Young people are being invited to take part in an investigation of local services to find out how they are doing and to offer suggestions for improvement. The scheme is hosted by the National Children’s Bureau for the Look Listen Change consortium which includes the British Youth Council, KIDS, the National Centre for Excellence in Residential Child Care and the Council for Disabled Children.

The consortium works with local authorities across England to give disadvantaged and marginalised young people greater influence over services in their areas through the Youth4U – Young Inspectors programme.

The purpose of the programme is to increase the numbers and quality of opportunities for marginalised young people to influence services. It helps them to engage with their peers in influencing local policies and services across a wide range of issues including locality, health, neighbourhood renewal, transport and community service. The programme also provides feedback to local authorities and other service providers.

The programme will provide support to local council staff to recruit, train and support young people to carry out investigations and to operate the accreditation process.

Mandy Douglas, Head of Youth4U – Young Inspectors said: “We are delighted to have been able to identify the first few regions to run this programme. Through Youth4U – Young Inspectors, young people will be given the opportunity to have a say on the services delivered to them. This will also be a great opportunity for the young people to develop new skills and hopefully complete an accredited qualification.”

Young people who wish to take part should email looklistenchange@byc.org.uk.