The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has become the first government department to sign the Power of Youth Charter, a national initiative backed by more than 400 organisations that aims to give young people a stronger voice in decision-making.

The commitment will give young people a direct role in shaping the government’s £500 million National Youth Strategy, including influencing funding decisions, programme design and evaluation, as well as helping to hold government to account through an annual hearing.

DCMS will also offer shadowing opportunities within policy teams, giving young people greater insight into how government works and how policy is developed.

The move builds on consultation with more than 14,000 young people that informed the National Youth Strategy, the first cross-government youth strategy for England in 15 years.

Youth Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Since we began developing the National Youth Strategy, young people have told us clearly what they need: real opportunities, spaces to connect with each other and trusted adults, and their voices heard in government. This charter gives young people that voice.”