Frequently Asked
Questions
What are the key dates?
- Nominations close: Wednesday 28 September
- Nominee training: Saturday 1 October (all day, Newham Dockside,
Beckton)
- Nominee training: Saturday 8 October (all day, Newham Dockside,
Beckton)
- Nominee training: Saturday 15 October (all day, Newham
Dockside, Beckton
- Campaigning period: Monday 17 October - Tuesday 1 November
- Voting: Wednesday 2 November
- Count and result: Thursday 3 November (from 7pm, Newham Town
Hall)
What must I do to stand for election?
To be a candidate for Young Mayor of Newham you must:
- Be aged 14 to 18 on the final day of polling; Wednesday 2
November 2011
- Attend at both the Nominees' training days; Saturday 1, 8, 15
October
- Complete the online registration form prior to 28
September.
- Download and complete part two of the nomination form and bring
along to the first nominee training day on Saturday 1
October
How long is the Young Mayor elected for?
The Young Mayor is elected for one year; the term of office runs
from October to October each year and the Young Mayor cannot be
elected for more than one term, consecutively or otherwise. When
you have completed your year in office we will advise you on
finding further opportunities to develop your interests and use the
new skills you have gained as Young Mayor.
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How long are Youth Councillors elected for?
Youth Councillors are elected for a single year, but can be
re-elected. There is a two year term limit on nominees to the Youth
Council (e.g. from schools, college, area organisations, special
interest groups). There are no term limits on Youth Councillors
elected via the annual borough-wide Young Mayor of Newham
contest.
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What is the time commitment?
The Young Mayor should expect to spend on average two evenings a
week on the role - but this could include occasional weekends
and/or meetings during the day (which fits with your
timetable).
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Can I have a part time job while I am Young Mayor?
Yes, but it is important to make sure that you have the time and
energy to commit to this important role - and make sure you have
can balance your time effectively.
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Do I get paid?
No. The Young Mayor and Youth Council do not get paid - but you
will receive travel expenses and reasonable refreshments when
undertaking business as Young Mayor or on behalf of the Youth
Council.
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Will I be required to work late?
There will be occasional late evenings, but we will work with
you to fit these in around your timetable. Sometimes you may get to
travel further afield to conferences and events representing the
young people of Newham.
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How is the Youth Council comprised?
The Youth Council is made up of the Young Mayor, the Deputy
Young Mayor and other Youth Councillors. Some Youth Councillors are
elected as runners-up in the annual Young Mayor election - plus
nominees elected from school councils and special interest
groups.
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How much work is involved?
The role Young Mayor of Newham is a serious job - there are a
huge number of opportunities to change the lives of young people in
Newham for the better. Typical responsibilities include, attending
meetings and events, planning Youth Council agendas, working on
local campaigns, media appearances, interviews and speeches.
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What kind of support will I get as Young
Mayor?
You will be supported by a member of staff from the council who
will assist you throughout your year in office and provide you with
support at events. They will also help you to write speeches and
articles for the media and work with you to plan your year and your
priority work areas. There is also support for the Youth Council to
help them campaign on local issues - and to ensure they are
involved and can make change happen too.
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What will I get at the end of it?
Most importantly, you will be able to look back upon your year
in office and know that you changed the lives of local young people
for the better. There are so many opportunities to make a
difference; campaigning for change, lobbying local politicians and
making sure that the council is spending money on local young
people the way young people want it to be spent.
The Mayor Sir Robin Wales will write and sign a personal thank you
letter to the Young Mayor and every member of the Youth Council
which lists their achievements during the course of their year in
office. Occasionally services or other organisations conducting
consultations or questionnaires may pass on letters of thanks,
memorabilia or small amounts of money in the form of vouchers which
are given to the whole Youth Council at the end of the year.
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What opportunities are there to influence young people's lives?
The Young Mayor and Youth Council have real power and influence
over local services. They are responsible for distributing over
£1.5m of money from the Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds.
This money is spent on local activities and facilities for Newham's
young people. The Young Mayor also has a specific local fund of
£25,000 to distribute locally; initiating new projects,
strengthening existing work or doing something completely unique
for local young people
The Young Mayor and Youth Council will have the opportunity to
influence council services - from how we provide services at our
front offices, through sport and culture service to helping to set
our objectives for our work with children and young people. The
Young Mayor and Youth Council are involved in the Council's
Scrutiny processes - choosing topics and service areas to examine
in more detail; making sure that they best serve the needs of local
young people.
Other opportunities include the chance to campaign on issues which
can change young people's lives; in this first year the Young Mayor
and Youth Council decided that tackling youth on youth crime was a
priority and have been working as part of the high profile Enough
Is Enough campaign.
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Is there a Young Mayor's chain?
Yes. The Young Mayor will wear a Badge or Chain of Office when
undertaking public appearances - this might be opening a local
service for young people, attending an awards ceremony for young
people or a local community event.
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