The 'go to' organisation for Local Government improvement in Scotland

Approach

The pilot project, led by Rachel Lewis, was initially a part-time role aimed at understanding how young people in a specific area of Aberdeenshire perceived their involvement in decision-making. Young people felt excluded, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and were frustrated that their voices had not been sought out or heard in significant ways.

Recognising this, Aberdeenshire Council secured full-time funding for Rachel's position, expanding the project's regional reach. The project focuses on ensuring that young people are heard and treated as equal partners in decision-making processes.

Rachel's approach involved extensive collaboration with local partners, engaging with youth groups across Aberdeenshire to discuss themes like poverty and inequalities. Rachel developed a dynamic "sign-up sheet" system which allowed young people to engage with specific issues they were passionate about, forming subgroups to address topics such as mental health, stigma, and social inequalities.  This flexible structure ensured that young people could take ownership of the issues most relevant to them, fostering a sense of agency and involvement. Rachel provided support and guidance, but the initiative's direction was firmly in the hands of the young people.

Engagement with children and young people

Young people produced videos to raise awareness about the cost of education and the inequalities within schools. These initiatives directly influenced the development of new youth projects, addressing gaps identified by the young people.

One of the project's successes was securing funds that young people could allocate across Aberdeenshire. They created funding forms, evaluated applications, and decided which youth groups would receive grants. This process empowered them and provided valuable insights into the complexities of resource allocation and advocacy.

Young people also lead on delivering workshops on relevant topics such as poverty and inequalities. These sessions often occur in settings familiar to the young people, such as youth groups, where they feel comfortable. Trust is built by meeting young people on their terms and in their environments, which is crucial for ongoing engagement.

Challenges and Considerations

Recruitment and engagement strategies

Engaging young people, particularly in rural areas, can be challenging. Traditional online engagement methods often fall short, as young people prefer face-to-face interactions when it comes to discussions on serious issues or workshops. Social media is used primarily as an outreach tool to share information and updates, but the core of engagement is in-person activities. Rachel’s existing relationships with community youth workers play a vital role. Through these connections, she visits various youth groups, including new community organisations, to introduce the project and recruit participants. These visits are informal and designed to build rapport, often involving casual conversations over tea and snacks, which helps break down barriers and create a relaxed atmosphere.

Bridging the gap between young people and decision-makers

Rather than expecting young people to adapt to formal settings, the project emphasises the importance of decision-makers coming to the young people's environments. This approach respects the young people's comfort zones and ensures that discussions happen on an equal footing. For instance, events are held in locations familiar to the young participants, and decision-makers are encouraged to engage in these settings rather than in intimidating committee rooms.

When face-to-face meetings are not feasible, the project employs alternative methods like video recordings, sound clips, and case studies to capture and present young people's views to decision-makers. These methods allow young people to express themselves in a safe and comfortable manner, ensuring that their voices are still heard without the pressures of a live meeting.

A critical aspect of the approach is holding decision-makers accountable. When young people provide input, decision-makers must report back on what actions have been taken based on the young people's contributions. This process is outlined from the beginning, ensuring all parties understand the expectations and commitments.

Scalability and resource constraints

The success of this model relies heavily on personal relationships and face-to-face interactions, which can be resource intensive. In larger areas or where resources are limited, replicating this approach could be challenging without sufficient staffing and support.

Resistance from traditional structures

Traditional organisational structures and mindsets can sometimes resist this more informal and youth-centric approach. For example, in cases where young people’s feedback challenges existing practices or ideas, there can be resistance from long-standing community activists or professionals. Overcoming this requires patience, persistence, and sometimes a shift in organisational culture.

Outcomes and Impact

Improved Service Delivery and Cost Reduction

The project demonstrated that involving young people in the co-production of services leads to more effective and accessible public services. For instance, by adjusting appointment times and locations based on young people's input, the NHS could reduce missed appointments, thereby saving costs and improving health outcomes.

Cultural Change and Empowerment

The project contributed to a shift in organisational culture. It highlighted the importance of moving from traditional consultation methods, such as one-sided surveys to genuine co-production, where young people are equal partners in decision-making. Participating in these processes gives young people a sense of ownership and responsibility over the services and policies that impact their lives. This involvement boosts their confidence and self-efficacy and ensures that the services developed meet their needs and circumstances.

Next Steps

Looking ahead, the project aims to deepen and expand its engagement strategies, continuing to prioritise young people's rights and voices in decision-making processes. There is a strong focus on ongoing partnerships with organisations like NHS Grampian, which is now committed to regular engagement with young people to shape service delivery. The future of this work lies in further embedding these practices across all levels of the local authority and beyond. This includes training more staff in rights-based approaches, expanding the team to reach more young people, and continuing to challenge traditional models of engagement that do not fully respect young people's autonomy and perspectives.

Find out more

If you would like to know more about the this practice example, contact rachel.lewis@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or annette.johnston@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

The most relevant UNCRC Articles targeted in the example:

Article 3 (Best interests of the child): This article is supported by the council’s approach to adjusting public services based on youth input, such as changing appointment times to reduce missed NHS appointments. This responsiveness to feedback reflects the commitment to act in the best interests of young people by making services more accessible and relevant to their needs.

Article 4 (Implementation of rights): Aberdeenshire Council's steps to secure funding, designate a full-time project lead, and expand the program regionally reflect a commitment to implementing children’s rights in line with Article 4. This commitment extends to building systems that ensure youth involvement in decisions about issues that affect them, like poverty and health.

Article 5 (Parental guidance and evolving capacities): This article recognises the evolving capacities of young people, allowing them to take on more responsibility as they mature. By allowing young people to lead on creating subgroups, designing funding forms, and making grant decisions, the program respects their growing capacity to make meaningful contributions.

Article 12 (Respect for the views of the child): The project’s commitment to listening to young people's input, particularly through direct engagement and giving them roles in decision-making, ensures their voices are respected and genuinely considered.

Article 13 (Freedom of expression): The project encourages young people to express themselves on issues they find important, such as poverty and inequality, whether through videos, workshops, or funding applications. These diverse formats offer young people multiple ways to communicate their perspectives and influence policy.

Article 15 (Freedom of association): By creating subgroups focused on specific issues, the project fosters young people's right to gather, associate, and collaborate on shared interests, which is a core principle of Article 15.

Article 17 (Access to information): The project's use of youth-friendly formats like videos and informal workshops promotes Article 17 by making complex issues accessible. In addition, decision-makers visiting youth-friendly locations helps ensure that young people have the information they need to engage fully and comfortably in decision-making processes.

Article 29 (Goals of education): Through this project, young people are educated about public service, advocacy, and resource allocation, aligning with the goal of preparing children to become active and informed members of society. The empowerment and responsibility given to young participants allow them to develop practical skills that align with Article 29.

Article 42 (Knowledge of rights): By using rights-based language and explicitly teaching young people about their rights, the project actively supports Article 42, which encourages states to ensure that children know their rights.