We welcome the inquiry supported by cross-party MPs and we are pleased to deliver evidence on the role and impact of youth work on behalf of our members, considering the suitability of youth work and services to meet some of the key challenges and opportunities for young people.
UK Youth is proud to have worked on this consultation submission alongside Step Up to Serve, who coordinate the infamous #iwill campaign and #iwill Fund, established to bring people together and contribute funding to embed meaningful social action into the lives of young people.
We look forward to working alongside the National Youth Agency and the APPG for Youth Affairs throughout the inquiry, with young people presenting at parliamentary hearings and hosting visits, and we are eager to see the report of the inquiry at the NYA Youth Work Conference in the autumn.
Our three key points are:
- There’s a vital need for a long term strategy with clear outcomes for young people
- Youth work can have a profound impact on a young person’s development but current provision is patchy and inconsistent – this needs to change
- Workforce development needs improving. There needs to be investment and a CPD route for everyone involved whether they are volunteers or full time paid staff.