The University of Northampton has become the first university in the UK to sign the Power of Youth Charter, reinforcing its commitment to empowering young people to shape decisions, influence change and make a positive impact within their communities.
The landmark signing took place at the SPARK Student Awards on Wednesday 1 July, where around 60 pupils from seven Northamptonshire primary schools gathered to celebrate the success of projects inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Developed by the #iWill movement and supported by more than 400 organisations nationwide, including NHS England and the Premier League, the Power of Youth Charter is a national call to action that places young people at the heart of decision-making.
Signatories commit to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute their ideas, develop leadership skills and drive positive social change.
By becoming the first higher education institution to sign the Charter, the University of Northampton is a leading voice in championing youth voice and participation, while strengthening its long-standing commitment to social impact across Northamptonshire.
As part of the Charter, the University has made a number of pledges, including to:
- Continue working with local partners to maintain Northamptonshire as a Place of Social Action.
- Provide local young people with a voice on its Social Impact Board.
- Showcase youth-led projects through university communications, open days and community events.
- Celebrate and recognise the positive contributions young people make to their local communities as part of its wider Social Impact agenda.
These commitments build on the University’s existing work to amplify youth voice through outreach programmes, community partnerships and events such as STEAM and the Northants Career Expo. The University will also continue to create opportunities for young people to engage with activities and initiatives at its Waterside Campus.
The signing reflects the University’s broader mission to work alongside local communities to create positive social change and ensure that young people are not only heard – but actively involved in shaping the future of their region.
Following the signing, University of Northampton Vice Chancellor Professor Anne-Marie Kilday said: “We are incredibly proud to be the first university in the UK to sign the Power of Youth Charter.
“For us, the Power of Youth is about participation, empowerment and recognising the valuable perspectives that young people bring to conversations about place, identity and the future of Northamptonshire.
“At the University of Northampton, social impact is at the heart of everything we do. By signing this Charter, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that young people have a meaningful voice, influence the decisions that affect them and are supported to create the change they want to see in their communities.”
Volunteering Matters’ Place Partnerships Manager, Faye Lacy, adds: “It was an honour to be invited to University of Northampton to be a part of signing the Power of Youth Charter.
“Witnessing it during the Spark Student Awards highlighted just how much the University values the contribution of young people, no matter what their age. Working with the University of Northampton and the Student Union has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to being part of the journey going forwards.”