The hunt is on to find youth councillors

Derbyshire Youth Council is made up of 57 young people between the ages of 11 and 17. Youth councillors are elected from across the county and get to have a say about things affecting young people.

Derbyshire County Council is looking for young people who think they have what it takes to get involved and stand for election.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said:

“The Big Vote is a really important thing for young people to get involved in.

It’s essential for young people to be able to have their say about the things that affect them and their friends.

Our fantastic youth councillors get to make decisions about services designed for them whilst gaining skills and experiences and having a bit of fun along the way too.

So I would urge anyone who’s keen to have a say, to stand for election and help make a difference.”

Youth councillors hold a two year ‘term of office’ and attend around six conferences a year in Matlock or Chesterfield.

A great youth councillor needs to:

* Want to make a difference

* Care about things that affect young people

* Be a good listener

* Want to represent their fellow students

* Be prepared to give their time and effort.

Young people interested in standing for election can pick up a nomination form in school or download it at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/bigvote

Nomination forms need to be completed by 12 February 2014. Young people will then be given the chance to vote for who they would like to be elected.

The new youth council will be announced on 20 March at County Hall in Matlock.

Anyone interested in the Big Vote can join in the conversation on Twitter by following @BigVoteDerbys and using #bigvote. Or for more information email [email protected]