The National Youth Sector Census and why it is vital to participate

This is the first time such an ambitious project has been attempted, and its success is crucial. The census will look to inform the Comprehensive Spending Review happening later this year, a critical step to securing the future health of the sector. The data will help us better understand what is needed, not just in terms of finances but also in practical resources, training and safeguarding.

Until 2009/10, NYA undertook annual “audits” of local youth services, which produced a national data set and reports on the health and state of youth work across England through this. These were scrapped due to austerity in public sector spending. A decade on, there remains a significant gap in the baseline knowledge available about the youth sector. Over that time there has been a seismic shift with the loss of much statutory provision and funding for open-access services, and a commensurate decline in numbers of qualified youth workers.

Charities and community groups have stepped in to fill some of the gaps, with a great history of support for young people. However, short-term funding and the impact of Covid-19 over the last year have seen that base eroded. This has led to a patchwork of provision and access to youth work as a postcode lottery. Yet we know there is great work going on across the country. This is where the census comes in.

More than any survey, the census will provide essential information to plan, invest in and support the youth sector. It will help communities know where provision is in their area, to strengthen links to other services and out-of-school activities, and support a local youth offer for all young people – ensuring they have somewhere to go, something to do and a trusted adult, skilled to support them. From small groups meeting in community centres, to dedicated youth centres, outdoor activities, detached youth workers, volunteers and specialist support for young people.

The census will be used by funders, commissioners, employers and charities to invest in youth work and those activities with young people. Critically, it will inform government and local authorities to shape their policies and priorities with young people, to help fill in the gaps of provision and increase access to youth services and out-of-school activities. It is supported by Youth Futures Foundation, Local Government Association and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

As we head into the next three-year spending review and budget-cycle, it is now more vital than ever that we gain a full picture of the youth sector and where the gaps are. The data gathered through the census will also be used to develop infrastructure, support, products and strategy that the whole sector can benefit from.

It is therefore vitally important that all organisations who deliver any services to and activities with young people in England complete the census as the more responses we get, the better the case we can make for funding, resources and support for young people.

When will the census launch?

The National Youth Sector Census will launch in mid-May, and we encourage any and every organisation, community group and local service to take part, where the primary work is with young people and their personal and social development: skills for life and work, mental and physical wellbeing, active and supported in the community.

The NYA wants to hear from you whether you are directly delivering with young people, or are an organisation or network providing support to those groups and services. If this is you, and as long as your organisation operates in England, you can take part.

How can I get involved?

Visit the NYA website www.nya.org.uk where additional information will be published, including frequently asked questions and preparatory questions ahead of the census launch.

Why should I get involved?

It is important that we get a full picture of the youth sector. The census is backed by national and local government, regional networks, local groups and youth charities. We want to hear from all quarters to help map, support and grow youth services and out-of-school activities, supporting young people in the present and ambitious for their future.

What will you do with the data from the census?

The data from the census will help us to understand what is needed to secure and future-proof the youth sector, and access for young people to youth services and out of school activities. It will be used to inform the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review happening later this year and help guide local authorities, agencies, funders, charities and youth services to increase the capacity and resources needed.