In line with our commitment to support high–quality practice and lifelong learning in the youth sector, the NYA regularly hosts webinars and community of practice sessions supported by our NYA specialists, as well as a range of external, expert partners.
Learn. Reflect. Connect. Shape the Future
Our flagship Youth Work Connect and Youth Work Insight sessions provide accessible spaces for youth workers, our partners in the allied sector, policy makers and sector leaders to engage in critical reflection, peer learning and expert-led dialogue on the issues shaping youth work today.
Youth Work Connect sessions: peer learning in practice
Connect Sessions are informal, interactive online gatherings where youth work practitioners come together to reflect, share experiences, and explore practical solutions to real-world challenges. Grounded in a Community of Practice approach, these sessions encourage open dialogue, peer support and collaborative learning. Each session focuses on a key theme shaped by sector feedback, emerging issues, and national guidance, and includes expert input, breakout discussions, and follow-up resources.
Why join?
- Strengthen your everyday practice
- Connect with peers across the sector
- Reflect on your experiences in a safe, inclusive space
- Discover new tools and approaches
- Contribute to better outcomes for young people
- Receive a digital badge to evidence your commitment to your Continuing Professional Development. This can be shown on your Youth Worker Register record.
“I really enjoyed the structure, and didn’t feel like it was oversaturated with information. I felt like the information shared was accessible to people of varying levels, and that the focus of the breakout rooms were inclusive of all perspectives and experiences.” – Session attendee
Youth Work Insight sessions: deep dives into youth work
The Youth Work Insight webinar programme explores one central theme each year through a series of four 90-minute sessions. These closed, registration-only webinars are designed for youth workers, policy makers, academics, and organisational leaders. Each session features expert panels, research insights and policy analysis. They offer a space for honest, reflective dialogue on the issues shaping youth work today.
Why attend?
- Engage with leading thinkers and practitioners
- Explore emerging research and policy
- Reflect on challenges and opportunities in the field
- Receive curated resources and key takeaways
- Help shape the future of youth work
Abbee McLatchie
Our Youth Work Insight Sessions are facilitated by NYA Director of Youth Work and Deputy CEO Abbee.
As Director of Youth Work, Abbee McLatchie leads on the development of professional standards; training and development; the National Youth Work Curriculum; as well as quality and safeguarding frameworks.
Zara Todd
To ensure the relevance and adequacy of this series of Youth Work Insights, we have worked with our consultant Zara Todd.
Zara is a freelance trainer, researcher and facilitator and disability activist who has an extensive background in inclusive youth work.
British Sign Language
At our Youth Work Insight sessions we are joined by British Sign Language Interpreters reregistered with the Regulatory Body for Sign Language Interpreters & Translators.
“I think the session was really engaging… The panel were truly expects in field who were able to articulate and express themselves in a way that i could follow and learn from.” – Session attendee
Who we work with
We work with a diverse range of expert partners and organisations across the youth, academic and allied sectors to enrich our Connect and Insight sessions. These collaborators bring specialist knowledge, lived experience and fresh perspectives that help shape session themes, spark meaningful dialogue, and support reflective practice. Together, we co-create inclusive learning spaces that strengthen youth work across the UK.
Partners we work with include:
Featured resources
Safeguarding standards for the youth sector
These standards have been designed to support good safeguarding practices for all those working with children and young people.
Keeping Young People in Sight: Designated Safeguarding Leads in the Youth Sector
Guidance on young people’s known and emerging needs.
