PCC looks to recruit fresh faces to the Youth Commission

THE OPCC in partnership with Leaders Unlocked is looking for new recruits to take part in the Youth Commission.

The commission enables young people to support, challenge and inform the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Cleveland.

The project gives young people the chance to have their say about policing and crime in their area.

It also gives them the opportunity to meet new people and learn valuable life skills.

Youth commissioners must be aged 14-25 and live in the four boroughs, which make up the Cleveland Force area – that is, Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.

This year’s recruitment closes on 27 July with the first two Youth Commission sessions taking place on Friday 13 August and Saturday 11 September 2021.

All sessions are tailored to fit around school, college and work commitments and will take place online until the Government fully relaxes COVID restrictions.

To be a Youth Commissioner, you must be team player with a commitment to the project, to attend session and be willing to take part in all activities.

The Youth Commission aims to recruit a diverse group of young people, who broadly reflect the make-up of the local population.

Projects for this year’s Youth Commissioners are likely to include work on:

The tree of life project relating to mental health issues
Scrutiny of the police’s use of stop and search
Taking forward recommendations made by last year’s Youth Commission with staff from Cleveland Police and OPCC
Scrutiny of ethics

Steve Turner, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, said “I am passionate about giving young people a voice across Cleveland.

“We need to showcase the positive and amazing work that young people do each day in our area and stop focusing on the minority who behave anti-socially.

“I am really looking forward to honest conversations and challenges from the Youth Commission over the next year and beyond”

Youth Commissioner Nieve Rusby said: “Being in the Youth Commission has been great work experience and has helped me decide that policing is what I want to do as a career.”

Benefits

There are a number of benefits for young people, who take part in the Youth Commission. These include:

The Chance to discuss issues with the PCC, police and key partners and help them understand what young people think about policing and crime.

The opportunity to develop valuable skills and experience, which look good on a CV. They can be used for job applications as well as applications for further or higher education;
Giving a voice to young people in Cleveland by representing them and helping to get their views heard.
The chance to meet a wide range of new people and work with professionals from different organisations.

Kaytea Budd-Brophy, Senior Manager at Leaders Unlocked, said: “Young people are our future leaders and this project enables young people from across Cleveland the chance to have their say on key issues that matters to them!

“The Youth Commission is a peer-led project that provides a platform for young people to be heard, influence decision making and make a difference to the community.”