The Scottish Youth Work Research Steering Group (SYWRSG) works to further the interests and needs of research in the youth work sector in Scotland.
This group has emerged to fulfil a need identified in the National Youth Work Strategy and to further momentum which was gathered through the publication of Universal Youth Work: A Critical Review of the Literature.
The work of this group contributes to the National Youth Work Strategy and oversees the development of a national programme of youth work research, including the impact of universal youth work research.
The aims of the group are to identify and create opportunities:
In 2025 the Scottish Youth Work Research Group refreshed their Terms of Reference.
In 2023 youth workers and young people told us that their priorities for research included role and purpose of youth work, mental health impacts, the role of youth work in schools, development of the profession and the inclusion of all young people.
Read the report to find out more about the topics and questions which will shape the work of the research steering group over the next 5 years, in collaboration with the sector.
If you are interested in hearing more about this group and how you can support its work please email our Senior Research Officer Dr Amy Calder.