Oxford teenager elected to national leadership board

Katie Nellist, from Oxford, will serve a two-year term on the first-ever Executive Board of Youth Council UK (YCUK), a new democratic platform.

The board will represent young people across the UK, Crown Dependencies, and Overseas Territories.

Ms Nellist said: “I am very honoured to have been elected to the Executive Board for Youth Council UK and I am so thankful for this opportunity.

“I am very passionate about reforming the SEND and education systems to make sure that all young people can access an education and I will do my best to represent all young people so that every young person can have a voice and get involved in issues they care about.”

She is one of 19 young people, aged 16 to 25, elected to lead YCUK.

The board will represent young people from more than 200 youth organisations, which work with an estimated 7.8 million young people.

Their role will include influencing decision-makers at all levels, supporting collaboration in the youth sector, and building a national platform rooted in grassroots voices.

Ms Nellist will work with members to agree on initial priorities. A non-voting Support Board of sector experts will also be established to mentor and advise the young leaders as the organisation develops.