What is the NICCY Youth Panel?
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) is seeking new members for the NICCY Youth Panel. The Youth Panel is a group of young people who advise the Commissioner and staff on key issues and assist in the work of safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of children and young people.
It is really important that we hear from young people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
The panel are involved in a range of key functions within the organisation including involvement in project sub-groups; recruiting staff; media engagement; contributing to the design of the website and publications; participating in conferences and delivering presentations.
Additionally, the youth panel members also have the opportunity to meet directly with government ministers and officials, enabling them to challenge key decision makers and ensure their voice is head. Panel members receive training and support to enable this to happen.
We are in the process of recruiting new members across Northern Ireland. Young people should live in Northern Ireland and be aged between 12-17* years (up to 21 if they have a disability or have experienced living in care).
(*As we operate on a school year basis, and to give young people the time for a good experience of NICCY, the cut off age is 17/Year 13.)
We are recruiting throughout NI. We will particularly welcome applications from rural areas and from boys. At present the opportunities, projects and meetings are both online and in person.
How to join?
We are not currently recruiting for the Youth Panel.
Why should you join?
- Help us change things for the better for children and young people in Northern Ireland
- Have your say, and help to raise awareness of issues affecting young people
- Meet young people from all walks of life
- Have the opportunity to travel across Northern Ireland and depending on different projects, outside of NI for free
- Help build up your experience and expand your CV for future education, training and job opportunities, with training and development in a wide range of skills, from public speaking and working with the media, to events, projects and staff recruitment
Videos
Check out our videos to see some of the panel’s work:
More Information
If you have any questions, contact a member of the Participation Team on 07942 323145 or participation@niccy.org.