Organisations working with young people across England are being urged to take part in the National Youth Sector Census, which will shape funding, policy and early intervention support through the National Youth Strategy.
The National Youth Sector Census 2026 is the only comprehensive national survey mapping youth provision, workforce capacity and sector pressures in England. Run by the National Youth Agency (NYA) on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and supported for the second year by the Home Office, the Census gathers detailed information about where youth work is taking place, what services are being delivered and how they are funded. Youth organisations, local authorities and partnerships have until 31 May to submit their returns.
At a time of renewed political focus on youth services, including the government’s National Youth Strategy and the Young Futures Programme, the data collected will form the backbone of future commissioning decisions and national planning.
”“High-quality data underpins effective decision-making. The National Youth Sector Census allows us to evidence what provision already exists, what is working, and where further investment is needed to support young people. “The annual snapshot report published each summer has become a central mechanism for evidencing the need for investment in the sector, as it continues to respond to increasing demand for support despite increased operating costs. “By providing a single, national picture, the Census enables organisations to demonstrate need, highlight gaps in provision and strengthen the case for sustained investment and better recognition of the skills of youth workers. It also reduces the burden on local areas that are frequently asked to conduct their own mapping exercises.”
Leigh Middleton OBEChief Executive, National Youth Agency
To build a consistent national picture of provision and ensure that local youth providers are included, Violence Reduction Units and Local Authorities (LAs) in England and Wales are asked to complete, or commission their known youth services to respond to the National Youth Sector Census by the 31 May.
NYA are particularly keen to hear from organisations supporting young people at risk of being drawn into crime, antisocial behaviour, or violence against women and girls, even if that is not the explicit mission statement of your service. This includes any and all youth services including, statutory, volunteer based and group activities.
By taking part, you will:
- Put your organisation on the map
- Strengthen the case for investment by demonstrating need and demand in your area
- Reduce duplication by contributing to a shared national evidence base
- Influence future youth services by ensuring your work informs policy, programmes and investment decisions
The Census survey has been redesigned to make participation simpler, with a streamlined, largely tick-box format that can be completed in around 15 minutes and does not require detailed financial reporting. The findings will also feed into a national snapshot report published later this year, setting out trends, pressures and strengths across the youth sector.
