Peer Review Programme
In Autumn 2023 we commenced a programme of Peer Reviews for Local Authorities to enable them to confidently assess the needs of young people in their area and fulfil their Statutory Duty for youth work.
To support the exchange of learning across the youth sector, the NYA is facilitating two Peer Networks for Lead Members and Officers with a responsibility for Children’s and Youth Services.
What is a Peer Review?
A Peer Review visit takes between two to four days to complete, and includes an onsite review of services, meetings and interviews with key stakeholders to evaluate impact, culminating in a final report and action plan. Councils receive ongoing support from the NYA to support implementation of their improvements.
The Peer Review programme is funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and builds on the success of three pilot reviews, including Rochdale and West Northamptonshire Councils.
Through the initiative seven Peer Reviews will be undertaken by the team of experts from NYA and the sector, as well as four trained young reviewers. Young Reviewer role opportunities were shared on the usual NYA social media channels and website to kick start the recruitment process. We also re-engaged young people from the pilot to utilise their knowledge and experience. Young Reviewers were trained alongside adult colleagues.
Watch this short clip to hear from our young reviewers:
”“I think our lived experience of youth work is much fresher in our mind than it is of the current professionals and I think we offer good insight into what good youth work has looked like for us and how to transfer that across other regions and locales.”
IvanYoung Reviewer
Learning from the Peer Reviews
The following clips were filmed at the Peer Network Launch event on 20 March 2024.
Rochdale
Steve Kay, Assistant Director Early Help summarises the learning and insights that the Local Authority in Rochdale has taken away from their peer review process.
West Northhamptonshire
Tony Challinor, Assistant Director Commissioning and Partnerships summarises the learning and insights that the Local Authority in West Northamptonshire has taken away from their peer review process.
Milton Keynes
Richard Lee, Participation and Engagement Manager and James Dove, Public Health Principal – Children, Young People & Families summarise the learning and insights that the Local Authority in Milton Keynes has taken away from their peer review process.
South Gloucestershire
Sharon Adams, Commissioning Manager (Children & Young People), Penny Baker, Youth Work Manager and Kevin Sweeney, Early Help Partnership Strategic Lead summarise the learning and insights that the Local Authority in South Gloucestershire has taken away from their peer review process.
Key highlights from the Peer Network launch event on 20 March 2024
The Peer Review programme is now closed although the NYA welcomes any Council seeking advice on developing their youth work offer to get in touch with the NYA to see what support can be provided.
