Institute for Youth Work 'seeks assurances' over government's commitment to young people

In a strongly worded open letter sent to Crouch today, the IYW states that it is "seeking assurances about the value of young people and youth work to yourself and your department".

The move follows Crouch's written statement to the House of Commons on Thursday announcing plans for a new civil society strategy that will feature youth work and social action.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) later confirmed that the launch of the new strategy means a standalone youth policy statement - first announced by former youth minister Rob Wilson last November - will not now be taken forward, despite young people already being widely consulted.

The institute has warned that the U-turn could lead to "disaffection" among young people and "consultation fatigue" when the new strategy is consulted on.

The letter, signed by IYW chair Adam Muirhead, states: "Many of our members directly supported young people to be involved in the extensive DCMS consultation workshops earlier this year - losing the policy this was building towards means we may have abused the trust that these people put in us and you that their views will be heard and acted upon."

Muirhead goes on to warn Crouch that the department's decision to "abandon the youth policy could not have come at a more challenging time", following deep cuts to youth services in recent years.

Last week, Crouch said the new civil society strategy will provide an opportunity to explore ways to build new partnerships within and between sectors and communities "so that we can better mobilise resources and expertise and find practical new solutions to the problems we face".

Established in April 2015, the IYW is a membership organisation for youth workers and those that champion youth work methodologies and ethics in their work with young people.

A DCMS spokesperson said: "Young people and the youth sector will be a key part of our new civil society strategy. We remain absolutely committed to helping young people across the whole country reach their full potential and to making sure their voices are heard at a national and local level.

"The valuable evidence that was submitted to us by young people and the wider sector on the future of youth policy is already being used to inform our work and will further inform our strategy."