The government has launched a discussion paper on the development of the young people's workforce, which is part of a series of 16 papers supported by an overarching narrative.
The overarching document makes a clear statement that "there will continue to be important roles for professional youth workers".
Hot on the heels of the publication of the education select committee report, which recognised the key role played by appropriately trained and qualified youth workers and the relationship between these staff and volunteers, this Department for Education discussion paper provides a perfect opportunity to speak to the government about what is needed to sustain and further develop our workforce.
On a day-to-day basis, it is clear that strategic managers are grappling with a series of workforce issues, such as:
- Managing staff into new roles where this may/does generate skills gaps
- Confidence as well as competence of staff to deliver more and more demanding roles
- Uncertainty as to what qualifications are actually relevant to support the roles emerging in new structures
- Having little or no budget, to support effective and comprehensive workforce development activity, including continuing professional development
- How to establish a secure and progressive workforce development framework to meet identified needs
- How to manage workforce development activity to ensure quality of service delivery
- What jobs will be available in the future and how to find them
- If their youth work skills and qualifications will be valued and recognised
- How to keep up their professional development to make themselves current in the employment market
So share your views and concerns by submitting a response - requested by 15 September. But you don't have to wait that long; do it now.
Diane Evans, national programme manager, National Youth Agency. dianee@nya.org.uk
