Youth Voice Bucks at Full Council

What is Full Council?

Full Council is a meeting where all elected councillors from across Buckinghamshire come together to make key decisions about how the council is run. These meetings cover topics like budgets, local services, and policies that affect everyone in the county. It’s also a space where councillors can raise issues on behalf of their communities.

Who attended and why?

On Wednesday 17 September 2025, one young person from each of our Youth Voice Bucks forums was invited to speak and present at Full Council. The forums represented were: Youth Voice Executive Committee, Shout Out for SEND, We Do Care, and the Councillor Shadowing Scheme.

The invitation was a chance to raise the profile of Youth Voice Bucks, share young people’s priorities and projects directly with councillors, and offer a valuable opportunity for public speaking and professional development.

How did it go for the young people?

The young people met with Lucy a week before Full Council to plan out exactly what they wanted to say so it was their voice and practise their presentation. On the day they did exceptionally well! They stood up in front of over 100 professionals and spoke with passion and confidence.

Watch Youth Voice Bucks Speak at Full Council here

Feedback from the young people

“We all flowed well with each other and the presentation went smoothly”

“The Councillors listened to us really well and seemed to genuinely care about what we had to say!”

“It was brilliant to spend time with other young people from the different forums and represent Youth Voice Bucks as a whole rather than our individual forums like we normally do.”

“I wanted to talk to some of the Councillors afterwards and network with them, I found them really interesting to listen to!”

Feedback from Bucks Council professionals and councillors

“What a fantastic presentation from really talented young people. I was struck by how selfless, confident and passionate they all were and the clear consistent message about all of us actively engaging with a range of young people to understand what matters to them in helping shape both the present day and the future” – Rachel Shimmon (Chief Executive, Bucks Council)

“All the young people who spoke did so with great passion, clarity and sincerity. It was genuinely a highlight of the entire Council, and we will all benefit from hearing from the speakers.” – Cllr Steve Broadbent (Leader of Bucks Council)

“Wow… the young people were nothing less than amazing! Great start to ensuring our young people are even more connected with the council” – Michael Jarrett (Service Director, Children’s Services)

“One of the highlights of last week for me has to be sitting in the audience watching four of our Youth Voice Bucks representatives deliver a presentation to Full Council – they were AMAZING!” – Sarah Ashmead (Corporate Director, Children’s Services)

“It was a real pleasure to welcome our young people. Please pass on our thanks to them for taking the time to come along and share their perspectives.” – Cllr Ade Osibogun

“I am a firm believer that expanding young people’s experiences and giving them opportunities to express themselves are central to creating opportunities for the individuals concerned and if we can get a clear sight of young people’s views in the process that is a double plus!
A genuinely worthwhile event in my view.” – Cllr Alan Sherwell

What happened next?

Since Full Council, professionals and councillors have reached out to learn more about Youth Voice Bucks and ask how they can get involved. Many have expressed interest in attending future forum meetings to hear directly from the young people.

On Thursday 6 November 2025, the Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council, Councillor Sarfaraz Raja, invited Lucy and the young people to his office in Aylesbury. They had a great conversation about the Full Council experience, shared their thoughts, and even enjoyed some cake together!

If you have any questions or want to get involved, feel free to contact Lucy at YouthVoiceBucks@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk.

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