OYC Meeting Minutes – 06/03/2024

Pictured: Penelope, our chairThe Youth Councillor who runs the meeting, heads up the organisation and has the casting vote. Or something to sit on but probably the first one on our site :-) More (L) and Leah, our vice-chair (R) at the first meeting they are officially chairing / vice-chairing.

OLDHAMS ECONOMIC VISION (PAUL CLIFFORD)

The Director of Economy from Oldham Council, Paul Clifford, attended the meeting to present and discuss the Oldham 2030 plan with the Youth Council. The purpose was to seek insights from the youth council before finalising the plan. The economic plan, which is an extension of the Oldham economic review, aims to establish a long-term economic vision until 2030. It is structured as a three-year plan, subject to review and refreshment in 2027. The plan is overseen by the Oldham Economic Board, comprising representatives from the public sector, private sector, and individuals. Various sub-strategies are developed under the economic board, including the skills strategy and environmental strategy.

The main objectives of the plan revolve around people, place, planet, and prosperity. It aspires for Oldham to become the greenest borough in the North by 2030, with a focus on achieving Net Zero objectives. Paul emphasised the goal of achieving Net Zero status by 2030.

Paul invited questions and feedback from the youth council, particularly on leadership, the vision for Oldham as the greenest borough, the emphasis on the four Ps (people, place, planet, prosperity), and their priorities concerning the economy.

Under the “people” aspect, the plan addresses employment and skills development. The “place” aspect pertains to initiatives related to the local plan, strategic transport, and the development of new homes. Meanwhile, the “planet” aspect encompasses strategies such as the green new deal and climate change mitigation measures. Lastly, the “prosperity” aspect involves fostering social enterprises, supporting businesses, and encouraging investments.

Additionally, the youth councillors were surveyed regarding their intentions to remain in Oldham for employment opportunities, and if not, the reasons behind their decision.

OYCOldham Youth Council More SAFE SPACE (CHAIRThe Youth Councillor who runs the meeting, heads up the organisation and has the casting vote. Or something to sit on but probably the first one on our site :-) More & CHRIS)

The meeting commenced with a discussion on the concept of a safe space and the importance of showing respect to everyone. Initially, youth councillors shared their perspectives on what constitutes a safe space and affirmed that respect should be demonstrated towards everyone without exception.

Chris raised concerns regarding the conduct observed in previous meetings, highlighting instances where individuals failed to adhere to respectful behaviour. It was acknowledged that there is room for improvement in this regard.

In response, the chairThe Youth Councillor who runs the meeting, heads up the organisation and has the casting vote. Or something to sit on but probably the first one on our site :-) More facilitated a conversation aimed at establishing ground rules for conduct during meetings. A lengthy discussion ensued, focusing on strategies to promote respect and enhance overall conduct.

Various suggestions were proposed on how to foster a more respectful environment and improve conduct among participants.

The meeting concluded with a general consensus to implement the agreed-upon ground rules in future meetings.

REPRESENTATIVES ELECTIONS (CHAIRThe Youth Councillor who runs the meeting, heads up the organisation and has the casting vote. Or something to sit on but probably the first one on our site :-) More)

This aspect of the meeting was cancelled, due to the other items overrunning. This election will now happen in the next meeting, on the 20^th of March 2024. The election for officers will still occur on the original date.

EVENTS AND TRIPS (CHRIS)

• Mon 11 Mar, 6:45pm to 8:30pm, Civic Centre – Mayor’s Committee
• Thu 14 Mar, Oldham Library – Mixed Up performannce
• Wed 20 Mar meeting – representative elections for 2x GMYCAGreater Manchester Youth Combined Authority More, 2x DMYPDeputy Member of Youth Parliament – The Deputy Member of Youth Parliament is the first year of a two year role, which allows the elected members to learn about the role and step in for the MYP when needed. To be elected as DMYP, you have to be within the age bracket of 11-18, due to this role linking in with the BYC. More, alongside officer elections for economy, health, community, and communications (with deputy positions).
• A Tuesday Night in April – Police Youth Scrutiny Panel – looking at body-cam footage on stop and searches
• Fri 19 Apr to Sun 21 Apr – YoFo Resi
• Pride Parade

AOB (CHAIRThe Youth Councillor who runs the meeting, heads up the organisation and has the casting vote. Or something to sit on but probably the first one on our site :-) More)

Penelope and Leah – were wished good luck for their participation in the Green Summit, and gratitude was expressed for their valuable contributions to the discussions.

Andrew – raised concerns about the persistence of inappropriate conduct, particularly following the discussions regarding the safe space.

Peter – asked about the photographs for badges, with Chris stating he will take photos as people leave the meeting, if they are a new youth councillor, and are willing to take a photo on this day’s meeting for their ID badges.

Adam – shared updates on his marathon fundraising efforts for Mind.