Participation Systems Review
Where does children's knowledge actually go?
Most organisations can point to real participation activity spaces where children and young people are invited to share their views. Far fewer can trace a clear line from what's said to a decision that changed because of it.
This review tests that specific gap. Rooted in the Lundy Model, it looks beyond whether children are being heard, to whether their knowledge reaches the people who decide, and whether it counts as evidence once it arrives alongside a professional's report, not beneath it.
This isn't a call to democratise decisions you remain statutorily accountable for. It's a clear, evidenced picture of where your system currently carries children's knowledge to influence and where it doesn't so you know exactly what to strengthen next.
Three depths, one method
Every review uses the same diagnostic approach scaled to the size and complexity of what you're asking it to examine.
Focused Review:
Typical timeframe:
4–6 weeks
Best suited for:
A first, clear diagnostic. often used ahead of commissioning larger change, to evidence self-assessment ahead of inspection, or to test inspection or scrutiny readiness specifically.
What's included:
Scoping and system mapping, evidence and document review, conversations with key staff, children and young people's contribution, Lundy diagnostic (Space, Voice, Audience, Influence), concise findings and recommendations, written report, senior leadership findings session.
Complex / Partnership Review:
Typical timeframe: Bespoke, agreed in scoping
Best suited for:
Multi-agency partnerships or larger systems needing broader stakeholder inquiry and ongoing governance support.
What's included:
All elements of the Full System Review, plus extended system mapping, broader stakeholder and partnership inquiry, additional children and young people's engagement, enhanced analysis and reporting, leadership and governance development support, agreed findings and dissemination arrangements.
Full System Review:
Typical timeframe:
6–8 weeks
Best suited for:
Organisations ready for deeper analysis across governance, systems and practice, with a prioritised action plan.
What's included:
Scoping and system mapping, evidence and document review, senior leadership inquiry, children and young people's contribution, knowledge-to-influence tracing, full Lundy profile, system and gap analysis, prioritised recommendations, written report, senior leadership findings session.
Not sure which fits? The right depth is usually clear after a short conversation.
Every review ends with a senior leadership findings session and a written report of prioritised recommendations. Many organisations follow the review with an Implementation Partnership - ongoing support to turn findings into lasting change - or move into mentoring, training, or governance support depending on what the review surfaces.