contact:

Our values inform performance indicators which track progress in children and young people involvement

Example >>>

Best value indicators and performance indicators are linked to children and young people involvement policies which are collected locally by directorates

Overview: CYP Consultation & Participation Plan’s 30 Action Points for Progress

Service area: Community Engagement

Directorate:

Lead Contact: L Buchanan

 Title:    

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