Councillor Shadowing Scheme
Introduction
Buckinghamshire’s Councillor Shadowing Scheme provides young people and local councillors with skills, experience, and insight, by giving young people and councillors an opportunity to get to know each other!
The scheme supports young people to become active citizens who can help to make Buckinghamshire the best place to live by increasing young people’s knowledge of politics and the decision-making processes that they can be a part of and developing councillors’ understanding of issues facing young people and upskilling them to work with young people.
Blog posts
Youth Democracy Event – Read about the Youth Democracy Event which was on Thursday 16 October 2025 bringing together young people interested in the Councillor Shadowing Scheme and Councillors.
Read here about The Youth Democracy Event October 2025
Young person’s experience – Read more the Councillor Shadowing Scheme from a young person, Mahulika, and Cllr Mimi Harker who took part in the Scheme.
Read here about Madhulika’s experience of the Councillor Shadowing Scheme
Activities on the scheme
Read more about the activities you can get involved with by being on the Councillor Shadowing Scheme!
Activities you can get involved with on the Councillor Shadowing Scheme
FAQ’s
What age does the young person need to be?
Young people taking part need to be aged 13 – 25.
How long will the scheme take?
The scheme is flexible and works around the young person and Councillor’s schedule. If you complete 10 hours of shadowing you will receive a certificate! Shadowing usually happens over 6 months.
Is the shadowing online or in person?
Mostly the scheme will be in person so you can get the most out of the shadowing. Initial introduction meetings with the young person and the Councillor can be online if you prefer.
How do I get involved?
Councillors and young people can express their interest by emailing YouthVoiceBucks@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk. There is more guidance below.
Interested in getting involved?
Here is some guidance on getting involved
- Councillors and young people can express their interest by emailing YouthVoiceBucks@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk.
Just send us an email with your name and a little bit about yourself. We would love to know why you are interested in taking part!
Please include the phrase “Councillor Shadowing” in your email subject or in the email body. - To take part, young people will need to complete a Youth Voice Bucks registration form View the Youth Voice Bucks registration form
The Councillor Shadowing Guidance Pack
Everything you need to know about the Councillor Shadowing Scheme is available in our Councillor Shadowing Guidance Pack.
You can view our Councillor Shadowing Guidance Pack and resources that go with it by clicking on the links below.
Councillor Shadowing Guidance Pack [PDF, 606KB]
Appropriate Behaviour Guidance [PDF, 276KB]
Agreeing the Terms template [word doc, 50.3KB]
Young People’s Ts&Cs [word doc, 72KB]
Activity log [word doc, 16.8KB]
Any questions?
Feel free to send any questions you have to youthvoicebucks@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.