Giving Young People the Option to Dip In and Dip Out of Engagement
Wednesday 10th of December 2025
Giving Young People the Option to Dip In and Dip Out of Engagement
Our December meetup for Local Authority and ALMO engagement officers took an ‘open space’ approach, and it led to a really practical conversation and a topic that is always on our members lips!
The challenge was a familiar one: “How can we get young people involved in our tenant panel?”
In this particular example, every current panel member was over 60, and officers wanted to create a more balanced, representative group.
A standout idea: The Tenant Connector Pool
Among the many ideas shared, one really stood out, the concept of a Tenant Connector Pool.
This is a simple database where tenants can register their interests, preferred topics, and the types of involvement they are happy to offer. Rather than committing to a standing panel, residents can dip in and dip out depending on what matters to them.
General surveys could include a quick opt-in option, encouraging tenants, especially younger ones, to choose involvement that fits around their lives. It’s a flexible, low-pressure way to widen engagement without asking for long-term commitment.
For younger residents juggling work, study or childcare, this approach could be a game changer.
Other ideas from the group
Participants shared a wide range of practical solutions, including:
• Running targeted recruitment campaigns
• Offering evening and online meeting options
• Providing incentives such as a flat fee or vouchers
• Using independent mentors
• Making space for tenants to set the agenda
• Using younger chairs to encourage peer representation
• Leveraging social media
• Getting out into the community, for example, attending school parents’ evenings
• Develop an online offering e.g, short surveys
• Forming a reading panel for flexible, at-home involvement
• Recruiting fresh to the panel each time
• Working closely with comms teams
• Exploring barriers and tailoring topics to appeal to younger residents
• Acknowledging that some people simply won’t be interested - and that’s OK
What was clear throughout the discussion is that younger engagement isn’t about one big fix, but about offering multiple ways in that feel relevant, respectful and realistic.
About the meetup
The meetup took place online on 3 December 2025 with 10 engagement officers taking part. As ever, the session was structured around interactive activities:
• Nine-minute networking - two short rounds of small-group conversations
• Mentimeter polling - both to test the tool and gather future topic ideas
• A solution circle - where one participant shares a problem and listens while the group generates solutions
• Open space discussion - a chance for anyone to raise anything on their mind
It was an energising session full of creativity and honest insight, and a reminder of how much value comes from practitioners thinking together.
Next meet up
Our next meet up will take place on 14th January at 11am, you can book your place here
Dave Mckenna
Tpas Associate