In Leeds one of the five key outcomes in the Children and Young People’s Plan is that “all children and young people are active citizens who feel they have a voice and influence.” This is supported by a core behaviour that guides all our work: “we listen and respond to the voice of the child.”
Our approach centres on building positive relationships and trust with children and young people, creating safe spaces where they feel confident to share their thoughts, wishes, and feelings.
The Leeds 12 Wishes for a Child Friendly City
Since 2012, Leeds has been on a mission to become a child friendly city, a vision inspired by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. At the heart of this ambition is a simple but powerful belief: children and young people should be seen, heard, and valued.
At the start of this journey, the city asked a vital question: “What is it like to grow up in Leeds and how can we make it better?”
To find the answer they went straight to the experts, children and young people themselves. Through citywide conversations children shared their hopes, challenges, and ideas for change. Their voices shaped what we now call the 12 Wishes a set of priorities that guide our work to make Leeds a place where all children can thrive.
Wish 3 focuses on the voice of the child: "Children and young people express their views, feel heard and are involved in decisions that affect their lives."
This wish is part of the law in Britain. Children’s voices must be listened to and respected, as is described in the United Nations Convention of Children’s Rights: Article 12 – Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times.
What do we mean by ‘voice and influence’?
Children, young people, and their parents or carers have the right to be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives. Having a voice and influence means they are heard, respected, and able to shape decisions and actions.
We use the term ‘voice and influence’ because children and young people have told us they prefer a single, clear definition. This phrase reflects what matters most to them: being listened to and making a difference.
What does voice and influence mean for organisations?
For organisations, voice and influence refers to the meaningful involvement of children, particularly those the organisation serves, in shaping decisions, policies, and practices. It means creating structures and cultures where their perspectives are not only heard but actively shape outcomes.
Here’s what it means in practice:
1. Listening actively and respectfully
Organisations must create safe, inclusive spaces where children and young people feel confident to express their views. This involves actively listening without judgment and showing that their input is taken seriously.
2. Embedding participation in decision-making
Voice and influence go beyond consultation. It means involving children and young people in co-designing services, shaping policies, and evaluating outcomes. Their insights should inform both strategic and day-to-day decisions.
3. Creating feedback loops
Organisations should demonstrate how children’s voices have made a difference. This builds trust and accountability, showing that participation is not tokenistic but impactful.
4. Building capacity and confidence
Supporting children and young people to develop the skills and confidence to participate meaningfully is key. This might include training, mentoring, or accessible information to help them engage fully.
5. Shaping organisational culture
Voice and influence should be a core value, not an add-on. It requires leadership commitment, staff training, and systems that prioritise participation at every level.
Sharing best practice
If you have an example within your own organisation, where children and young people have been listened to and as a result changes have been made which have made a difference, we'd like to hear about it. Send an email to: LSCP.Info@leeds.gov.uk with the following information:
- An overview about your organisation, its purpose, who do you provide a service to (age group)?
- What did you need feedback from children and young people on and why?
- What did you do?
- What was the result?
Resources
Voice, Influence and Change Team
The Voice, Influence and Change team support children and young people to share their opinions and priorities, influence decision making and shape services across Leeds. They run the following city-wide programmes:
- Leeds SEND Youth Council
- Leeds Youth Council
- Leeds Members of Youth Parliament
- The Care Leavers Council
- The Children in Care Council
- Leeds Children’s Mayor
- Make Your Mark Ballot
The Voice, influence and Change team also work in partnership with different services in Leeds City Council to support their voice and influence work. The following teams offer community-based opportunities:
- The Community Committees Team
- The Youth Service
The opportunities offered by the Voice, Influence and Change team are voluntary; expectations regarding hours of commitment are generally flexible although elected roles have more specific attendance requirements. Vouchers are often provided for participation in sessions and bus vouchers are provided when support for travel is needed. All children and young people must complete a consent form in order to take part in the programmes. Email VIC@leeds.gov.uk with any queries.
The team also produce an e-bulletin, issued bi-monthly, which promotes opportunities for children, young people, parents, carers and families. This includes consultations, surveys and recruitment information about voice and influence groups / forums etc. To be added to the mailing list or to submit an opportunity email VIC@leeds.gov.uk.
Information for young people - Youth voice guides for every area of Leeds
The Voice Influence and Change team with Leeds City Council, have worked with young people to create guides that tell young people how to have their voice heard, no matter where they live in Leeds. The guides include examples of youth voice groups young people can get involved with from across the city, with quotes from young people who take part in these groups.
Voice and Influence One Minute Guide on the Leeds City Council website
The 5 O’s Model for Best Practice in Voice and Influence - A pdf on the Leeds for Learning website