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, through a series of consultation events, workshops, and sector-wide discussions led by YouthLink Scotland.

It sets out three national commitments Scotland must make to ensure every young person can thrive through access to high-quality youth work. Together, they represent the foundation of a stronger, fairer youth work system: guaranteed by law, universally accessible, and sustained by investment. 

The Three National Commitments 

1. A Right – A Legal Right to Youth Work for All Young People
   Every young person should have an entitlement in law to access youth work services, regardless of postcode, background, or income.
2. A Space – Universal Access to Spaces for Youth Work
   Guarantee free, fair, and consistent access to public spaces – such as schools, leisure centres, and community venues – for youth work providers, and create new, dedicated youth spaces in every community.
3. A Future – Sustained and Increased Investment in Youth Work
   Implement fair funding principles with ring-fenced, multi-year funding at both national and local level, rebuilding the workforce and ensuring long-term stability.

Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director, IoD Scotland, said: 

“Youth work is one of the best investments we can make in Scotland’s future. It nurtures the skills, confidence, and resilience that employers value most. Every pound invested in youth work is an investment in our future workforce.” 

Jimmy Paul, Director, Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, said: 

“Youth work has been the beating heart of reducing youth violence. It’s not enough to react, we must anticipate and support young people’s needs early. This manifesto is fantastic and I’m proud to support it.” 

Ellie Craig, Chair, Scottish Youth Parliament, said: 

“Youth work is the scaffolding that supports young people’s participation in democracy and civil society. Enshrining youth work as a right would show real commitment to young people and to the UNCRC now embedded in Scots law.” 

Juliet Harris, Director, Together, the children’s rights alliance added: 

“Recognising youth work as a legal entitlement would be a vital step in delivering Scotland’s commitments under the UNCRC. It would ensure that every young person, wherever they live and whatever their background, has fair and equal access to the support they need to thrive.”