Annette Harrison, Vale of Glamorgan Youth Service

Annette Harrison is a senior youth engagement worker with Vale of Glamorgan Youth Service. She is an outstanding leader whose vision and dedication has transformed outdoor youth work across the local authority. Annette actively amplifies the voices of young people and staff, creating a culture where ideas are listened to and implemented. This participative approach builds confidence, ownership, and innovation across her team and programmes 

Annette models professionalism and resilience, inspiring both colleagues and young people and creating an environment where innovation thrives. This empowering leadership style has revitalised team morale and improved outcomes across the service. Her leadership has driven the expansion of initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the ‘warm space’ community programme and intergenerational projects like the local authority’s ‘Hive Guys’ programme which has helped to build inter-generational friendships and empowered young people to become active citizens and positive contributors to their communities. 

Through inclusive, compassionate and strategic leadership, Annette continues to inspire teams, help young people understand their responsibilities within society and to realise their potential.