Ambition Conference: Youth sector urged to shape cross-government national strategy

Speaking at the annual Ambition conference in Manchester on 3 November, Anne Longfield called on the youth sector to play its part in shaping the environment and future for young people.

She said everyone in the sector has a “duty” to help young people to flourish, and play a part in “being ambitious for children”.

“With young people at risk of having the worst economic prospects for a generation, the issue of poverty, inequality and improving social mobility for young people must be a priority,” she said.

“From Government we need a national stock-take of investment and commitments for children from across all government departments, and a collective response of what we want for and expect from young people today and for the future.

“This should be underpinned by a national children’s test with assessment to ensure the best interests of children are taking into account when all policy is made. The Autumn Statement later this month could provide a benchmark for that work.”

Longfield also highlighted her work in previous weeks on four different contexts – young people in care; mental health; young offenders; and child neglect and sexual exploitation.

She praised some of the work being carried out into these areas including the Martin Narey review into residential care, and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) review being carried out by Charlie Taylor, but called on the youth sector to do more.

“I think we need to step up in the youth work field to show within the youth work context that we can reach out to these children [in care] and offer them the support that they’re not finding else where,” she said.

She also told the conference that those working alongside young people are in a position to help shape mental health in terms of future agenda, and called on the sector to get involved in the MOJ review to show how more positive outcomes can be achieved.