The YouthLink Scotland Policy Convention aims to galvanise youth workers, managers and the wider sector by showcasing real progress in youth work’s policy agenda in Scotland and promises to be more than just an event; it is about building creating a movement for all those who are passionate about the transformative power of youth work.
We are delighted to reveal the agenda for our forthcoming online Policy Convention that will place youth work at the heart of education reform discussions.
Scheduled for 7th December 2023, A Right to Youth Work – Exploring Current Policy Opportunities will provide a platform for exploring the best way forward to secure meaningful political recognition for youth work in Scotland, offering insights into policy opportunities amidst political upheaval.
The YouthLink Scotland Policy Convention aims to galvanise youth workers, managers and the wider sector by showcasing real progress in youth work’s policy agenda in Scotland and promises to be more than just an event; it is about building creating a movement for all those who are passionate about the transformative power of youth work.
Chairing the event will be Scouts Scotland’s External Affairs Lead Rory Edwards, supported by two young Scouts members to guide discussions around youth engagement, community impact and accessing youth work opportunities.
Featuring a dedicated input from Graeme Dey MSP, this session will offer insights directly from the Minister for Further and Higher Education. Expect a comprehensive update on current governmental perspectives and actions regarding youth work and education.
Minister for Further and Higher Education
An interactive panel discussion with MSPs from various political parties will provide a broad spectrum of viewpoints on Education Reform. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers through an in-depth Q&A session.
Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Shadow Minister for Children and Young People. She is also the Convenor for the Education, Children and Young People’s Committee.
Representing Scottish Labour and holding key roles in education and skills, Duncan-Glancy’s input will be crucial to understanding the legislative aspect of youth work and its potential within the educational reform landscape.
Distinguished keynote speakers, including industry leaders and visionaries like James Withers and Shirley Donegan, will share their groundbreaking thoughts and analyses on the transformative potential of youth work within the education system.
Head of Skills Review in Scotland, James will provide an input on his vision for a transformed learning and skills system – setting out the case for transformational change and the role of youth work.
A prominent academic from TU Dublin with a focus on youth work, Shirley will provide a robust analysis of the Youth Work Act Ireland (2002), exploring how legislative advancements in Ireland have yielded significant benefits for the sector.
Gain global insights from Sophia Eriksson Waterschoot of the European Commission, who will discuss European cooperation on education and youth policy, including programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
With her role in the European Commission, Sophia adds an international dimension to the policy convention, linking European perspectives on youth, education, and cultural programs.
Discover how youth work strategies and partnerships are being shaped and implemented across the UK. Leigh Middleton will talk on the strides towards a National Youth Work Strategy for England, Marielle Bruce will examine how youth work is being integrated into Scottish education and employability frameworks, and Shannon Boston will bring perspectives from the OPEN Project on local youth work innovations and impacts.
CEO of the National Youth Agency in England, Leigh will be speaking on the UK Government’s new statutory guidance for youth work and the journey to a National Youth Work Strategy for England.
As YouthLink Scotland’s education lead, Marielle’s experience in local authority and universal youth work provision positions her to discuss the integration of youth work into educational and employability systems in Scotland.
Sharing personal experiences from her journey to becoming a researcher at OPEN Space in Shetland, Shannon will speak on the significant impact of supportive youth workers in skill-building and learner journeys.
With expertise in leveraging the law for societal benefit, JustRight Scotland will lead an engaging discussion on the legal frameworks supporting youth work.
Vikki will delve how the CLD Standards Council champions the values and benefits of CLD, the current professional pathways, and what membership of the CLD Standards Council does to protect and enhance CLD practice standards .
Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Matt will present alongside an MSYP on SYP’s findings on the role of youth work in the education landscape from the perspective of the youth parliament.
