Oxfordshire Youth is linked into the national picture of Youth Voice as a member of the #iwill movement. https://www.iwill.org.uk/ and the newly launched (Jan2026) Youth Council UK https://nya.org.uk/youth-council-uk/. Society often fails to listen to young people’s views or recognise their ability to make a positive difference – it’s time for youth action.
We collectively believe children and young people should be meaningfully involved in shaping the systems, policies, procedures and services that impact them. 6 Youth Voice Champions have been working with Oxfordshire Youth since June and have co-produced a piece of work to undertake a broad Youth Voice analysis, with the findings and recommendations forming a report that will be shared with Oxfordshire County Council and inform the future Youth Voice strategy.
We have had over 500 children and young people engage in the survey with remarkable feedback. The information gained as part of this process will be used anonymously to develop a report and recommendations for Oxfordshire County Council and inform a Youth Voice Strategy.
We believe children and young people should be meaningfully involved in shaping the systems, policies, and services that impact them, and that they should be given the tools and opportunities to lead change in their communities and beyond.
“’Young people don’t just need to be at the table, they need to be co-designing the table, and then helping others redesign theirs’”
Jodie Lloyd‑Jones
Youth Voice at Oxfordshire Youth goes much deeper than consultation. It is about shared power, meaningful influence, and real decision‑making.
We have four Young Trustees aged 18–30 who sit as full board members with full voting rights. They are a vital part of the governance and strategic direction of our charity.
The founding group of six Youth Voice Champions aged 14–18 have shaped an incredible way forward for youth voice in Oxfordshire.
They have co‑produced research, facilitated creative engagement, and helped define the future Youth Voice strategy for the county.
A youth‑led research initiative where young researchers audit businesses’ equity, diversity and inclusion practices within apprenticeship programmes. The project provides insight and recommendations to employers who want to improve accessibility, inclusion and long‑term development for young workers.
Born during COVID lockdowns, Are You Listening? gave young people a platform to talk openly about the issues affecting their lives. The podcast is currently paused, but will return in 2026. If you would like to commission or sponsor future episodes, please get in touch.
Facilitated by UK Youth, this national programme brought Oxfordshire young people together with peers from five other areas to co‑design employment support for young people facing barriers to work.
“Oxfordshire Youth normalised disability so much that I quit my job, as they were not accommodating me. I am so much stronger now in advocating for myself.”
Young Researcher, aged 19
Calling all young people in Year 7 to Year 11 in and around Cowley in Oxford. Oxfordshire Youth are launching our weekly Digital Skills Youth Club for you to upgrade your Digital Skills on Monday 4th November 2025. Join our mailing list for this youth club to stay up to date!