Young people invited to apply for ‘unique and important’ role of Highland Youth Convener with Highland Council

Young people of the Highlands are being invited to put themselves forward for the “unique and important” role of Highland Youth Convener.

Recruitment is now under way as Highland Council seek to appoint a young person to the 12-month full-time position, which the local authority say “continues to be instrumental in championing the causes of young people across the Highlands.”

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Young applicants sought for 'unique' Youth Convener role

The region’s new Youth Convener will attend meetings of Highland Council’s education committee, while also working with the youth service team in shaping the work of the Highland Youth Parliament.

Duties will also include contributing to other initiatives that increase youth involvement, and influence decisions which may impact young people.

Last September, Lauren McKittrick from Inverness became the 16th young person to take up the role since its creation by Highland Council in 2007.

Ms McKittrick explains: “The Highland Youth Convener role is as important as it is unique. It creates a vital and direct relationship between young people in the Highlands and those who have the ability to make change.

“To engage with the Highlands’ young people and represent their interests to senior officials and community planning partners offers a great deal of satisfaction, and I would encourage any enthusiastic young person who seeks to champion the voice of young people to take up this opportunity.”

Assistant chief executive of people, Kate Lackie said: “The role provides an outstanding opportunity for someone to be a full-time face, voice and influencer.

“The Youth Convenor creates links between young people services and service-providers; and plays a pivotal role in connecting those very important local youth voices on the issues that matter in young people’s lives with decision makers at regional level.”

Principal adult and youth services manager, Mark Richardson said: “Young people’s rights must be upheld and championed by us all. This work includes ensuring that their voices are listened to, have influence, and contribute to positive change on the issues that matter to them.

“The Youth Convener role represents a platform for the voices of young people to be heard within our democratic structures, including at the Highland Council’s Education Committee and in the development of services in our communities.”

Any young person who has good communication skills, a strong awareness of issues affecting young people, an ability to represent those views and who can work with a wide range of people and organisations is being invited to apply for the position.

For applications visit myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/highland-youth-convener-highland-wide-fixed-term-12-months-418185

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