Herefordshire Council has formally adopted a new Child Friendly Herefordshire policy, marking a significant step in its commitment to placing children and young people at the heart of local decision-making.
The policy, approved unanimously at the council meeting on Friday 10 October, embeds the principle that every child and young person in Herefordshire deserves to be safe, loved, heard, and supported to reach their full potential.
The policy outlines key commitments, including:
- To adopt a formal policy of Child Friendly Herefordshire, embedding the principle of putting children and young people’s safety and wellbeing at the heart of all decisions.
- To ensure children and young people have meaningful opportunities to shape decisions that affect them, both now and in the future.
- To ask the executive to work with partners across public services, schools, health, business, transport, community groups, and voluntary organisations to create a county-wide partnership for Child Friendly Herefordshire.
- To ask the Leader to report annually to Council on progress towards making Herefordshire a county where children and young people thrive.
The motion was presented by Councillor Toni Fagan, Chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, who said:
“I’m delighted that Council has unanimously approved the adoption of the Child Friendly Herefordshire policy. This reflects the council’s aim to make Herefordshire a county where all children and young people can thrive, and the approval means we will formally join other child friendly communities across the UK.”
Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added:
“I welcome the adoption of Child Friendly Herefordshire. This important policy aligns with the objectives of our Council Plan and our Children’s Strategic Plan. The policy extends the commitment from all those representing, working and leading services, to create opportunities to engage and understand the views and experiences of being a child and young person growing up in Herefordshire. We are committed to ensuring our children and young people feel seen, heard and valued as residents of our county.”
A full copy of the Child Friendly Herefordshire motion (See Motion 1) can be viewed on the council website.