Our EEDIB Standards are a comprehensive framework designed to ensure every young person feels seen, heard, and valued. These standards are essential for youth workers, volunteers, and organisations committed to excellence in youth work.
Introduction
At the National Youth Agency, we believe in the transformative power of youth work to create a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering future for all young people. Our newly released EEDIB Standards are a comprehensive framework designed to ensure every young person feels seen, heard, and valued. These standards are essential for youth workers, volunteers, and organisations committed to excellence in youth work.
EEDIB Standards
Download the EEDIB Standards to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of young people
Six key standards:
- Fair treatment for all young people
Ensure fair treatment for all young people, considering their backgrounds, identities and circumstances. Equity and equality standards promote justice by eliminating discrimination and providing equal opportunities for engagement.
- Celebration of diversity and community building
Youth work involves engaging with a diverse range of individuals. Incorporating diversity standards acknowledges and celebrates the unique backgrounds, cultures and experiences of young people, fostering an environment where differences are embraced, and strong, positive relationships and a sense of community are built.
- Accessible and inclusive environments
Make youth work services accessible to everyone, including those with hidden and visible disabilities, to ensure no young person is excluded. This involves making reasonable adjustments, removing physical and social barriers and using inclusive communication methods. Inclusion standards ensure that youth work environments are welcoming places, where young people feel valued, respected, and included, promoting a sense of belonging essential for personal development and well-being.
- Addressing Systemic Inequalities
EEDIB standards help address systemic issues that perpetuate inequalities. By actively promoting equity and challenging discriminatory practices, youth work can contribute to dismantling barriers that could limit the potential of young people, both individually and collectively.
- Enhanced learning, growth, and well-being
In an inclusive and equitable environment, young people are more likely to engage actively, learn effectively, grow personally, and experience greater wellbeing. EEDIB standards support the holistic development of young people through the Youth Work Curriculum by removing obstacles and providing opportunities.
- Social responsibility and advocacy
Youth work shapes the values and perspectives of young people and youth workers. By applying these EEDIB standards, practitioners can demonstrate values of social responsibility, empathy, and respect, supporting young people in contributing positively to a diverse and inclusive society. Youth workers aim to ensure every young person has a fair chance, providing opportunities to learn about challenging issues, develop advocacy skills, and work together for positive social change.
