National Youth Agency: Revised guidance and requirements available for training programmes

Programmes applying for professional validation must meet these requirements to demonstrate they can provide learning to secure professionally qualified youth and community workers, who have the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively with young people and within organisations across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors.

Writing in an introduction to the requirements Fiona Blacke, NYA chief executive, says: "The contribution of youth work to securing positive outcomes for young people is increasingly being recognised. Yet never has the youth work sector needed to be more clear about the core principles, values and skills that underpin professional practice." She added: "Youth work is a profession that is increasing its status and reputation. It is now a graduate profession, with professional qualifications at degree and postgraduate levels that will build the intellectual capital of youth work, as well as increase its attractiveness as a career path to high-quality candidates.