Communities and neighbourhoods

Young Advisors

The Young Advisors initiative was developed within Communities and Local Government in 2005 to empower young people to have an influence on decision-making and services in their communities.

Young Advisors are aged between 15 and 21 who are trained to work as young consultants. They advise adults, community leaders and agencies how to better engage young people in community life and regeneration, having been trained to 'youth proof' policies and practices. This includes working with elected members, local authorities, Local Strategic Partnerships and Government Offices. Young Advisors also work directly with other young people to encourage them to get involved in regeneration and community activities in their neighbourhoods. They are paid on a sessional basis a 'respectful' wage - the benchmark for which is £8 an hour.

The Young Advisors initiative was piloted in four areas, Hull, Middlesbrough, Brighton and Manchester. The success of these schemes led to other areas establishing Young Advisors. There are now 38 schemes with over 250 Young Advisors nationally. These are spread across the country and there are schemes located in every Government Office region in England. The current profile for Young Advisors nationally is: 55 per cent female, 45 per cent male; 60 per cent White British/Irish, 40 per cent Black and Minority Ethnic (BME).

Schemes can be hosted by a range of organisations including a local authority, an NDC Board or a housing association. One is fully established as a social enterprise. The recruitment of Young Advisors is carried out by various methods based on the local circumstances in each area. Some areas advertise locally and go through the selection process based on the criteria. In some areas young people are recommended based on previous involvement in their local area or by reputation.

Young Advisors have been referenced in a number of recent policy documents as an innovative model of youth engagement and an excellent way of involving young people in decisions including:

Full training is an important part of equipping Young Advisors with skills to work as young consultants. Some of the topics existing Young Advisors have been trained in include: their role and responsibilities; communication and presentation skills, how to plan work; how to youth proof documents and how to train adults on tools to consult with young people.

For more information on the Young Advisors, please contact Carol Moore at carol.moore@communities.gsi.gov.uk or call 0207 944 4180.