Three learners from Guildford College have achieved a remarkable milestone after being successfully selected as Youth Commissioners for the Surrey Youth Commission on Policing and Crime.
The Surrey Youth Commission is a partnership between Leaders Unlocked and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey (OPCC). It brings together young people aged 14–25 to ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of young people across Surrey are heard – and acted upon – by Surrey Police and the OPCC.
Shianne (16), Ashely (18) and Harvey (19), who are students within the college’s Foundation and Supported Studies faculty, have now officially joined this prestigious panel of 15–20 young leaders, after going through a robust application process which included an in-depth written application form and a telephone interview.
They were all fully supported by Lifeskills Work Experience Coordinator for Activate Learning Surrey, Mitch Baker, and championed by the mainstream personal development team at Activate Learning in Surrey.
Mitch Baker said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Shianne, Ashely and Harvey. When this chance came up, they were the first people who came to mind. They all seized the opportunity and showed commitment and determination from day one of the application process.
“Being part of the Surrey Youth Commission is invaluable in helping young people build confidence, develop employability skills and recognise the real impact their voices can have, and I know they will all do a fantastic job”.
Members of the Youth Commission engage regularly with young people across the county through peer-led workshops, outreach and consultations to gather real insights on issues that matter most. Each year, these findings are presented — alongside recommendations — at the Big Conversation Conference, where senior leaders from Surrey Police, local councils and community partners listen and respond.
This year’s Youth Commission will focus on priorities shaped by young people themselves, including topics such as anti-social behaviour, hate crime, night-time safety, mental health and healthy relationships.
The Surrey Youth Commission offers participants not only a platform to influence policing and community safety in Surrey, but also valuable skills in research, communication, public speaking and community engagement — all of which will benefit these new commissioners as they represent the views of young people county-wide.
On being elected as a powerful voice for young people in Surrey, Ashely said: “I’m really looking forward to being able to give young people a voice. I was motivated to apply after encouragement from my teachers, who have always told me that I’m a natural leader.
“I hope to pursue a career in the police force, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to gain experience while making a positive difference. I want to help create a better future for young people today and for generations to come, and to show that young adults can play a positive role in shaping their communities.
“I also hope to inspire others to follow a positive path — and to make my parents proud.”
Shianne said: “I’m proud to be involved in this project and to help voice the views of young people. We need to be heard and listened to, and I’m grateful for the chance to do that.”
Harvey, 19, said: “Young people need more support and less judgement. I want to help build better relationships between young adults and the police and I’m proud that I get the opportunity to voice the opinions of my generation”.
Huge congratulations to Shianne, Ashley and Harvey on stepping into their roles as Youth Commissioners — championing the voices of young people across Surrey.