Open: 12 Tachwedd 2025 – Closes: 12 Ionawr 2026
The National Youth Agency (NYA) has launched its 2025/26 Workforce Survey, inviting youth workers across England to share their experiences and insights. This is a crucial opportunity to influence the future of youth work and ensure the sector is equipped to meet the needs of young people.
Whether full-time, part-time, freelance, voluntary, or in leadership, everyone who works with young people are asked to share their voice and shape the future of youth work.
Building on Youth Work Week Momentum
Youth Work Week showcased the incredible impact youth workers have every day. NYA is now building on that momentum to advocate for better support, training, and investment. By completing the survey, youth workers provide essential evidence to strengthen the sector and shape long-term policy.
”Youth work is at the heart of building strong communities, and that starts with understanding the people who deliver it. This survey is about listening to the workforce, valuing their expertise, and capturing significant data to push for change to meet the challenges ahead."
Leigh Middleton OBEChief Executive of the National Youth Agency.
Why It Matters
Your input will directly inform:
- Government policy: Data from the survey feeds into discussions with policymakers and supports the forthcoming National Youth Strategy, helping secure long-term investment in youth services.
- Qualifications reform: NYA is working with government and sector leaders to reform youth work qualifications. Your experience will help create clearer pathways, remove barriers, and build a skilled, diverse workforce.
- Advocacy efforts: Evidence from the survey drives campaigns for better funding, training, and infrastructure.
- Sector-wide change: Insights highlight where youth work is making a difference and where urgent support is needed, from mental health to violence reduction.
What We’re Hearing
Last year’s survey of 1,300 youth workers revealed:
- A critical shortage of trained youth workers
- Rising demand for targeted support around mental health, safeguarding, and crime prevention
- A shift toward specialist interventions over open access provision
Take the Survey Now
This year, NYA aims to go deeper—exploring how youth workers feel in their roles and whether their jobs meet their needs.
Help us turn your lived experience into lasting change. Complete the Workforce Survey here.
Let’s make sure youth work is recognised, resourced, and ready for the future.
