Executive Summary
The Wiltshire Youth Advisory Group (WYAG) is made up of passionate young people committed to exploring issues around policing and crime in Wiltshire and Swindon. Their insights are highly valued by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who uses their perspectives to inform strategic decisions within his team.
To date, the project has engaged up to 30 young people, marking real progress in expanding youth participation in public safety across the county.
Introduction
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon oversees Wiltshire Police, ensures effective policing, and commissions initiatives that support community safety and victims of crime.
Situation Analysis
The group co-created a survey on crime and vulnerability in Wiltshire. While the results are still being analysed, early findings show that drugs and gangs are seen as key drivers of crime in the area. Further insights from the survey will support the PCC and his team in keeping young people safe.
Additionally, gaps have been identified in southern Wiltshire, where fewer young people are engaging with the project. This is most likely because WYAG members are based in Swindon.
Menu of Opportunities
The group plans to increase outreach in the South to close this gap. One solution involves members travelling to those areas and encouraging local young people to complete the survey. This will help capture a more representative picture of youth perspectives on crime and community safety across Wiltshire.
Implementation
Description of the actions taken to enhance engagement and participation.
Audience Focus:
Staff Team
Emma-Jane previously led the WYAG project but it has since been handed over to Jessica. Temi provides occasional support and brings consistency, acting as a familiar face for the young people during group activities and events.
Young People
- Group members created their own surveys
- Co-produced a peer-focused presentation on crime and vulnerability
- Hosted a Listening Lab to engage directly with local decision-makers.
Challenges and Solutions
A key challenge for the group is recruiting and retaining new members, especially during exam periods. To address this, the team plans to keep recruiting regularly throughout the year to encourage steady uptake and involvement.
Outcomes and Impact
Fifteen young people from the Youth Advisory Group have actively contributed to key initiatives, including:
Delivering a presentation at the Royal Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Community Safety Forum
Hosting a Listening Lab
Engaging in direct discussions with the Police and Crime Commissioner
These activities have helped amplify youth voice in community safety and inspired participants to continue contributing to positive change in Wiltshire’s approach to crime and policing.
Lessons Learned
- Young people leading the co-design of surveys and presentations was effective
- The Listening Lab worked well as a youth-led space to engage with adults in power
- Engagement may improve further if existing members are encouraged to invite their peers to sessions and events.
Testimonial
“Jessica is outstanding. She has been really good. I very much hope that she stays with the project because maintaining that consistent relationship with young people is really important… Participation People would appear right now to be doing an outstanding job. If they continue to do so, then I would recommend them to other people. But it is a very competitive market, and I will need to see consistent performance over time.”
— Philip Wilkinson, Police & Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire & Swindon
