Young trustees in Children’s Links

What are trustees?
Trustees are also known as governors, members of the board, committee members and directors. Trustees make decisions about how the organisation is run with the help of those working within it.

Children’s Links mission is to improve the quality of children’s life experiences with the Every Child Matters outcome ‘making a positive contribution’ at the heart of our participation work. Hence we have made a commitment to see young people involved at the top level of our organisation. Three young people have been serving on the Board as full members, assisting with stratgey and scrutiny of our service delivery.

Support:
Trustees have been supported by a Participation Officer whi has assisted with understanding of agenda items, where needed, and  been an advocate in meetings and a help in debriefing trustees afterward meetings and startgey days. Furthermore, a system of mutual support through regular contact will be available. Support has been agreed with trustees and any training needs identified.

Children’s Rights Alliance for England (www.crae.org.uk) saw preparation of young trustees and support as essential for the active participation of young trustees. Meetings were said to be less ‘stuffy’, information dissemination clearer with business more vibrant. CRAE direction and strategy improved and were more relevant due to young people’s involvement.

After two successful years, Children's Links is seeking to ensure that the inclusion of young people as  members of our Board is managed as a long term strategy.