Calls For Informal Work To Continue

Youth organisations across the UK are urging that the informal and voluntary nature of youth work be protected in the revision of occupational standards. Youth workers also want their work to continue to be driven by the personal development of young people, rather than the pursuit of qualifications for them.

The messages result from the first stage of Lifelong Learning UK’s consultation on the national occupational standards for youth work, which has now closed. A further consultation will take place after a revised draft document is agreed.

Alan Clarke, the council’s national manager for Northern Ireland, who chairs the project task group, said: “Our role is to listen to the responses and ensure these views are reflected.”

The council was intending to submit the final version of the standards for approval at the end of June, but is now negotiating for a later date.