The Youth Voice Census opens on 23 March. As you work closely with young people, we wanted to make sure you were aware and had the opportunity to support participation. As a Combined Authority, we are sponsoring this year’s Census to ensure that the voices of young people across West Yorkshire are heard, represented, and used to influence meaningful change to shape policy, programmes, and support systems.

The Youth Voice Census, led by Youth Employment UK, is a national annual survey that gives young people, aged between 11 and 30, the opportunity to share their views on education, training, work, wellbeing, and the support they receive. It is one of the most significant platforms for capturing what young people are experiencing right now and highlighting the issues that matter most to them.

Why it’s important to encourage participation:

• Amplifies young people’s experiences – ensuring their voices directly inform policy, services, and youth-focused programmes.
• Strengthens local insight – results help identify challenges and opportunities within your area or service.
• Influences national change – data from the Census shapes the work of organisations, funders, and decision‑makers across the country.
• Accessible and quick to complete – the survey is designed to be user-friendly, taking most young people around 10–15 minutes.

 We would be grateful if you could support by:

• Sharing the survey link with the young people you engage with.
• Promoting it through your newsletters, social media, or youth groups.
• Encouraging staff to support young people to complete it where appropriate.
• Offer opportunities to young people to complete the survey

Youth Employment UK have a number of resources available to support you, including posters, social media assets and lesson / session plans. You can find them