We believe young people have the capacity and potential to be problem-solvers and leaders in innovation and creativity; this is why CoPS is designed to provide students across the city of Portsmouth with the platform for their voices to be heard, with opportunities to work collaboratively with other students from different institutions in shaping their experience, and enabling them to play an active role in bringing about change which will affect all young people. Thanks to CoPS, more students across Portsmouth are empowered to have their say, both independently and collectively.

Students involved in CoPS attend three in-person summit days across an academic year, where best practice is shared, guest speakers are invited to contribute, and engaging activities are undertaken to not only help the students achieve their action plan goals, but also to educate and inspire them, often leading to them passing this on to their peers.

Students divide into smaller action groups which have a focused action plan goal of something they wish to improve; examples include: careers, climate change, crime, diversity, health, life skills, inclusion, wellbeing. Action groups are made up of like-minded students who wish to improve a particular aspect of their own institution, and with regular action group meetings over the academic year, goals can be tracked along with support and advice shared, including opportunities to meet with guest speakers and mentors specialising in their group’s topic.