The Governance Hub, National Children’s Bureau (NCB), Participation Works and the Charity Commission hosted a round table on this topic last October, involving many other organisations and drawing on young people’s own experience as trustees.

Delegates felt strongly that charities need to listen to young people, and want to send a strong message to charities, their partners, funders and regulators. Among many points they asked charities to take the lead in addressing under-representation of young people on their boards or as advisors. They collated valuable ideas and experience about the kind of induction and support that makes young people’s involvement more effective, and a better experience for them.

NCB and partners supported by the Governance Hub will be holding seminars for managers and practitioners at all levels, in March 2008. Contact Paul Taylor at NCB for more information. They are also offering informal networking, liaison with other government departments and funders; guidance on good practice in governance from the national support service on Leadership and Governance; and more seminars and other events held nationally.