What is the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)? The UKYP was formed by Andrew Rowe, an MP, who realised the importance of youth participation in decision making at all levels. The UKYP aims to give the young people of the UK, between the age of 11 and 18, a voice which will be heard and listened to by local and national government., providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people. It is a national body of democratically elected young people aged 11 to 18 which has the support of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron and the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg. The UKYP is different to Government in that there are no political parties – so there is no party in power and there is no shadow cabinet. But, just like at Westminster, Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) belong to different select committees and examine important issues. For example, there’s a committee on Activities, Media and Fun and another on Education and Opportunities. The MYPs come from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and meet once a year to discuss issues they consider important. English members belong to one of nine regions while Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own forums that are affiliated to the UKYP. Each Local Education Authority (LEA) represents a UKYP constituency and 90 per cent of the LEAs across England are currently represented on the UKYP. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has one elected member on the UKYP.

What are the benefits of being a MYP? • Meeting other young people from within the Royal Borough and also through regional, national and

international networks. • Confidence building • Understanding and experience of local and national democratic structures

• Training opportunities • Access to the activities organised through the Youth Support and Development Youth Forum which

includes local, regional, national and international projects and conferences • Experience in being involved in improving local and national services for young people • Gaining recognition and accreditation that can assist with further education, training or employment.

Who supports the MYP? The MYP is supported by Annick Batimba, the participation worker within the Youth Support and Development Service (YSDS), as well as by other young people who are the members of the YSDS Youth Forum.

What would I be committing to as a MYP? As an elected MYP you would be expected to link with youth forums and school councils within RBKC so that you can represent the views of young people aged 11 – 18 who are residents of the Royal Borough. You would be expected to attend the RBKC Youth Forum regularly. The London Regional Youth Parliament meets one Saturday a month and MYPs are expected to attend. In RBKC, other members from the YSDS Youth Forum also attend for experience. The UKYP meets once a year and this is usually a residential meeting during the summer holidays. Select committees also hold residential meetings from time to time.

What attributes would I need to have as a MYP? An ability to listen and consult An ability to voice opinions and represent the views of others An ability to consider options and present these to other young people Be currently resident in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Be aged between 11 and 17 years

How do I get elected? If you want to be elected as the MYP for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, you need to complete the attached application form. Your application will need to be supported by a referee who can comment on your ability to carry out the role. This could be a teacher, youth worker, personal adviser or employer but must not be a personal relation. Your parent or guardian will also need to give permission for you to stand as the MYP for the Royal Borough. The election will take place via a poll in schools and youth centres. Your manifesto will be provided to young people in schools and youth projects for their consideration and will appear on the Royal Borough’s website for young people – KCcentral.

When is the deadline for applications? Applications must be received by Friday 18 December 2009

APPLICATION TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE UK YOUTH PARLIAMENT FOR THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Applicant (please fill in in block capitals) Personal Details Name

Date of birth

Home address

Postcode Telephone number

Email address

Please tick the box that applies to you: I am employed I am in Education/Training

I am not in Education, Training or Employment Name of School, College or Youth Organisation attended

YOUTH SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

Your Personal Manifesto Why do you believe it is important for young people to participate in decision making at a local and national level? (maximum 200 words)

What do you believe are the key issues for young people living in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea? (maximum 200 words)

YOUTH SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

Why do you believe that you would be a good candidate to be the Royal Borough’s representative for the UK Youth Parliament? (maximum 200 words)

Referee (please fill in in block capitals) Your application must be supported by a referee who is asked to provide a brief statement of support for your application in the space below:

Name of referee

Contact telephone number

How do you know the applicant?

YOUTH SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

Parents/Guardians (please �ll in in block capitals) Data Protection Notice The personal information that is provided on this form will be handled by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in accor dance with the Data Protection Ac t 1998. The information provided used for the purposes of electing a representative of the UK Youth Parliament and will only be used for these activities and related purposes. I hereby understand that any personal information co llected here will be handle d in accordance with the Data Protection notice as above. I have read the supporting information provi ded and hereby give my consent for:

Name of applicant

to stand as the Royal Borough’s representative to the UK Y outh Parliament if elected.

Your name

Contact telephone number

Date

Applicant Please get the Image Consent Form (a ttached) completed and return it with this application form and a passport photograph of yourself (with your name on the back) to: ANNICK BATIMBA (APPLICATION FOR MYP) COMMUNITY LEARNING THIRD FLOOR, 125 FRESTON ROAD, LONDON W10 6TH DEADLINE : FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER 2009

YOUTH SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE