The Youth Charter sets out what young people should expect from the Connexions service. It outlines the importance of how Connexions should be delivered to you, the ways you can help to shape Connexions and the rights and responsibilities you have. There are 9 sections to the Charter covering the key priorities identified by young people, these are:
1. Support and Guidance
The Connexions service will work hard at all times to:
- help you if you are facing difficulties and need help and support from others.
- help you to contact and seek support from other agencies and organisations.
- provide you with support and guidance in an open, friendly, trustworthy and understanding way.
assure you that all relationships are built in a positive and reliable way.
- treat you as an individual - everyone has different strengths and needs.
2. Trust & Confidentiality
The Connexions service recognizes that:
- trust has to be earned by both partners.
- positive relationships are built on trust.
- all information you receive is in your best interests.
- information given to Connexions will not be shared outside the service unless we think that the young person or someone else referred to in the information is in danger or at risk of serious harm.
3. Information
The Connexions service will always provide information which is:
- correct and covers all issues that affect young people so you can make your own informed choices.
- available to you when you need it, now or in the future.
- available in a language and ways that you can understand.
4. Equal Opportunities
The Connexions service will make sure that:
- you have the right to express your opinion.
- we listen to you no matter what your age, gender, disabilities, religion, culture, race, or sexuality.
- we recognise you as an individual.
- the service is available to you in an understandable language.
- we work with you to overcome any difficulties you may have getting support.
5. Ownership
- You will feel that it is your Connexions service if:
- you are encouraged to express your opinions and reach decisions which everyone can agree on.
- you have the right to be involved in all aspects of the service.
- you are involved in the business plan, staff recruitment and marketing.
- you have the chance to express your views.
- you are consulted on developing and running the service.
6. Safety
- Connexions service will work hard to make sure that:
- you are free from harm, abuse or neglect.
- you will be free from discrimination and exploitation.
- you have the ability to voice your opinions without fear.
- you are aware that you have the right to be protected under international law.
7. Access
Connexions service will ensure that:
- our services will be made available through schools, youth clubs, colleges, in the community, and in workplaces.
- it is available to you at times that suit your needs.
- you will feel safe and comfortable when using the Connexions service.
8. Involvement
Connexions service will make sure that:
- you are involved in the planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the service.
- we all work together with different agencies and services
we offer you support and guidance.
- we listen to your comments, suggestions and complaints; you are taken seriously at all times.
9. Respect
Connexions service recognises that:
- we should always respect each other.
- we should respect different surroundings and opinions.
- respect is a two way process.
- respect has to be earned.
Download a version of the Youth Charter:
Fortune Teller fun version (pdf document)