Consulting Young People
In the last few years, more than 300 school pupils and young people from Connexions have been involved in events held in the Department
for Education and Skill's offices in London, Sheffield and Darlington.
At the last event held in Darlington, a group of young people helped design the agenda and identify the key issues discussed. The young
people decided that the key issue was to get across what it is like to go to school nowadays.
A day in the life of a school
The results were fantastic!
One group created a dance montage depicting life in and outside school. One produced a playlet on life in school. A third based theirs on a future school reunion when they discussed what they had actually learned at school.
The sixth formers present organised an interactive debate on the merits of different forms of selection. And the Department has all this on video.
For such special events, we need a special team of facilitators!
Our team of associate facilitators have experience of working with young people, particularly from socially excluded backgrounds, and using art and drama techniques to help young people express themselves. On the day, we're not quite sure who enjoyed themselves more; the young people, facilitators or departmental officials!
Planning for the future
If you are considering organising a two-way dialogue with a group of your stakeholders, here are some questions to answer:
- Why you are interested in a two-way dialogue with your stakeholders?
- Who are the participants?
- What do they want from the dialogue?
- What impression do you want to make with the consultation?
- How will you know your event is successful?