NYA Update: Debate continues on potential for Institute for Youth Work

The debate over a potential Institute for Youth Work is continuing as practitioners explore key issues through a new online forum.

Youth workers, students and practitioners of all levels are coming together through the LinkedIn group to share views and thoughts on the latest Institute for Youth Work proposals, before providing formal feedback through the online survey.

An initial exploration into the potential for a professional body for the youth work sector was undertaken by the National Youth Agency (NYA), as part of its work with the NCVYS-led Catalyst consortium, in autumn 2011.

Support from the sector for continued study into the potential for a body to be established to promote quality youth work and secure standards for ethical and effective practice was identified through this first round of consultation. This consultation feedback led to the development of more detailed proposals by a steering group made up of members of NYA’s education and training standards committee, as the only formally constituted cross-sector group composed of organisations and individuals.

Now, individuals from across the youth sector are having their say through the LinkedIn forum and the online survey before the ?31 July deadline.

Diane Evans, National Youth Agency national programme manager and workforce lead of the Catalyst consortium, commented: “We are delighted to see a healthy debate starting through the new LinkedIn forum and we look forward to individuals formalising these viewpoints through the online survey.

“We are keen to ensure that as many youth work practitioners, students and stakeholders have their voices heard though this consultation as possible as these will inform further development and feasibility.”

To have your say visit www.nya.org.uk/exploring-an-institute-for-youth-work or join the debate at: www.linkedin.com/groups/Institute-Youth-Work-4447399/about.