Standard 2: The way voices are heard

When writing policies and strategies, we need to think about how to involve children and young people in their design, development and review. Initially, this will be very adult-led, but with time children and young people should be able to take a full part in this process and should feel comfortable in challenging adult systems and ways of working

These opportunities should be accessible to a wide range of children and young people, and need to be made as relevant, engaging, safe and fun as possible. We need to identify any support needs and be able to meet these so any child or young person can be involved, and also ensure that any children and young people (or parents/carers as appropriate) have agreed to be involved. Finally, all activity should be rewarded and, where possible, accredited

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:

  • Being given information that explains the structure of the organisation, who does what and who should be contacted if they have questions or concerns on different matters
  • The ‘everydayness’ of communication, e.g. getting your message across through informal chitchat is preferable to using formal mechanisms such as complaints systems
  • A ‘safe environment’ to have their voice heard, e.g. where people feel comfortable to speak out and challenge existing practice
  • Inputting into decisions that are personally important to them, e.g. available resources, information design etc
  • Feedback after any consultation has taken place, e.g. it is okay for young peoples’ requests not be actioned, as long as it is clear why this decision has been taken
  • Being innovative with communication. Few people have any interest in a leaflet being put through their door. Colourful postcards, text messages or flash emails are much more likely to have an impact
  • Having incentives for taking part in forums or focus groups. This can be anything from having travel expenses paid to gaining accreditation for your efforts

Online matrix for the standard "The way voices are heard"
Indicator Existing activity Supporting evidence Rating Next steps / plans
Level 1        

The Council has mapped the resources and expertise available to build a culture of participation.

Example >>>

Involvement leads in each directorate will be requested to complete a mapping exercise.

Overview:

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Objective:

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The Council has mapped the resources and expertise available to build a culture of participation.

Example >>>

Involvement leads in each directorate will be requested to complete a mapping exercise.

Overview:

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Objective:

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The Council has a strategic plan for children and young people’s involvement agreed by all directorates.

Example >>>

A corporate plan for the involvement of children and young people has been created, involving activity to be carried out by all directorates.

Overview:

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Objective:

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Children and young people input into the design and review of involvement structures.

Example >>>

Children and young people consulted at key points during the planning of work within directorates.

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Objective:

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There are a variety of involvement opportunities available and capture a wide range of voices, as evidenced through equality monitoring.

Example >>>

A variety of structures within directorates ensure that a wide range of children and young people’s views are built into decision-making.

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Objective:

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Policies ensure participation is safe, sound and effective.

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Policies cover transport, consent, accessibility etc.

Overview:

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Objective:

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Budgets are allocated to children and young people’s involvement.

Example >>>

All new areas of work (where applicable) will include cost of involvement as part of initial planning stage.

Overview:

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Objective:

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We have systems to identify what has made a difference as a result of the involvement of children and young people.

Example >>>

For every involvement activity directorates identify what difference has been made and what changes have happened as a result.

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Directorates have systems in place to record good practice and share their learning about children and young people’s involvement.

Example >>>

Involvement standards framework and toolkit.

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Level 2        

Children and young people input into development and review of strategic plans within the Council.

Example >>>

Young people involved from the outset and at key points during strategy/policy development.

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Objective:

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Any Council activity impacting on children and young people should make reference to, and complement, the involvement standards framework and toolkit.

Example >>>

The standards framework is the bedrock of any Council activity or policies where children and young people are the customers.

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Objective:

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Directorates work with other partner organisations to ensure all groups of young people are represented in involvement activity.

Example >>>

Specialist organisations to be approached to ensure representation of all communities of young people in terms of race, gender, disability, religion, sexuality and age.

Overview:

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Objective:

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Children and young people’s involvement is recorded, advertised and celebrated.

Example >>>

All directorates, through their communications plan, celebrate the efforts and achievements of children and young people.

Overview:

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Objective:

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Directorates work in partnership with children and young people to review and update policies and structures.

Example >>>

Young Advisors are active in assessing and commenting on need for relevant policies and procedures.

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Level 3        

Directorates work with local partners to promote and review children and young people’s involvement in all sectors.

Example >>>

Partnerships are in place to promote the active involvement of children and young people.

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Objective:

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Resources are committed by the Council and directorates to the development of children and young people’s involvement activity.

Example >>>

Resources are allocated to the creation of involvement activity within all directorates.

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Objective:

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The involvement standards and toolkit draws links to local and national organisations and participation structures.

Example >>>

The Young Advisors national organisation supports development of local scheme.

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Objective:

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Children and young people have direct access to decision-making and scrutiny mechanisms, and partnerships.

Example >>>

Young people encouraged to scrutinise decisions and forward plan and be involved in agenda setting.

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Children and young people help decide involvement rewards.

Example >>>

Service areas work with children and young people to decide on appropriate rewards for their time and efforts.

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Objective:

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Governance structures reflect the Council’s commitment to active involvement.

Example >>>

Children and young people have the opportunity to feed into decision-making at the highest level.

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