This section of the Visible Value aims to provide a quick overview of the state of the affairs about the recognition of youth work in the countries covered by EU-CoE Youth Partnership. In total it covers 53 country profiles (including 3 profiles for Belgium and 4 profiles for the UK).

The content in this section is based on several sources, including:

The sources of information are indicated at the end of each profile.

Back United Kingdom – England

The National Occupational Standards for Youth Work puts forth the following understanding of the aims and essence of youth work.

  • ‘The aim of youth work is to offer young people both planned and spontaneous programmes of personal and social education. There is a wide range of practice to meet the needs of young people, including youth clubs, uniformed (e.g. scouting and guiding) and non-uniformed organisations, faith groups, specialised centres for art or sport, counselling, information and guidance, voluntary service, detached, outreach in schools and colleges.
  • The essence of youth work is to enable the transition from childhood to independent adult life. In other words youth work helps young people learn about themselves, others and society, through informal educational activities which combine enjoyment, challenge and learning.’ 

Furthermore, the National Youth Agency, the leading national charity for youth work in England, sets out the following definition:

‘Youth work focuses on personal and social development – the skills and attributes of young people – rather than to “fix a problem”. It is an educational process that engages with young people in a curriculum that deepens a young person’s understanding of themselves, their community and the world in which they live and supports them to proactively bring about positive changes.

Therefore youth work needs to be (and be seen to be) transformational, harnessing skills of young people not fulfilled by formal education.’

Both definitions emphasise the influential power of youth work in informing young people how to be their best selves and the best citizens within their community. Youth work is seen as not only a learning opportunity, but a system of support on which young people can rely regarding a variety of social and personal factors.

According to the National Youth Agency, most people enter youth work as either a volunteer or paid worker/apprentice and are typically called youth support workers. However, to become a professional youth worker, an individual must have an educational youth work qualification such as a bachelor’s degree, post-graduate diploma, master’s degree, or a graduate diploma. 

Those seeking employment around children must undergo a background check from the Disclosure and Barring Service and register with Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, to ensure that children are safe in their care. 

Furthermore, the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work provide a framework for what youth workers need to do and to know in order to carry out their role in a consistent and competent way. This document lists 60 standards and explains the performance criteria as well as knowledge and understandings that underpin the successful achievement of that standard. 

Youth support workers undertake training at level 2 or level 3 resulting in a certificate or diploma in youth work practice. This is a qualification for people who work with young people using principles and practices of youth work and non-formal learning. The level 2 is for the 16+ age group and the level 3 for the 18+ age group. The qualifications are provided by a range of awarding organisations. A list of the organisations offering qualifications at this level are available from the National Youth Agency. Youth work apprenticeships are also available.

When a youth support worker has a level 3 certificate in youth work practice, they may progress to a professional level youth work qualification:

  • Graduate Diploma: two years full time (level 6). For example, a Graduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work;
  • BA (Hons): three years full time and part time equivalent  (level 6). For example, a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community Work or a BA (Hons) Working with Young People and Communities (Youth Work);
  • Postgraduate Diploma: one year full time and part time equivalent – (level 7). For example, a PG Dip in Youth Work;
  • MA: one year and part time equivalent – (level 7). For example, an MA in Applied Anthropology and Community and Youth Work.

Note: The level is given in brackets indicates the position of the qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The levels can be mapped to the European Qualifications Framework.

These courses are offered by universities or colleges of higher education. A training course will lead to qualified youth work status if it is recognised by the JNC and validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA). The NYA ensures the quality and further development of professional youth work training in England. It does this through validating and monitoring professional qualifications at universities and higher education institutions. 

The NYA has published a list of JNC recognised and NYA validated academic courses and programmes in England hat upon completion provide the status of professional youth worker. 

UK Youth offers the Youth Achievement Awards. These awards are designed to formally recognise young people’s participation. Through them, young people can gain a nationally recognised, accredited award for involvement in youth work activities and volunteering.

These awards are accredited by ASDAN, which is an education charity and awarding organisation whose curriculum programmes and qualifications help young people develop knowledge and skills for learning, work and life.

Progress is measured through four different levels of achievement, all based upon the amount of responsibility undertaken by the young person. 

Each level of the award connects to a different point on the UK Youth Social Development Journey and represents different levels of participation and skillset. Through their progression through youth work, young people will gain vital life skills and become motivated, self-aware, receptive, resilient, responsible, confident and good communicators.

The Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the cultivation of the following skills competences in young people through youth work:

  • Challenge – entry level introduction to youth work;
  • Bronze – taking part and getting involved;
  • Silver – helping to organise;
  • Gold – planning and leading;
  • Platinum – taking a full leadership role, with an element of training.

(From the Youth Wiki)