The Participation Consortium is a multiagency strategic body. It is working at a national level to develop capacity and practice in terms of the participation of children and young people (0-25 years) in decision-making in Wales.
A consortium approach to developing participation ensures co-ordination and the sharing of good practice, avoids duplication and acknowledges diversity.
Participation Unit
The Participation Consortium received funding from the Welsh Assembly Government Children and Family Grants Scheme and the European Social Fund to establish a Participation Unit in 2004. The Consortium steers the work of the Unit which is hosted by Save the Children. The Unit acts as a focal point and supports the strategic development of Children and Young People's participation.
Working Together
The Participation Consortium and the Participation Unit are working together at a national level. They are also working with the Welsh Assembly Government Participation Project which aims to involve children and young people in the work of the Welsh Assembly Government and other large statutory organisations.
Development Priorities
Specific focus areas have been identified for the Participation Unit, Participation Project and the Consortium to work on together. These have been informed by the results of the mapping of children and young people’s participation across Wales:
- Inclusion
- Training
- Participation Standards and kite-marking
- Impact assessment
- Organisational support and cultural change
We also work together on children and young people's participation in policy theme areas such as Education.