Voice and agency: co-producing and conducting a research and engagement project with young people on sex and relationship education in one local authority in Wales

Fry, Corinne 2026. Voice and agency: co-producing and conducting a research and engagement project with young people on sex and relationship education in one local authority in Wales. DHS Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This study explores young people’s views and experiences of Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) within three of the eight secondary schools in Neath Port Talbot (NPT), Wales. Using a multi-modal qualitative methodology, the research involved 27 participants aged 14–16 and was co-produced with two youth advisory groups from the NPT Youth Service. Data were collected through six participatory workshops and five semi-structured group interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (1) Rights-based SRE, (2) Risk-focused SRE and (3) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other sexual and gender identities (LGBTQ+) Inclusive SRE. Findings show that despite policy reforms, SRE remains largely adult-led, risk-focused, and disconnected from young people’s lived realities. Participants reported limited opportunities to exercise voice and agency in shaping the content and delivery of SRE and expressed frustration over the absence of LGBTQ+ representation, as well as discussions of emotional intimacy and pleasure. Many preferred external facilitators over teachers, citing reasons relating to their increased trust, expertise, and emotional safety. The study highlights the emotional impact of fear-based messaging and the need for inclusive, youth-led, and pleasure-informed approaches. It advocates for co-produced curricula, early intervention, and whole-school strategies that embed youth participation. These insights contribute to national discourse on RSE reform in Wales and offer actionable recommendations for policy and practice.

Item Type:	Thesis (DHS)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > School of Social and Spatial Sciences
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	29 September 2026
Last Modified:	29 Sep 2026 11:24
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189860

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