The Education Workforce Council (EWC) will continue to deliver and develop the nationally recognised ‘Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales (QMYW)’ until January 2024.

Commissioned by Welsh Government, the QMYW has been administered by the EWC since January 2019. In being accredited, organisations reassure young people, their parents, guardians, funders, partner organisations, and others that they deliver high quality youth work provision.

One of those youth organisations accredited is Torfaen Youth Service who have been awarded both the Silver and Gold Quality Marks. David Williams, Torfaen Youth Service Manager said “Gaining the Gold Quality Mark this year was a real honour in recognition of the excellent work that occurs within Torfaen Youth Service.

“Going through a rigorous self-evaluation and inspection process was so valuable as it affirmed the professional standards that must be achieved to gain the award.

“From submitting our self-assessment, through to the visits, then finally the awarding of the Mark, the conduct of the assessment team was engaging and challenging in equal measure. The whole process was thoroughly rewarding and demonstrates the high quality of service our young people receive”.

Since EWC took over the delivery of the QMYW, the number of quality mark holders across Wales has grown by 75%, along with a 50% increase in the number of youth work sector assessors.

Hayden Llewellyn, EWC Chief Executive said, “Over the last three years, we have seen the Quality Mark grow and develop into a nationally recognised mark of excellence and assurance.

“We look forward to continuing to develop the Quality Mark, accrediting more of the exceptional youth work provision we have on offer across Wales.”

Jeremy Miles MS, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language said, “Youth work provides young people with an environment that enables them to relax, have fun, learn skills and qualifications, and talk to trusted adults and their peers about issues that are affecting them. It has a substantial role in helping them to develop their self-confidence and personal resilience as well as helping them to understand and access their rights.

“Excellent youth work organisations are delivering this across Wales, and the Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales is our way of helping organisations to benchmark their services against a robust set of standards, and to highlight areas of good practice that can be shared with others to help drive up the quality of the services.

“I am pleased to have been able to extend the current Quality Mark contract for a further year as we work to take forward the recommendations of the Interim Youth Work Board to achieve our ambition of creating a sustainable model for youth work in Wales”.

Find out more about the Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales.