Sizewell C has signed the Power of Youth Charter, a UK-wide initiative designed to empower young people to take a leading role in decisions affecting them.
The movement, developed by youth engagement organisations, sets out clear principles for how employers and institutions should value young people as equal partners in shaping society, ensuring their voices influence key decisions.
By adopting the Charter’s values, Sizewell C will create even more meaningful and lasting opportunities for young people. It will include the following commitments:
Since it was founded in 2013, more than 400 organisations have signed the Power of Youth Charter – from nationwide companies to local authorities and charities. The Charter is aligned with the government’s announcement of the first National Youth Strategy.
Nigel Cann, Sizewell C’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m excited we’ve signed up to the Power of Youth Charter. Our team already does a great job in supporting and listening to young people. By signing the Charter and establishing new commitments, we’re formalising the opportunity to deliver even more youth social action.”
On top of its new commitments, Sizewell C will continue to deliver a wide range of programmes to support young people in East Suffolk. These include tailored school outreach initiatives, STEM workshops, early career events, and partnerships with colleges and training providers across the region.
Last year, the project partnered with Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE) to help deliver the Beyond Boundaries programme, which works to transform the lives of young people from underrepresented communities across Suffolk by breaking cycles of poverty and supporting talented individuals into sustained careers. ISCRE supported Sizewell C in adopting the Power of Youth Charter.
Chelsy, a participant of the Beyond Boundaries programme, said: “I was introduced to Youth Social Action through my college, which gave me the chance to shape events and take on roles outside of my comfort zone. When Beyond Boundaries asked if I wanted to support Sizewell C in reviewing its commitments for the charter, I was so surprised an opportunity like this even came up. I’m really grateful to have been part of this process.”
Stephen Skeet, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at Volunteering Matters, which has also signed the charter and champions youth social action locally”, added: “We’re delighted that Sizewell C have signed the Charter, joining other organisations across Suffolk making commitments on how they can support young people to have a lead role in communities, and influencing the decisions that affect them through their volunteering and social action.”
Since 2024, Sizewell C has run its own Youth Council, made up of 12 students from Alde Valley Academy in Leiston. The council provides direct insight into the needs and priorities of local young people, while giving students unique access to the project and the teams delivering it.
The Youth Council meets regularly with members of Sizewell C’s senior leadership team, giving students the chance to ask questions about every aspect of the project – from environmental considerations to skills, training and future employment opportunities. They also meet professionals working across a wide range of roles, offering them a closer look at careers in the energy sector.
Last year, the council received a tour of 10 Downing Street, following a pledge made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and supported by Suffolk Coastal MP Jenny Riddell-Carpenter.
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