At any level, and in any model, the emphasis must be on active participation, where believe, and have a reason to believe, that their involvement will ‘children make a difference.’ (Kirby et al 2003 p.30). The following model can help to identify what type of participation is appropriate at different times and in different contexts. It is non-hierarchical with no one type being better or worse than another. It is the context, the tasks, the decisions and the participants that determine the appropriate level. Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode 4 Mode 5 Being Consulted Representing Decision Sharing Implementing Initiating Whilst adults make Children & Children & young Children & Children & key decisions and young people people share young people people control the represent their responsibility for are given generate information that peers and decision making with responsibility project ideas children & young express the adults. The views of for a project and action all people are given, young people’s children, young and the major children & young view on an people and adults outcomes. decisions. people are asked for adult initiated are given equal Staff advise Adults are their views and issue. Adults weight. and monitor. available for these are taken take the views consultation account. Adults give into account but do not take feedback to children and give charge. & young people feedback about decisions and about decision outcomes. and actions. The B&NES participation framework is outlined in the diagram below:
At any level, and in any model, the emphasis must be on active participation, where ‘children believe, and have a reason to believe, that their involvement will make a difference.’ (Kirby et al 2003 p.30). The following model can help to identify what type of participation is appropriate at different times and in different contexts. It is non-hierarchical with no one type being better or worse than another. It is the context, the tasks, the decisions and the participants that determine the appropriate level. Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode 4 Mode 5 Being Consulted Representing Decision Sharing Implementing Initiating Whilst adults make key decisions and control the information that children & young people are given, children & young people are asked for their views and these are taken account. Adults give feedback to children & young people about decisions and outcomes. Children & young people represent their peers and express the young people’s view on an adult initiated issue. Adults take the views into account and give feedback about decision and actions. Children & young people share responsibility for decision making with adults. The views of children, young people and adults are given equal weight. Children & young people are given responsibility for a project and the outcomes. Staff advise and monitor. Children & people generate project ideas and action all major decisions. Adults are available for consultation but do not take charge. The B&NES participation framework is outlined in the diagram below:
participation_strategy_final_2014_with_annexe_1_3.docx