- “The sharpest eyes in education”
Jeevan Vasagar - Education Editor- The Guardian - “Timely, collaborative and effective”
Social Impact Report 2012 - “The ability to get our team excited about stats!”
Social Impact Report 2012 - “Readiness to share; enthusiasm for learning and commitment to young people"
Social Impact Survey 2011 - “A remarkable way of keeping us focused on what's really important”
Nikki Coupe- City Gateway - “Fantastic support, unquestionable knowledge delivered consistently"
Matt Skaife - City Gateway - “Kindness, understanding, intelligence, honesty and openness”
Jane Chiodi- Head of Yr, St. George’s RC School - “The sharpest eyes in education”
Jeevan Vasagar - Education Editor- The Guardian - "Sophisticated understanding of the field”
Social Impact Report 2012 - "Thorough, supportive, interested and knowledgeable”
Social Impact Report 2012 - “Informed, honest, pragmatic, evidence-led & challenging, a breath of fresh air”
Social Impact Report 2012 - “Foundational to our Ofsted success”
David Howard - City Gateway - “The sharpest eyes in education”
Jeevan Vasagar - Education Editor- The Guardian - “A measurable improvement in Teaching and Learning”
Jon Skaife- City Gateway - "A strong bridge between people working on the ground and current ideas in policy”
Social Impact Survey 2011 - “Excellent education professionals who share best practice”
Social Impact Survey 2012 - “Tireless commitment”
Jane Chiodi - Head of Yr 9, St. George’s RC School - “Great staff who are incredibly friendly and know lots”
Social Impact Survey 2012 - “Adaptability and can-do attitude”
Social Impact Survey 2011
The "Mercenary" Case for Youth Participation
23/07/2010
It was a real pleasure attending the NYA’s Hear By Right training yesterday. Firstly- it was great to see the continuation of a piece of work I’d been involved in piloting 10 years back as a loudmouthed spotty teenager! Secondly, I think the new Hear By Right Award, available at bronze, silver and gold level, is a great way of celebrating organisations’ achievements in youth participation and motivating others to go further. Thirdly, it led to a fascinating discussion of what youth participation is and the more “mercenary” responses to “why we should bother?” that might be increasingly important in the current financial and policy climate.
For me, the conclusion from the “what is it?” conversation was something like this- “Particpation is the process of influencing, changing and acting by sharing power through dialogue and empowerment.“ I think there were four main “mercenary” reasons to bother:
- Customer/Consumer focus: Where young people are the customers or consumers, youth participation plays the part of market research. It ensures that services are responsive and tailored to the needs of consumers. This raises engagement and delivers better outcomes as a result.
- Funding: Funders are looking to focus on organisations that suit the needs of and matter to young people. Youth participation is a great way to evidence this.
- Efficiency: If cuts have to be made then the idea is to cut the extras and focus on the most useful bits. Youth participation can ensure that whatever money is spent, is spent in the best possible way- delivering the government’s new “more for less mantra”.
- Skills: There are two sides to this. On one hand, children and young people bring with them fresh creative minds and a willingness to innovate. Their skills can enhance those of an organisation. Secondly, active participation is a great way of boosting young people’s own skills through real life, practical and meaningful work.
Whilst these may be less human than the rights based, empowerment and cultural reasons that used to be sufficient, they are certainly no less meaningful. As such they should act as fresh impetus for youth participation projects.
Do get in touch if you’re interested in the Hear By Right standards in youth participation or the new Hear By Right award.
