Publication of Phase 2 of the Youth Work Funding Review

Today (20 May) marks the publication of Phase 2 of a comprehensive review of the funding available for the youth work sector in Wales. 

Five young people in ripped jeans leaning against a brick wall and holding their phones.

This significant research project, undertaken by a collaborative team of researchers from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Wrexham University, and Cardiff Metropolitan University, has been commissioned by the Welsh Government. The project aims to evaluate the sufficiency, transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of funding and expenditure in the youth work sector to aid in the development of a sustainable funding model.

The review was initiated in response to the Interim Youth Work Board’s recommendation for an independent assessment of the current funding landscape. There are four key objectives for the funding review which comprise three phases of research to be undertaken. The aim of ‘phase one’ of the funding review was to provide a clear framework for the research to be undertaken including a rapid evidence assessment (REA) of available literature, research on youth work practice and a look at how previous researchers have analysed funding and models of measuring value for money in Wales, the UK and beyond. 

During this phase (Phase 2) of the review there was an opportunity for the research team to build on the information and evidence published in the initial feasibility study. The team focused on the key areas raised in ‘phase 1’ by gathering more in-depth evidence from voluntary and maintained youth work settings across the four local authority areas with this latest work outlining crucial findings and delivering 12 strategic recommendations for consideration by the Welsh Government and other stakeholders.

Dr Nichola Welton, the Academic Director for Childhood Youth and Education at UWTSD, commented: “Our efforts during Phase 2 have been concentrated on gathering comprehensive data and insights from a wide range of youth work settings from the maintained and voluntary sector. This has allowed us to understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector. Our findings highlight the need for a more cohesive funding strategy to ensure sustainability and effectiveness in youth work services.”

“We’ll now move on to the final phase (Phase 3) of the review which will include a cost benefit analysis aimed at establishing the impact and economic effectiveness of youth work funding. We’ll also seek to identify good practice in relation to the funding of youth work services for the future as we work towards identifying a sustainable model for future youth work in Wales.”

Key Findings and Recommendations from Phase 2:

Four key findings are evidenced in the report relating to:

  1. Current Funding Levels: a review of the current funding levels providing an overview of income and expenditure and a consideration of the sustainability of the funding sources.
  2. Funding Processes: a review of the funding processes including the barriers to accessing funding.
  3. Expenditure Analysis: an analysis of how monies are spent.
  4. Governance Review: a review of the governance of organisations i.e. how are decisions made on funding and expenditure and how young people are involved in the decision making.

Of the 12 recommendations in the report the first is pertinent to all: 

“The Welsh Government has demonstrated its commitment to youth work in recent years. We recommend that the Welsh Government and other partners, continue to promote and develop a sustainable and equitable model of youth work in Wales”.

Looking Ahead: The third phase of this research, which will include a comprehensive Cost Benefit Analysis of youth work in Wales, is set to be published in the Autumn of 2024.

Notes to Editors

Access to the Reports:

Youth Work Funding Review: Phase 2

Youth Work Funding Review: Phase 2 Executive Summary  

For further information, please contact:

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076

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