The Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee received an update on the development of a Children and Young People’s Participation Framework yesterday (Thursday, 10 September).
The framework aims to strengthen the connection between children and young people and decision makers, creating clearer and more accessible opportunities for children and young people to have their voices heard and ensuring their views can meaningfully shape decision-making.
Participation in Knowsley is well established, with children and young people already influencing decisions about their own lives. Across the borough, participation aims to inform, consult, involve, collaborate and empower children and young people, which is undertaken through a range of ways including the Council’s Making A Difference Everywhere (MADE) group – made up of cared for and care experienced children and young people; a targeted SEND engagement programme; and children and young people are represented on a number of strategic boards in Knowsley including the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee, the Knowsley Better Together Board and the Place, Environment and Climate Scrutiny Committee. In addition, young people’s involvement has also been strengthened within the new Putting Children First Partnership Board, which is co-chaired by a young person.
Engagement has also been carried out recently as part of the Youth Transformation Pilot, focussing on the youth offer in the borough.
The development of the Children and Young People’s Participation Framework will ensure there is consistency, clear and connected routes for children and young people’s voices, a greater reach and representation and also ensure there is two-way feedback in place including how the views of children and young people have been used by services and partner agencies.
The final engagement opportunities will now be completed with children and young people and partners and the draft framework will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in November 2026.