We undertake research to evidence the impact and value of youth work within the youth ecosystem, to inform best practice, policy and commissioning decisions and help make the case for investment.
We also evaluate our own work to demonstrate what we are achieving in line with our strategic goals.
Capturing the Evidence
Tools and activities for evaluation and recording the impact of youth work.
The social cost of youth work cuts report
This report provides an analysis of 74 sources of academic literature and research evidence relating to the impact of youth work in the justice system.
Joining the Dots
The report came from an investigative consultation commissioned by the National Youth Agency (NYA) in 2022 to better understand the needs of grassroots youth organisations.
The National Youth Sector Advisory Board’s Roadmap to a National Youth Strategy
This Roadmap has been developed in consultation with youth sector experts and young people, setting out 15 policy recommendations for national government.
Youth Work in Private Dwellings: Safety first – no compromise
This important resource provides a useful reference for those commissioning youth work to ensure that their provision meets the optimum standards for safeguarding.
National Youth Sector Census – Snapshot Report 2023
This report provides an analysis of the data received from 920 youth work organisations between March 2022 and April 2023, providing a snapshot of the Sector.
Better Together: Youth Work with Schools report
The Better together: Youth work with schools report is the result of a call for evidence and a survey of schools and youth work organisations.
National Youth Sector Census: Report #2, Delivering Youth Work in England
Summary evidence of qualitative research from local authorities, youth and community organisations, young people, and analysis of secondary data.
Between the Lines
Young people are being groomed locally – ‘on their door steps’ – as drug gangs and dealers adapt the way they work to exploit young people across county lines.
Keeping Young People in Sight: Designated Safeguarding Leads in the Youth Sector
This paper draws on the collective insight of the Designated Safeguarding Leads across the youth sector; primarily drawn from the nearly 300 members of the National Safeguarding Youth Forum.
Initial Summary of Findings from the National Youth Sector Census
An initial summary of the data that has been collected from over 25,000 organisations or sub-units of organisations from all parts of the sector and the country.
Time’s Running Out
NYA and YMCA’s joint report, Time’s Running Out, makes clear a national strategy is needed to secure youth services over the long term.
Overlooked: young people and rural youth services
There are vast gaps in local youth services. Hardest hit are the 2.2 million young people living in predominantly rural areas, living in villages, towns and coastal areas.
Youth charities are ‘running on empty’
While funding has been committed for schools and employment initiatives and some charities, delayed government funding for the youth sector has left many charities ‘running on empty’
Exploring the connection between social mobility and financial capability
This piece explores the idea that better financial capability can improve the social mobility of disadvantaged young people.
Responding to Youth Violence through Youth Work
Youth work practitioners and politicians alike are seeking answers to explain why in recent times violence is on the rise amongst young people.
Out of Sight: Vulnerable Young People: COVID-19 Response
This report highlights the scale and prevalence of young people’s needs that are amplified by the pandemic.
Hidden in Plain Sight – Gangs and Exploitation
This new report includes insight from the front line of youth workers on their increased concerns for street-gangs and organised criminal gangs.
Time Out: Re-Imagining Schools – COVID-19
This paper builds on the insights from the ‘Out of Sight?’ research report, on the known and emerging needs of young people through COVID-19.
Guidance for Local Authorities on Providing Youth Services
Our new guidance supports local authorities in their statutory duty to secure local services.
Outside, Looking In Employment Report
This paper builds on the insights from the ‘Out of Sight?’ research report, on the known and emerging needs of young people through COVID-19.
Inside Out NYA-Brook 2020
This paper builds on the insights from the ‘Out of Sight?’ research report, on the known and emerging needs of young people through COVID-19.
NYA COVID-19 Response July 2020
This report summarises key recommendations and the latest research carried out by the National Youth Agency (NYA) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
APPG Inquiry into Youth Work Report 2019
Over 100 pieces of evidence were submitted from youth work projects, young people and practitioners for this full national inquiry into youth work.
