Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Quality Standards in Youth Work
A work in progress
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Introduction
 A brief introduction
 Why implement a QF?
 The process
 The challenges
 The framework
 aim; ethos; structure;
process; dealing with
difficulties
 Learning
 Outcomes / benefits
 The future
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Why implement a quality framework?
 YWI Strategic Priorities:
 Organisational Development
 Practice Development
 “Promoting a culture of
continuous improvement”
 Government policy:
 Youth Work Act 2001;
 NYWDP 2003-2007 – “to put in
place mechanisms for enhancing
professionalism and ensuring quality
standards in youth work”
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QSF Development Process
 The development and implementation of the framework has been guided by
the principles of volunteerism, participation and equality.
 A number of consultative panels
of stakeholders i.e. young people,
volunteers and frontline youth
workers were established to
inform, advise and support the
development of the standards
and the subsequent
implementation of the
framework.
 The work of the consultative
panels fed into and was overseen
by a Quality Core Group, made up
of youth workers, managers and
Board members.
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The Challenges
 Logistics
 A lengthy process
 Allocation of
resources
 Practitioners
 Sales Job
 Bite-size pieces
 Ethos
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A work in progress
 Evolving - we are all learning
 A new area of work
 For funders
 For organisations
implementing quality
standards
 For practitioners
 it’s both a challenge and an
opportunity
 For young people
 understanding it and
accessing information on it.
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The Framework
The Youth Work Ireland Quality Standards Framework aims to support
organisations that are providing youth services to:
 Measure, improve and maintain
their performance
 Develop systems of, and a culture
of, continuous review
 Involve young people in the
planning, delivery and evaluation
of services
 Provide quality youth services to
young people
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Ethos
Developmental
 The framework has been
implemented as a developmental
tool
 The focus is on supporting the
organisation to grow and improve
through engagement in the
assessment process.
 In preparing for assessment the
organisation develops a culture of
reflection and of continuous
improvement.
Peer-Led
Young people, Volunteers, Youth
Workers, Managers and
Administrators from throughout the
organisation are central to the
ongoing development and
implementation of the framework.
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Structure
A comprehensive framework with 37 individual
standards grouped into 4 Tranches (sections):
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Assessment Process
The assessment process has 3 phases:
 Self-Assessment - the Local Youth Service engages the whole organisation in measuring
itself against the standards
 Peer-Assessment - a team of youth
work practitioners, managers, and
administrators carry out the peerassessment, verifying evidence to
support the claims made in the selfassessment. There are three potential
outcomes
 Award Recommended;
 Award Recommended Pending;
 Award Not Recommended.

Quality Improvement Plan regardless of outcome the
organisation will come away with an
action plan highlighting areas for
ongoing development, growth and
improvement.
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Dealing with difficulties
Preparation = Prevention
Right of reply
Appeals process
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Learning
• Challenges
– Managing Growth
– Recording Practice;
– Mainstreaming Best
Practice
 Strengths
 Participation
 Programme design,
implementation & review
 Financial Management
 Promoting positive
images of young people
 Organisational
Development
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Benefits
 Regardless of the outcome of the assessment process, entering
into the process has led to improvement & change within
organisations
 Inclusive preparation has strengthened organisations and has
helped to imbed a culture of continuous improvement
 The standards framework assists youth services in creating and
communicating clear expectations and guidelines regarding
youth work practice
 The Youth Work Ireland Quality Standards Framework has
informed and influenced the development of a national
framework in Ireland
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Future
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Review and development
The role of young people in the QSF?
QSF for clubs / projects
Progression – Minimum to Excellence
External Validation
Integration of Frameworks