Much of the sector survives by virtue of statutory funding, but the green paper raises the spectre of voluntary projects being left out in the cold or having to sacrifice their autonomy to fit more closely with the needs of the statutory sector.
Youth Matters represents an opportunity for the voluntary sector. The culture of commissioning and contestability runs through the document like a vein and, in theory, voluntary sector projects that embrace it will be in a strong position.
But while the paper is long on rhetoric about engagement with children's trusts and schools, it is short on detail about how this will work in practice. As Kevin Williams, national secretary of YMCA England, points out (see p10), the chances of any of the Department for Education and Skills' 40m in new money for youth facilities ending up with the voluntary sector are minimal.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
