The National Youth Agency (NYA) has committed £30,000 to exploring the feasibility of the voluntary register. This will involve discussions with other bodies such as the Confederation of Heads of Young People's Services, the Association of Directors of Children's Services and the Local Government Association.
The agency wants to gauge professional youth workers' level of support for the scheme, while also researching existing registration models to inform its development. It is expected to pilot its own scheme in the spring.
NYA chief executive Fiona Blacke said the register will provide the opportunity to talk about a code of conduct for professionals, and ensure that employers invest in training and professional development.
"This is our trustees putting their money where their mouth is and backing the profession," she said. "If there is any disappointment it is that we have not been funded by our sector skills councils to do this."
She added: "There is a real appetite for a registration scheme among employers and practitioners, something that has grown significantly in recent years."
Registration will require a payment, and workers could be struck off for breaking guidelines. Although intended initially for JNC-qualified professionals, the scheme may be extended to voluntary and youth support workers if a need is identified during the pilot.
