Do you think your voice deserves to be heard by government ministers on matters of policy-making?
Do you believe more young people’s views need to be represented?
At Shout Out UK, we do.
That’s why we have teamed up with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to convene a Youth Policy Development Group (YPDG), responsible for representing and articulating the voice of England’s Youth to politicians at the highest levels of government, in order to mainstream the youth voice across all national decisions.
Check out some of our YPDG members:
A Group of Policy-Making Specialists
As part of a diverse 30-member team, the YPDG devises extensive policy briefs in specific topic areas, and presents these directly to government ministers. Throughout the six month process, they are guided and upskilled via monthly training sessions organised by Shout Out UK. These sessions provide the Group with the necessary skills to debate, create and present policy briefs to real-world policy-makers.

Shaping Government Policy NOW.
The YPDG conducted their fifth Roundtable with senior policy-makers from Defra and the Minister for Agri-Innovation and Climate Adaptation, on the 27th of April. They presented and discussed their policy recommendations on gene modification, including the benefits and risks of using gene modification in our food systems.
The next roundtable, covering issues related to mental health, will take place on the 6th of June.
Previous Roundtables
Have Your Say on Government Policy with the YPDG
Answer the questions by clicking the button above, and the YPDG will make sure to articulate YOUR ideas directly to government officials in the next roundtable discussion.
If you have any questions about the survey or the YPDG programme as a whole, please email spencer@shoutoutuk.org.
Testimonials from YPDG Members
“My time as a YPDG member has been excellent so far. The role has allowed me to advance my communication and public speaking skills as well as learn the fundamentals of government policy. Discussing and engaging with a diverse range of topics has been the best part of this experience. You learn and develop a new life skill with every session.”
– Kyrenia
“The YPDG is an amazing experience that has allowed me to make friendships with other likeminded young people whilst also giving us the opportunity to have our voices heard at the top levels of Parliament.”
– Lauren
“The YPDG is one of the few avenues I feel I have really been able to get my voice heard as a young person. It is essential that there are programs like this for the youth and I’m grateful to be a part of such a diverse, friendly and hardworking group.”
– Charlie
“The YPDG has been a really great experience so far. It’s been a fantastic way to learn more about important issues and have a chance to share my views with genuinely important decision makers. And along the way I’ve met some really inspirational young people.”
– Laurence
“The YPDG is so much more than I could have possibly imagined. All expectations were exceeded in just the first session. I now feel more confident and experienced in terms of my future career!”
– Adrianna
“The YPDG has given me the opportunity to really have my voice heard and help to make sure young people are listened too. I’ve also learnt so much about so many things and met some amazing people!”
– Maddie
“I’ve found working with the YPDG to be really interesting, it’s all very relaxed and doesn’t feel intimidating at all, it’s so cool to know that we’re making a difference.”
– Libi
“The YPDG has given me the opportunity to travel across the country for meetings and be exposed to new avenues for youth engagement, such as through my new position on the #iwill Fund’s Leadership Board and Advisory Panel.”
– Jemima
“I’m immensely grateful for the YPDG and everyone involved, for having shared with me the skills needed to effectively advocate and enact change for my fellow peers.”
– Inaam
“Shout Out UK has been really accommodating in regards to attendance for the meetings as I have had to participate via Zoom or for less than full session. This was really nice to see as it showed me that me and my peers who I represent have valued opinions that matter. Plus with all the extra opportunities that have been offered alongside the YPDG I have managed to expand my range of skills and develop my public speaking which is something I have wanted to do for a while. All in all it’s been a wonderful experience and I would do it again in an instant!”
– Hannah
Thank you to our wonderful partners!
(September 2021 – April 2022)





April 2022 – Present

