Services for Young People is currently exploring building on its existing 'voice of young people' opportunities by enabling young people in Hertfordshire to participate in the UK Youth Parliament.
Participation in the UK Youth Parliament would provide Hertfordshire’s young people with a national platform to influence change, complementing and enhancing the existing Hertfordshire-wide youth councils.
What is the UK Youth Parliament?
Established 25 years ago, the UK Youth Parliament is a national initiative that empowers over 300 young people aged 11 to 18 to represent their peers and influence social and political change. Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and delivered by the National Youth Agency (NYA), the programme is supported by regional and national partners across the UK. Oversight is provided by a Youth Steering Group.
What does a Member of the UK Youth Parliament do?
The most important aspect of the role of a Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) is to represent the views of young people in their constituency. As part of the democratic programme, MYPs are expected to:
- Actively engage with young people in their area
- Support the voice of young people and advocate for their priorities to ensure they are listened to by decision makers
- Report back regularly to their constituents on progress and activities
MYPs participate in:
- Regional roundtable events
- The Make Your Mark national ballot, gathering views of young people from across the UK
- Local, regional, and national campaigning
- Engagement with their local schools and communities to promote democratic participation
Who can become a Member of the UK Youth Parliament?
To stand in the election and become an MYP, young people must:
- Be aged 11–18
- Live, work, be educated, or volunteer in the area they wish to represent
How long is the term?
MYPs serve for two years: the term of office will run from 1st April to 31st March every two years.
Constituencies
The UK Youth Parliament defines constituency boundaries as county councils, unitary authorities, metropolitan councils, or London boroughs. Based on the current ratio of one MYP per 20,700 young people (aged 11–18), Hertfordshire would be eligible for seven UK Youth Parliament seats.
Voting
It is proposed that voting will take place via ballot boxes in all secondary schools in Hertfordshire, with an online voting option also available.
Timeline
The proposed timeline for implementation is:
October–December 2025
- Promotion to secondary schools across Hertfordshire
- Young people submit expressions of interest by Friday 19th December 2025
- Information events and introductory meetings to explain the MYP role and election process
January–March 2026
- Supporting candidates to develop their manifestos
March–April 2026
- Voting period
- MYPs selected based on highest votes within their (to be defined) constituency areas
- Results announced via the Services for Young People website and district communications
Want to find out more?
To express your interest in becoming an MYP, please complete the form below by Friday 19th December 2025. A Services for Young People Youth Worker will then contact you and invite you to an information event taking place later in the year where you will find out more about the role and responsibilities of an MYP and how to stand for election.
