October 2025
As the 2023-2025 mandate draws to a close, our Youth Assembly Members remain as busy as ever, pushing forward initiatives and making a lasting impact.
Youth and Policing Partnership Forum
At the beginning of October, Youth Assembly Members (YAMs) attended a meeting of the Youth and Policing Partnership Forum (YAPPF) to prepare for an upcoming meeting with the PSNI.
The YAPPF is an initiative led by the Office of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) which facilitates meaningful discussion between young people and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
During the session, the group shared ideas on how the PSNI could better connect with communities through partnerships with local groups like youth and sports clubs. Young people suggested the use of online platforms and social media and recommended that starting engagement between police and young people in primary schools could help build trust from an early age.
We’re looking forward to meeting with the PSNI Assistant Chief Constable in November.
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, drops in on the YAPPF meeting, Belfast, 2 October 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Quinn
Cyber Café Event
Junior Minister Joanne Bunting, MLA (centre) with Youth Assembly Members at the Cyber Café event, Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, 8 October 2025.
Youth Assembly Members were delighted to attend the Cyber Café event at Parliament Buildings. It was a fantastic event hosted by Children in Northern Ireland in partnership with NSPCC Northern Ireland and Ofcom.
Our Members took part in lively breakout discussions with MLAs and decision makers, sharing their ideas on online safety and how to make the internet a safer space for young people. From tackling online risks to promoting digital wellbeing, their voices helped shape the conversation around online safety.
Dilapidation Bill
Youth Assembly Members met with Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, 14 October 2025
Youth Assembly Members were invited to take part in an online meeting with the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to give evidence on the Dilapidation Bill.
This important Bill gives councils more powers to deal with dangerous or poorly maintained land and buildings, ensuring the costs fall on the property owner rather than local taxpayers.
Some quotes from our Youth Assembly Members during the session:
“We want to grow up in a safe area, so this Bill would be a good thing.”
“Why should the government have the right to choose what someone does with their property?”
“Councils should consult young people about what these buildings are changed into.”
“Keep pursuing this Bill. It will be helpful and will change the vibe of towns/cities.”
During the session, Members heard from the Committee about the Bill’s purpose, and asked questions of the Committee Chair Robbie Butler MLA.
Future of CCEA Qualifications
Youth Assembly Members met online to consider their response to the DE consultation, 22 October 2025.
The Department of Education is asking for views on the future of CCEA GCSEs, AS Levels and A Levels. Our Youth Assembly Members met online to talk through the proposals together. They discussed ideas like fewer controlled assessments, new grading systems, and the possibility of a Northern Ireland Diploma. Members shared what matters most to them and what would make exams and learning fairer and less stressful. Youth Assembly Members submitted their response to the Department.
You can find more information here: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-future-ccea-qualifications
Coming up
November is shaping up to be a busy month for Youth Assembly Members old and new. Check out what’s coming up below and be sure to follow us on socials to see the action
unfold.
Saturday 1 November: Final plenary for current Members and handover to new Members.
Saturday 8 November: YAPPF meet with the PSNI.
Tuesday 11 November: Introduction meeting for new Youth Assembly Members and parents.
Thursday 20 November: World Children’s Day event with NICCY
Saturday 29 November: New Members induction event.
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