Embedding Young People in Decision-Making Across the UK
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Participation Platform is a four-year youth participation programme focused on creating long-term change in how organisations involve young people in leadership, governance, and decision-making.
Led by NI Youth Forum in partnership with Leaders Unlocked and funded through The National Lottery Community Fund’s UK Fund, the programme supports organisations to create sustainable, youth-led participation structures that embed young people into positions of influence and decision-making across charities, public services, and community organisations.
Creating Long-Term Systems Change
The Participation Platform responds to a long-standing imbalance in governance and leadership structures where young people remain significantly underrepresented.
The programme is not simply about consulting young people – it is focused on embedding young people into meaningful leadership and decision-making roles throughout the UK.
By supporting organisations, the programme aims to create lasting change in participatory practice while developing future civic leaders and strengthening youth participation nationally.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Why This Work Is Needed
Young people continue to face significant barriers to participation in leadership and governance structures across the UK.
When young people are excluded from decision-making, organisations risk missing lived experience, innovation, and perspectives that strengthen communities and services.
Key Statistics
Only 2.6–3% of charity trustees in the UK are under 30, despite young adults making up around 12–13% of the population. Sector research also highlights that many organisations lack the infrastructure, confidence, and culture needed to support meaningful youth participation in governance and decision-making.
As of 31 July 2025, only 1% of charity trustees in Northern Ireland were aged 18–24, with just 6% under the age of 35, highlighting the significant underrepresentation of young people in charity governance.
The Participation Platform exists to help organisations move from intention to action by providing practical support and training, developed from experience models of youth participation.
WHAT WE OFFER
Programme Components
Youth Steering Group
A Youth Steering Group will shape and guide the programme through governance, co-design, leadership development, and decision-making opportunities.
Resource Development
A participation resource co-designed and developed with young people, practitioners, and partner organisations. This will support long-term impact beyond the programme and form the foundation of training.
Capacity Building Training
Training for organisations and practitioners focused on:
- Youth participation approaches
- Governance and trustee participation
- Co-production methods
- Inclusive communication
- Supporting young leaders
Technical Support Clinics
Monthly online clinics offering thematic support, sharing good practice, networking opportunities and guest speakers.
Bespoke Organisational Support
Tailored one-to-one support for organisations seeking to strengthen youth participation structures, governance, and culture.
WHO CAN GET INVOLVED
Who Is the Programme For
The Participation Platform is designed for:
- Charities and voluntary organisations
- Youth organisations
- Community groups
- Education providers
- Public sector organisations
- Organisations seeking to strengthen youth participation and governance
What the Programme Will Achieve
The programme aims to help organisations and young people create more inclusive and meaningful participation opportunities by:
- Increasing youth representation in governance
- Strengthening youth participation structures
- Building confidence and leadership among young people
- Supporting more inclusive decision-making
- Creating long-term opportunities for young people to influence change
GET INVOLVED
Interested in the Participation Platform?
If you are an organisation looking to strengthen youth participation or interested in embedding youth leadership into how you work, we would love to hear from you.
Please get in touch with one of the team below.
Holly Clyde
Lauren McAreavey
Josh Corey
Project News
11Sep
Participation Conversations are launching!
Participation Conversations are launching! We’re creating an informal online space... read more
26Aug
Something new is coming!
Something new is coming! The Participation Platform is a... read more
19Aug
Training at the Children’s Law Centre
Yesterday Holly & Josh from our Voice Team and Shannon... read more
07Aug
A really exciting week for our Voice team!
A really exciting week for our Voice team! Welcomed... read more