Bill Badham said while youth participation was a legal requirement of children's trusts, there needed to be clear accountability so that this is carried out effectively.

He added that a study from the National Foundation for Educational Research indicates that although leadership exists, more consistency is needed across local authorities.

"Children should be able to come back and tell trusts how the participation has made a difference to their lives," Badham said.

- www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.