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EG-YE-03 Education & Growth Youth Empowerment CORE Excellence v2.9.7

Youth representation in organisation decision‑making

Assesses the extent to which young people have a meaningful voice and formal representation in the organization's governance and decision-making processes. It ensures their perspectives shape direction through defined voting rights or decision privileges, a tiered devolved budget, time‑bound board responses to youth recommendations, and public reporting on impact. The approach is grounded in *Shūrā* (consultation) and *Adab al-Ikhtilāf* (ethics of disagreement), ensuring participation is genuine, safe, and influential.

Good 9
  • A formal mechanism for youth consultation exists (e.g., a youth council or forum) which meets regularly (at least quarterly).
    Process Essential
  • Fallback (Observer Model): If no trustees, appoint ≥2 Youth Board Observers (speaking rights, no board vote) + co-option to committees (committee vote). Pathway to trusteeship within 12-24 months.
    Governance Essential
  • Eligibility Checks: Complete and minute age/identity/disqualification checks before appointment.
    Legal Essential
  • Terms of Reference: Board-approved ToR with election method, term limits, rotation, agenda rights, info access (redaction), budget authority, and escalation route.
    Governance Essential
  • Devolved Budget: Tiered budget (Micro: £500-2k; Small: £2k-5k; Med+: ≥1-2% or £5k) with financial controls.
    Leadership Essential
  • Board Response: Written response within 60 days (decision, rationale, resource). Extension protocol. Public log (redacted).
    Transparency Essential
  • Safeguarding Protocol: Specific governance protocol (risk assessments, chaperones, 1:1 rules, consent, confidentiality).
    Safeguarding Essential
  • Youth representatives receive training in leadership, governance, and financial literacy.
    Leadership Medium
  • Youth trustees/observers claim reasonable expenses under a written policy (CC11).
    Inclusion High
Better 4
  • Representation Target: Boards ≥8 trustees: ≥2 youth (18-29) or ≥15%. Boards ≤7: ≥1 youth trustee + 1 youth chair invited. Or 12-18 month compliance plan.
    Governance Essential
  • Diversity: Set and publish representation targets aligned to beneficiary demographics.
    Inclusion Essential
  • Youth are involved in co-creating the organization's strategy.
    Stakeholder Engagement High
  • Use Hart’s Ladder of Participation to self‑assess against tokenism.
    Stakeholder Engagement Medium
Best 2
  • Istikhlāf Pipeline: Identify 2–4 youth leaders annually for a structured pathway with named mentors.
    Leadership High
  • Publish an annual anonymised Youth Impact Statement; ensure GDPR/AADC compliance.
    Transparency High

Related Criteria

EG-YE-01 Existence of dedicated youth programs (educational, social, recreational) EG-YE-02 Availability of safe, dedicated youth space/facilities EG-YE-04 Mentoring programs specifically for youth
Version
2.9.7 2025-11-05

Discussion (1)

Administrator 2026-03-07 11:08:13.508178

📋 **Version updated: 1.0.0 → 2.9.7** **Changes:** Updated islamic_references from mizan-297.json

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