A network bringing young people closer to policy and research.
The Current is The Insight to Impact Collective's network for 16-21 year-olds interested in policy, research, government and social change.
It creates opportunities for young people to build their knowledge and experience, contribute to research and policy work, and connect with people working across these areas.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT?
A national network connecting young people with policy and research.
The Current brings together young people aged 16–21 from across England with an interest in policy, research, government and social change. Through the network, young people contribute their perspectives, ideas and experience to The Insight to Impact Collective's research and policy work, while building their own knowledge, experience and connections across these areas.
The Current creates an ongoing connection between young people and The Collective's work. It means the issues we explore, the evidence we develop and the policy work that follows can be informed by young people as that work develops.
For young people, it creates opportunities to experience policy and research in practice. For The Collective, it creates a direct route for young people's perspectives to inform our work.
WHAT HAPPENS THROUGH THE CURRENT?
Access.
Get closer to the people, spaces and opportunities connected to policy, research, government and social change, including opportunities to engage with policy discussions, research and parliamentary processes.
Experience.
Build practical experience of policy and research by getting involved in research and analysis, exploring live policy issues, developing ideas and contributing to policy-focused projects and conversations.
Connection.
Meet and learn from researchers, policymakers, public servants and others working across these areas. Understand what their work actually involves, how they got there and the different routes into policy and research.
Share your perspective.
Bring your own ideas, experiences and views into research and policy conversations, responding to emerging issues and contributing perspectives as research, policy and decisions develop.
Our first group is now part of The Current.
Our first intake brought together 78 young people from across England, with interests spanning policy, research, government and the issues shaping young people's lives.
We're now beginning our work with the network, using what members told us through their applications to help shape the first opportunities and areas of activity. As The Current develops, we'll share updates from the network here, including the issues members are exploring, research and policy work they contribute to, and what happens as a result.
THE CURRENT IS UNDERWAY?
If you work across government, public services, policy or research and are exploring an issue that affects young people, we'd be interested in hearing from you.
The Current creates opportunities for young people to engage with live research and policy questions, contribute their perspectives and experience, and deepen their understanding of how research and policy work in practice.
We are also interested in hearing from researchers, policymakers, public servants and others who could share their knowledge or experience with members of The Current.
If you have an idea for how you could work with or contribute to The Current, get in touch with us.
WORK WITH THE CURRENT?
Interested in joining The Current?
Our first group has now joined The Current and applications are not currently open.
If you're aged 16–21 and interested in policy and research, you can register your interest to hear when future opportunities to join The Current become available.
If you have a question about The Current, contact youth@theinsighttoimpactcollective.com
FAQ
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The Current is for young people aged 16-21 across England with an interest in policy and research. Members have different levels of experience, from those already involved in these areas to those beginning to explore them.
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The Current is a network, rather than a programme of regular meetings or activities. Opportunities are shared with members throughout the year, and young people can choose what they want to get involved in based on their interests, availability and the experience they want to build.
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Membership of The Current typically lasts for 12 months. In some circumstances, there may be opportunities for young people to remain involved for longer.
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Young people’s contributions can help inform The Collective’s research and policy work, including our understanding of emerging issues, research findings and the recommendations we develop.
We will always be clear about how contributions will be used as part of a particular activity. Where appropriate, we will also share what happened as a result of the work and how members’ contributions fed into it.
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Applications for our first intake are now closed.
If you’re aged 16–21 and interested in policy and research, you can register your interest to hear about future opportunities to join The Current. Registering your interest is not an application, and we’ll contact you when a future opportunity to join becomes available.