6 July 2026
The University of Northampton has become the first university in the UK to sign the Power of Youth Charter – reinforcing its commitment to empowering young people to shape decisions, influence change and make a positive impact in their communities.
The landmark signing took place at the SPARK Student Awards on Wednesday July 1st, where around 60 pupils from seven Northamptonshire primary schools gathered to celebrate projects inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Developed by the #iWill Movement and backed by more than 400 organisations nationwide – the Power of Youth Charter is a national call to action that puts young people at the heart of decision-making. Signatories commit to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute their ideas, build leadership skills and drive positive social change.
By signing, the University of Northampton becomes a leading voice for youth voice and participation in higher education, strengthening its long-standing commitment to social impact across Northamptonshire.
A whole-strategy commitment
What makes this signing particularly powerful is what the University has done with it. Rather than treating the Charter as a one-off pledge, the University has built its entire next 12-month strategy around it – listening actively, seeking out young leaders, and representing young people both locally and nationally. This is systems change in action.
As part of the Charter, the University has pledged to:
- Continue working with local partners to maintain Northamptonshire as a Place of Social Action.
- Provide local young people with a voice on its Social Impact Board.
- Showcase youth-led projects through university communications, open days and community events.
- Celebrate and recognise the positive contributions young people make to their local communities as part of its wider Social Impact agenda.
Gavin Barber, Interim Chief Operating Officer at the University of Northampton, explained what this means in practice:
“Being a place of social action for the University of Northampton means being part of our community – being an active part of our community, committing to our social impact strategic aim, and being an enabler for change in the local community. It’s about putting control in the hands of, and empowering, those who can make a difference in our local area.”
Following the signing, University of Northampton Vice Chancellor Professor Anne-Marie Kilday said:
“For us, the Power of Youth is about participation, empowerment and recognising the valuable perspectives that young people bring to conversations about place, identity and the future of Northamptonshire.”
Students at the heart of it
The University wasn’t the only signatory on the day. Rosie Harvey, Deputy CEO of Northampton Students’ Union, also signed on behalf of the SU.
Representatives from Northampton Students’ Union summed up what the Charter means for students:
“Being a place of social action means amplifying student voice, and also means celebrating young people’s success.”
Finding common ground
Higher education is finding its common ground. As the first university to sign the Power of Youth Charter, the University of Northampton – together with its Students’ Union – is showing what it looks like when an institution doesn’t just say young people’s voices matter, but redesigns its strategy around proving it.
Welcome to the movement. Watch this space.
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