Members are being recruited to the second Northamptonshire Youth Commission – part of the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold – that exists to make sure the voices of young people are heard in decisions around policing, fire and criminal justice in the county.

The OPFCC’s first Youth Commission was launched in summer 2019.  The inaugural 20 members, all aged between 14 and 19, planned a variety of events to involve other young people in ways to support, challenge and inform the work of Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Before the end of their one-year term, the Youth Commission held the ‘Big Conversation’, speaking to more than 1,100 young people from across Northamptonshire to find out what they thought about two key topics – violence and road safety.  The programme of work they put in place to address the issues raised is now underway and recruitment is open for the second Youth Commission for 2020/21.

Youth Commission members must be prepared to get involved and express their views on a range of police, fire and crime issues affecting our communities. This is an important role, as it will help the Commissioner to understand the needs of local young people and to inform the decisions he takes.

Applicants must be aged between 14 and 19 – or 24 if they have additional needs.  They will need to be confident and commit to attending one session a month.  Youth Commission members must be keen to get involved and represent their peers. In return, they will be able to develop their skills, gain experience and have the opportunity to help shape important decisions.

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said:  “Now more than ever, it’s really important to me that I hear a wide range of voices and I am looking forward to seeing applications from young people of every background, who can help us to understand what really matters to their generation and influence the way things are done in Northamptonshire.”

Recruitment will run from July 1 and July 31.  To apply, visit     https://archive.northantspfcc.org.uk/northamptonshire-youth-commission-application/

Phoenix Robinson, who was a member of the first Youth Commission, said:  “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the Youth Commission, it has really helped to build my confidence. It’s been great to be able to make a difference in our community and to know that what we’re doing is helping people.”