Agenda item

This report provides an update on the Youth Service Peer Review conducted by the National Youth Agency (NYA) in July 2025. The review was part of a national programme funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and aimed to support Medway Council in strengthening its youth service provision. The findings highlight both strengths and areas for development, with a set of recommendations to guide future improvements.

Discussion:

The Head of Service – Provider Services introduced the report which provided a synopsis of the review completed by the National Youth Agency (NYA) in July 2025. The peer review identified strengths such as knowledge of the community and need, retainment of open access to youth service, targeted provisions and leadership.

Members then raised comments and questions including the following:

The Youth Service was commended on their inclusivity at all their events and the difference made to the lives of children and families across Medway.

Staff were viewed as role models and were instrumental in the support provided to children not in the school system or attending school  for various reasons.

The Youth Service should continue to encourage young people that access their service to look into apprenticeship schemes to become future youth workers themselves and continue to give back.

Mapping and Phasing - in response to a question regarding the recommendation by the NYA on mapping and phasing of service provision,  and if this had been completed, the Committee was informed that priorities included reviewing the needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, consultation and mapping of all the different elements that made up the youth offer. There has been some extensive work undertaken working with children’s services to strengthen the participation strategy, and understanding of different needs to identify gaps in services.

It was further commented that mapping exercises had been completed across services over the years, and it was asked how the information previously gathered would be utilised. The officer said that it was not intended for a significant amount of time to be spent on mapping or duplication of work, as pointed out, mapping had taken place across services, the issue was that there was no central point for the information gathered. The exercise was being completed as it was crucial to know exactly what was happening across all sectors, including sectors such as faith and the voluntary sector as this improved awareness as well as the offer and  access to extra provision for young people. Any information and support with this exercise would be welcomed.

Interaction with schools - in response to a question on what the relationship was with education providers in Medway, the Committee was informed that the service had a good relationship and worked extensively with some schools and Trusts. They were currently working on a number of projects with schools such as reduction of exclusions and with those at risk of youth offending.

Recruitment and Retention- in response to a question on what other teams could learn from the ability of the service to recruit and retain staff, the officer said that recruitment and retention of staff across services in general was always a challenge. The strength of youth work was that is it a community related provision. There was a very dedicated team of staff, many of whom had been in the service for a considerable number of years, and whilst this is not unique to Medway, it had been aided by the support received from the senior and political leadership. Staff support each other extensively despite the challenges with the work. The team were proud to be providing youth work in their community of Medway.

Decision:

The Committee noted the report and the recommendations made by the National Youth Agency Peer Review Team.