Youth Voice

Youth Voice

 
 
Youth Voice

Youth Voice

 

Oxfordshire Youth is linked into the national picture of Youth Voice as a member of the #iwill movement. And the newly launched (Jan 2026) 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.

Our Approach

Youth Voice is More Than Consultation

 

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.

Youth‑Led Change

Youth Voice in Action

 

Young Trustees

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.

Youth Voice Champions

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.

Diversifying Apprenticeships

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.

Are You Listening? — Youth‑Led Podcast

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.

Wellbeing at Work

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.

Youth Voice

Become a Youth Voice Champion

 

Oxfordshire Youth has just completed a piece of Youth Voice analysis work with five Youth Voice champions.

If you would like to have a say in how young people are heard in Oxfordshire, sign up to help with the next stage of this project. It is exciting and will allow you to gain transferable skills that could help you in any career and will allow you to speak directly to decision makers.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in trying, sign up below.

Sign up to become a Youth Voice Champion
“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
Youth Voice Image 1
Youth Voice Image 2
Youth Voice Image 3

Youth Voices Of Oxfordshire Report

Young Voices Of Oxfordshire

Download the Young Voices Of Oxfordshire report. This accessible summary highlights what young people told us, key insights and recommendations.

Download the Report (PDF)
Youth Voice Champions

Youth Voice Champions Have Been Busy

 
  • Recruited a total of 5 Youth Voice Champions.
  • Over 125 originations directly targeted to support engagement.
  • Co – delivered presentations to OCC/ Oxfordshire Youth Board and Senior Leadership Team / Children’s Trust
  • Co-produced comprehensive reports, for young people, for professionals, for adults, including 10 recommendations
  • 37 Individuals across the youth sector contacted via marketing team
  • Youth Voice Champions delivered a presentation at The High Sheriff Breakfast Meeting.
  • 522 participants took part in the Youth Participation Analysis with 35% reached through targeted focus groups, 17 organisations engaged in focus groups
  • Delivered conversation corner, arts-based activities and surveys at Didcot Youth Fest.
Showcase

High Sheriff Youth Voice Chat

 

Join the Mailing List for our Weekly Digital Skills Youth Club!

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 every Monday from 4:30pm – 6:30pm during school term time! Join our mailing list for this youth club to stay up to date!

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