Over the past five years, Professor Sloam has built extensive relations with the Greater London Authority through collaborative projects with its Education and Environment teams and youth engagement leaders in the Mayor’s Office.
Award: Residency
Academic: Prof James Sloam
Department: Politics and International Relations
Project: Turning Youth Voice into Sustainable Public Policy
Partner: Greater London Authority
Context and Underpinning Research
The critical role of youth in shaping the future of cities, especially in a dynamic and diverse metropolis like London, cannot be overstated. Professor Sloam's residency with the Greater London Authority (GLA) represents a significant step forward in integrating the voices of young Londoners into the fabric of public policy. Over the past five years, Professor Sloam has cultivated a deep relationship with the GLA, working closely with its Education and Environment teams as well as youth engagement leaders in the Mayor’s Office.
Project Overview
The core of this residency revolves around evaluating and enhancing the Mayor’s Peer Outreach Team. This evaluation, spearheaded by the Children and Families Department, aims to amplify the voices of young people and improve the quality of their interactions with GLA policymakers. The residency will enable Professor Sloam to provide expert advice on implementing the evaluation's recommendations, including staff training and the definition of a youth engagement strategy for the next Mayoral cycle.
Furthermore, the residency includes collaboration with the Democracy and Campaigns team to boost youth electoral participation, while also focusing on broader youth engagement strategies. This includes the development of 'civic mentoring' and a Handbook for Working with Children and Young People as Partners, both aimed at increasing youth voice within the organisation.
Anticipated Impact and Outcomes
The residency is expected to have a profound impact on how the GLA integrates youth perspectives into its policymaking processes. By leveraging Professor Sloam's expertise, the GLA can develop and implement policies that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of young Londoners.
The focus on crafting a comprehensive youth engagement strategy for the next Mayoral cycle, ensuring that young voices are not only heard but are influential in shaping the city's future.
The Role of Residency Funding
The residency funding provides the resources necessary for Professor Sloam to dedicate his time and expertise to the GLA, thereby ensuring that the recommendations from his research are effectively translated into action.
Next Steps: Engagement and Strategy Implementation
The immediate focus of the residency is on implementing the evaluation's recommendations and strategising for increased youth engagement for the next Mayoral cycle. Professor Sloam will work closely with various teams within the GLA to ensure that the insights from his research are effectively integrated into policy and practice.
Get Involved
We invite everyone interested in the role of youth in public policy and the future of London to follow this exciting work. The aim is to ensure the voices of young Londoners are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking London.
