Posted on: Thursday 12 February 2026
A group of secondary school pupils swapped their classrooms for the boardroom this week as part of the council's third Young People's Takeover Day.
Twelve pupils spent the day with Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, the heads of Children and Family Services and Economy and Environment, and Strategic Directors for Resources and Communications, Engagement and Civil Contingencies at Civic Centre, in Pontypool.
Three teams of pupils also spent the day with the youth service to carry out research and shape young people's involvement in democracy and the council's new way of working, known as the Torfaen Deal.
The day began with a welcome from Chief Executive Stephen Vickers and an outline of the senior leadership team's roles.
The junior team then took part in a leadership meeting, where they discussed issues currently being considered by the executive team.
After lunch with Chief Executive Stephen Vickers and Council Leader Anthony Hunt, the junior leadership team spent time with the strategic directors before sharing their insights with the wider team.
Finley, from Croesyceiliog School, said: "I've been Chief Executive for the day. I've really enjoyed it - it's been fun learning about what the Chief Executive does."
Ffion, from Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw, who took part in the workshop activities, said: "Takeover Day was an opportunity for young people to contribute their ideas to the council and the outcome is that our opinions will be taken into consideration by the council."
Cllr Hunt said: "It's been great to be involved in the Young People's Takeover Day - we've learnt so much from them. It's really important we listen to their voices as we shape things like the Torfaen Deal to understand how they want to help in our communities because they have got as much to offer as any other age group."
The day closed with a series of recommendations from the young people, including:
* A volunteering week with opportunities for young people
* Promoting more positive images of young people
* A young people's champion scheme
The senior leadership team agreed to continue to involved the pupils in council decisions and to update them on progress of their recommendations.
Pupils from Croesyceiliog School, Cwmbran High School, Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw, St Albans RC High School, West Monmouth School, and the Torfaen Pupil Referral Unit took part in the day.
Applications for the next Young People Takeover Day will open later this year.