Claiming Space at the Table: Youth Voices in Governance

Welcome back to Voices in Action, a podcast from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-produced with Be the change. Media Network. In this episode, host Lily Mott explores what it really means for young people to take on leadership roles in governance, as equal, trusted decision-makers shaping strategy and funding at The National Lottery Community Fund. Lily is joined by four inspiring guests who sit on the Fund’s country committees across the UK. Holly Hendrie is a Scotland Committee Member, Callum Bruce-Phillips sits on the Wales Committee, Caolan McKiernan is a Northern Ireland Committee Member, and Millie Downes sits on the England Committee. Each brings their own professional and lived experience into governance spaces, from youth work and community development to arts, culture, and local government. Together, they discuss what country committees do, how they achieved their roles, and what it’s like to help decide how funding strategy and priorities are shaped. They reflect on the importance of preparation and support through the Young Trustees Movement, and the value of project site visits to ground governance in real community impact. The conversation also explores some of the challenges they've faced – including assumptions about having to “represent all young people,” navigating power dynamics, and what governance spaces can get wrong when involving young people in leadership. The guests share why access, support, and a genuine willingness to share power are essential for making youth participation in governance meaningful and effective. This episode is a powerful look at what happens when young people are not just consulted, but trusted with influence, and why opening up governance spaces leads to better lives in communities across the UK. For more information about: The National Lottery Community Fund: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk The National Lottery Community Fund’s Approach to Youth Voice: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/from-decision-making-to-culture-change-developing-our-approach-to-youth-voice Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/ Follow The National Lottery Community Fund on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn. Subscribe to this podcast and join us for more stories of youth-led change, community, and the power of social action.