The Young People’s Race Inclusion Forum was set up by Hertfordshire Constabulary in partnership with Services for Young People to give young Black people aged 14–18 the opportunity to influence, scrutinise and shape policing in Hertfordshire by sharing their lived experiences and perspectives.
The forum is part of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s response to the National Police Race Action Plan (PRAP), specifically Pillar 3: Trust and Reconciliation. It builds on the success of the Adult Race Inclusion Board by offering meaningful youth-led scrutiny and oversight.
Services for Young People plays a vital role in delivering the forum by:
- Hosting sessions in local young people’s centres
- Providing qualified and experienced Youth Workers to help the young people have their say
- Supporting safeguarding, inclusion and accessibility
- Acting as a bridge between young people and policing partners
The partnership ensures the forum remains young people centred, supportive and empowering.
Why the Young People’s Race Inclusion Forum matters
Young people bring unique insight into how policing is experienced within their communities. Through the Young People’s Race Inclusion Forum members can:
- Have their voices heard directly by senior leaders in policing
- Contribute to improving trust and confidence between young people and the police
- Influence real change in local policing practice
- Gain skills, confidence and experience in civic participation
Feedback from the forum is actively fed into the Hertfordshire Constabulary governance and scrutiny processes to inform future decision making.
Who can take part
To be eligible to join, young people must
- Be aged 14–18
- Identify as Black, in line with the strategic aims of the Police Race Action Plan
- Be residents or students in Hertfordshire
Participation is voluntary, inclusive and supportive. All young people have an equal voice within the forum and are supported throughout by qualified Services for Young People Youth Workers.
How the forum works
The sessions are delivered in local young people centres, but meetings can be joined online if attending in person is not possible. There are 2–3 meetings per school term which last up to two hours. Youth Workers attend every session to provide support and ensure young people’s wellbeing
Each session focuses on a different policing theme and often includes guest speakers from across Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Spaces are limited to ensure meaningful participation.
Topics explored
Forum sessions are shaped by both young people and policing priorities. Topics covered so far include:
- Stop and search
- Recruitment and representation
- Communications and Police Cadets
- Missing people
- Antiracism and racism in policing
- Use of force scrutiny
- Adultification, bias and child exploitation
Young people may review real world case material, such as anonymised stop and search grounds or body worn video footage, with appropriate consent and safeguarding in place.
What young people gain
- Certificates of participation
- Recognition for civic contribution
- Opportunities for references to support education, employment or volunteering
- Increased confidence and understanding of democratic processes
- A safe space to discuss and challenge issues that matter to them
How to get involved
Parents, carers and young people can register their interest by completing the Race Inclusion Forums Registration Form.
Once registered families will receive further information and there will be opportunities to ask questions. Consent arrangements will be clearly explained.
