Young people take on top council jobs for a day. Young people will be trying out top jobs at Wiltshire Council and giving their input into five specific areas of concern related to teenagers and children. Wiltshire Council will be inviting young people to take over officers’ roles in services from libraries to highways and communications to youth services on November 6.

The event, which coincides with National Youth Work Week (1-7 November), is part of the national 11 Million Takeover Day where young people aged from 11 to 19 take over from adults in the workplace. The council’s newest recruits will get a chance to see work at first hand and will shadow officers and top council members.

The young people will also be managing five fundamental areas of concern regarding children's rights and wellbeing.

These are:

• Positive contribution - recognising young people's contribution to society and creating a better way of thinking and speaking about young people in general.

• Complaints - an easy and effective complaints and advocacy system for children and young people.

• Mental health - all young people needing mental health services are treated appropriately with a focus on the effects of bereavement and young people in the youth justice system.

• Youth justice - the needs of young people within the youth justice system.
  

• Safeguarding - ensuring children and young people are safe and their views are heard.

Wiltshire Council's youth and skills portfolio holder, Richard Clewer, said: "This is a great chance for young people to get involved, not just in seeing how the council works, but much more importantly in setting the agenda for the way we work with them. "I hear great ideas from young people at meetings around the county and I would them all to get involved, come along and help us make our services better." Young people will be contacted through secondary schools and youth groups but those wanting to get involved can find out more information and download an application form from Wiltshire Council's youth website: www.sparksite.co.uk.

Last year 66 young people took part around the county stepping in for various employees including Leader of the Council Jane Scott and chief executive Keith Robinson. The take over day, which will end with tea and cakes, demonstrates Wiltshire Council's commitment to listening and recognising the talents of children and young people in Wiltshire. It is hoped this event will expand children and young people's skills and knowledge, experience of leadership and decision making and give them a better understanding of the processes and decisions that affect them.

17th September 2009