More of the same for youth sector

After a tumultuous five years under the coalition government, there appears to be less likelihood of significant policy change for youth services in the foreseeable future. Commitments in the Conservative Party election manifesto to boost youth volunteering and participation in uniformed youth groups indicates it will be more of the same over the next five years.

Jim Minton, director for membership and communications at London Youth, welcomes the plans to raise the number of places on the National Citizen Service (NCS) scheme and social action initiative Step Up To Serve, but believes the focus should not just be on NCS.

“The key challenge will be the extent to which there is the scope for local innovation, and for programmes that get beyond the usual suspects and actively engage young people who might otherwise miss out.

“While NCS is a great programme, and many young people benefit from participating, it should not be the only option available, and we want to see more resources available for young people to lead their own social action within local communities.”

The coalition government invested £10m in developing the reach of uniformed youth groups, and the Tories have pledged to open more cadet units in schools.

Youth United Foundation, which was funded by the government to deliver the boost to the uniformed youth movement, will be central to delivering this ambition. Its chief executive, Lindsay Levkoff Lynn, says 38,000 young people will have joined groups by 2016 and “I expect that we will aim to do at least the same again”.  

However, Jon Boagey, acting chief executive of the National Youth Agency, wants the new government to place less emphasis on whether young people wear a uniform. “Much of the work they [uniformed youth groups] do with young people is akin to youth work – it employs much of its principles and ethos.

“I’d like to see government acknowledge the importance of this approach and support the beneficial impact of the work as well as the uniform,” he