We have worked with our Youth Advisory Board to develop how we will demonstrate to young people our values in practice.
1. We are child and young person centred
We always ask children and young people what they want us to do engaging them at all levels of our work. Children and young people’s views, needs, wishes, and experiences are central to shaping our learning and how we develop our work. We are ambitious for children and young people, empowering them to be the driving seat of positive change in their own lives, in the care system and in society.
For the children and young people we work with this means:
- We will put you at the heart of what we do.
- We will ask you what we could do better, listen to your answers and always tell you what we have done and why.
- We believe you can shine and be the best you can be. We will do everthing we can to achieve this with you.
2. We are committed
We make sure young voices are heard and acted on. We always work to make life better for children and young people informed and led by their voices and lived experience.
We are tenacious and passionate champions of children’s rights, who are not distracted in our determination to do the right thing for children and young people.
For the children and young people we work with this means:
- We will listen to what you want and take action based on what you say.
- We will make sure you know your rights and work with you to make sure you get the support you should be getting.
- We will only take action if you agree to it (unless you or someone else is in danger).
- We will always support you in putting your view across even if other’s don’t agree.
3. We are reliable
We are bravely committed to getting the best outcomes for the children and young people we work with. We act with integrity and are honest and open in our communications. We always do what we say we will or tell you when we cannot and explain why.
For the children and young people we work with this means:
- We will always be honest and explain things clearly to you, so you know what is happening and there are no surprises.
- We will contact you when we say we will.
- We will do what we say we are going to do and if something promised can’t happen, we will explain why.
4. We are respectful
We are kind, approachable, and respectful with children and young people, professionals, and colleagues. We listen without judgement, treat people as individuals and work at their pace. We recognise each person, celebrate differences, and value working collaboratively to hear lesser-heard voices and bring about positive change for children and young people.
For the children and young people we work with this means:
- You will always be treated with kindness, respect, and understanding when you talk to us.
- We will support you to share your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
- We will make sure everyone feels included, respected, and heard and if you don’t we will listen and take action to make sure you do.
- We will follow your lead and respect your wishes if you don’t want to talk right now.
5. We are curious and courageous
We always seek to learn more and to do better. We ask open questions and actively look for new, innovative solutions and improvements. We are courageous in exploring difficult or complex issues and tenacious in challenging the status quo. We don’t limit the ideas or aspirations we have. We create opportunities for children and young people to shine.
For the children and young people we work with this means:
- We are keen to learn from you so we can provide you with the best support.
- We will create an environment were we will listen to you and have open and honest conversations, where your thoughts, ideas, and experiences always matter.
- We will celebrate your successes and help you build skills that will be useful for your future.
6. We are credible
We put children and young people experienced and knowledge at the heart of what we do and our expertise, knowledge and skills to amplify their voices. We are independent and our integrity is critical to ensuring we have positive, productive and long-term relationships.
For the children and young people we work with this means:
- We will clearly explain what confidentiality means and what can and can’t be kept private.
- You can rely on us to listen to you, do the right thing, and always act in to support you.
- We will value our relationships with you.
- We will never share information about you without your permission (unless you or someone else are in danger)
- We will will always put your safety first, believe what you are saying and take action if you are not safe.
June 2025