About this resource
Since January 2025, the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) has been listening to what makes youth  engagement meaningful in health systems. We have heard many examples which demonstrated the diversity of good practice.  This document brings together practical learning and inspiration from across England, grounded in real-world examples from Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), NHS providers, VCSE organisations and community partners.
It is written for people delivering and commissioning work within health systems who want to centre children and young people’s (CYP) voices and create visible, lasting change; and not through one-off consultations, but through sustained relationships, shared power and routes to influence.