Call goes out for new Highland Youth Convener

Issued by High Life Highland

Young people of the Highlands are being invited to put themselves forward as the recruitment search begins for the unique, representative role of Highlands’ next Youth Convener.

Created in 2007 by The Highland Council, the 12-month full-time position of Highland Youth Convener continues to be instrumental in championing the causes of young people across the Highlands.

The Youth Convener will attend The Highland Council’s Education Committee. They will also work with High Life Highland’s Youth Services Team in shaping the work of the Highland Youth Parliament, as well as contributing to other initiatives that increase youth involvement, and influencing decisions which may impact young people.

Outgoing Youth Convener, Orla MacLeod explains, “This important role serves as an essential sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands, but with the added benefit of having a direct line with policymakers and decision-makers throughout the region.

“Young people involved in the Highland Youth Parliament have highlighted their priority issues, including access to services and transport, social pressures, mental health concerns and LGBT+ issues. The new Youth Convener will be the voice for young people, and engage with individuals, groups, organisations, and decision-makers to ensure the thoughts and opinions of young people are represented – from all corners of the Highlands.”

Head of Adult and Youth Services for High Life Highland Mark Richardson said, “It continues to be crucial that young people’s rights are upheld and championed by us all. This includes ensuring their voices are listened to, empowering them to express their needs, and actively participating in the development of services in our communities.

“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.”

CEO of High Life Highland, Steve Walsh said, “The role provides an outstanding opportunity for someone to be a full-time face, voice: an 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”. 

Any young person who has good community 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 more information, visit highlifehighland.org/recruitment