Participation and engagement
Listening to the voice of children is important and we aim to embed a culture of participation that gives all children and young people a voice, and ensures that their views and opinions help influence the decisions we make that affect them and their daily lives.
We'll continue to make sure that children and young people have the chance to be actively involved. This means listening to their opinions, concerns and views, to ensure that we provide services that meet their needs and improve the way we work.
This is done by working with a range of groups such as:
- Pupil Councils/Parliaments
- Scottish Borders Champions Board
- Divergent Perspectives
- The YELL (Youth Engagement Listen to Learn) group
- The Youth Local Action Group
- Scottish Borders Youth Voice
- Scottish Youth Parliament
YELL Strategy
A multi-agency participation and engagement strategy for young people aged 12- 25 was launched in September 2024. The Youth Engagement Listen to Learn (YELL) strategy is a ‘How to Guide’ written by local young people to support agencies in the Scottish Borders, to involve young people in their work.
The strategy toolkit is for young people, professionals, and decision makers to use. It sets out the young people’s ambitions for the future, the ways in which young people aged 12 – 25 can currently get involved and guidance for any person looking to engage with young people in Scottish Borders- being particularly mindful of the need to engage with those who have quieter or seldom-heard voices.