Yesterday a National Body for Youth Work Delivery Board Meeting took place. As a result of the meeting we have a few updates for the sector to share;
- Ministers remain supportive in principle of establishing a national body for youth work in Wales, while recognising the financial context and the need to identify an approach that is practical, sustainable and delivers value for money.
- A model in which an existing organisation would host the national body is one of the options being explored. No decision has been made on whether to adopt this model. As a Delivery Board, we are continuing to work with officials to explore the different options and what they could mean in practice. This includes considering what different models could offer, the challenges or risks they may present, and what would be needed to make them work effectively.
- A model whereby an existing organisation would be asked to act as a ‘host’ for the national body is one of the potential options being explored, but it is important to note that no decision has been made that this is preferred approach. The Delivery Board’s discussions are helping to understand what such an approach could offer, alongside its potential challenges and risks, as part of considering the options available.
- It is important that any future decisions about a national body for youth work reflect the needs of the whole youth work sector in Wales. Any proposals would need to consider how the body could support both the voluntary and maintained sectors, establish a clear identity and purpose, and command confidence across the sector in its ability to deliver.
CWVYS Chief Executive Officer Paul Glaze sits on the Delivery Board, if you have any questions or thoughts to share, please do get in touch with Paul@cwvys.org.uk