Opinion: Wylie has proved a class act for the NYA

I first met Tom in the late 80s when he was chief HM inspector for the youth service and I was involved with a social action youth work project run by Save the Children in Oxfordshire. Tom was invited along so that the young people could air their views to one of the most important movers and shakers in the youth service.

Since that evening in Oxford, I have worked closely with Tom on a range of fronts, not least through the Youth Work Alliance, which produced Agenda for a Generation in 1996 and subsequent documents under New Labour.

The National Youth Agency has, under Tom's stewardship, freed itself from government control and has, as in the early days of the National Youth Bureau, endeavoured to defend and advance the cause of local authority youth services. Although progress may have stuttered at times, it has managed to hold the line when things were looking bleak. Tom's careful reading of the prevailing context and the sensitivity of his response have made this possible. When called for, he has been conciliatory, creative and developmental; at other times, he has been staunch and robust in his critique. But he has never wavered from his belief that the youth service should have a seat at the policymaking table and that youth work has a key role in providing experiences and opportunities for young people. As he announces his departure from The NYA, we have much to thank him for.