I have had such an amazing time on the board of the British Youth Council and I think charities that deal with young people should always have young people guiding them on the board or in an advisory role. It would be better, especially for youth organisations and the young people they deal with, if they are really listening to what young people think. All charities that deal with young people should have at least one young person on their board to advise the charity.
I started as a trustee when I was 17 and I was given exactly the same amount of responsibility, respect and empowerment as any other trustee. This has helped me improve my confidence. The skills I have gained through experiences such as going to parliament and meeting ministers to looking at accounts and interviewing new trustees have been hugely beneficial. For the British Youth Council, having young people on the board helps us know what the real issues are and make sure what we are doing is right to tackle them.
Josh is trustee director of the British Youth Council
Do you know a child or young person who could tell adults a thing or two? Email janaki.mahadevan@haymarket.com or call her on 020 8267 4721
