Going for Gold

Scotland’s Youth Work Sector Manifesto 2026 was developed collaboratively with youth work organisations across Scotland, from local authority services to national and grassroots third sector providers. The process highlighted just how challenging the current financial situation is for those delivering youth work in Scotland and galvanised the sector around a call for Sustained and Increased Investment in Youth Work

I frequently hear voices within the youth work sector call for parity of esteem, a plea for recognition, I believe we should be more ambitious, parity of investment is much more important than parity of esteem for youth workers.  It’s tangible financial resources that directly enable the services, infrastructure, and workforce necessary to deliver proven positive outcomes for young people.  Esteem or recognition alone cannot fund these critical operations. Regardless of how valued the youth work is perceived to be, a lack of funding results in cuts to services and a reduction in vital youth work opportunities

While professional esteem and recognition are desirable, they are ultimately insufficient on their own.

• Positive recognition does not translate into operational budgets, staff salaries, or facility maintenance. The rhetoric of value is often mismatched with the reality of funding cuts.
• The historical gap in funding between youth services and other sectors, like statutory education or health services, highlights that without equivalent financial backing, “parity of esteem” remains an abstract concept rather than a practical reality.
• When funding is cut, youth centres close, jobs are lost, support for volunteers is reduced and universal services are scaled back, leaving the most vulnerable young people without critical support, regardless of how much society claims to value the work.

The impact of parity of investment

• Investment provides the necessary resources to run youth groups, clubs and centres, creating safe, welcoming spaces for young people to grow and feel a sense of belonging.
• Studies consistently show that investment in youth work leads to significant, measurable benefits for young people, including improved mental health, better educational outcomes, reduced crime and antisocial behaviour, and enhanced life skills. These benefits have a high social and economic return on investment.
• Financial stability allows for vital early intervention and preventative services, which save significant public money in the long run by reducing demand for acute services like the criminal justice system and statutory mental health care.
• Investment in high quality training and development opportunities is crucial to build a skilled workforce, ensuring staff and volunteers can deliver high quality youth work opportunities.
• Adequate and sustainable funding is essential for offering secure employment and competitive pay to attract and retain qualified youth workers.

In summary, investment translates directly into the capacity to help young people effectively, whereas esteem is an abstract concept that, without accompanying financial commitment, has little practical impact on the ground.

“Don’t make your dreams smaller to fit into your current reality. Upgrade your expectations and mindset on what you deserve and what’s possible” (Rebecca Yates)