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Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Quality Standards in Youth Work
A work in progress
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Introduction A brief introduction Why implement a QF? The process The challenges The framework
aim; ethos; structure; process; dealing with difficulties
Learning Outcomes / benefits The future
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Why implement a quality framework?
YWI Strategic Priorities: Organisational Development Practice Development “Promoting a culture of
continuous improvement” Government policy:
Youth Work Act 2001; NYWDP 2003-2007 – “to put in
place mechanisms for enhancing professionalism and ensuring quality standards in youth work”
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
QSF Development Process
A number of consultative panels of stakeholders i.e. young people, volunteers and frontline youth workers were established to inform, advise and support the development of the standards and the subsequent implementation of the framework.
The work of the consultative panels fed into and was overseen by a Quality Core Group, made up of youth workers, managers and Board members.
The development and implementation of the framework has been guided by the principles of volunteerism, participation and equality.
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
The Challenges Logistics
A lengthy process Allocation of
resources Practitioners
Sales Job Bite-size pieces Ethos
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
A work in progress Evolving - we are all learning A new area of work
For funders For organisations
implementing quality standards
For practitioners it’s both a challenge and an
opportunity For young people
understanding it and accessing information on it.
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
The Framework
Measure, improve and maintain their performance
Develop systems of, and a culture of, continuous review
Involve young people in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services
Provide quality youth services to young people
The Youth Work Ireland Quality Standards Framework aims to supportorganisations that are providing youth services to:
Tomorrow’s Ireland...TodayEthos
Developmental The framework has been implemented
as a developmental tool The focus is on supporting the
organisation to grow and improve through engagement in the assessment process.
In preparing for assessment the organisation develops a culture of reflection and of continuous improvement.
Peer-LedYoung people, Volunteers, Youth Workers,
Managers and Administrators from throughout the organisation are central to the ongoing development and implementation of the framework.
Tomorrow’s Ireland...TodayStructure
A comprehensive framework with 37 individual standards grouped into 4 Tranches (sections):
Tomorrow’s Ireland...TodayAssessment Process
Peer-Assessment - a team of youth work practitioners, managers, and administrators carry out the peer-assessment, verifying evidence to support the claims made in the self-assessment. There are three potential outcomes Award Recommended; Award Recommended Pending; Award Not Recommended.
Quality Improvement Plan - regardless of outcome the organisation will come away with an action plan highlighting areas for ongoing development, growth and improvement.
The assessment process has 3 phases: Self-Assessment - the Local Youth Service engages the whole organisation in measuring
itself against the standards
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Dealing with difficulties
Preparation = Prevention
Right of reply Appeals process
Tomorrow’s Ireland...TodayLearning
• Challenges– Managing Growth– Recording Practice; – Mainstreaming Best
Practice
Strengths Participation Programme design,
implementation & review Financial Management Promoting positive
images of young people Organisational
Development
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Benefits
Regardless of the outcome of the assessment process, entering into the process has led to improvement & change within organisations
Inclusive preparation has strengthened organisations and has helped to imbed a culture of continuous improvement
The standards framework assists youth services in creating and communicating clear expectations and guidelines regarding youth work practice
The Youth Work Ireland Quality Standards Framework has informed and influenced the development of a national framework in Ireland
Tomorrow’s Ireland...Today
Future
Review and development The role of young people in the QSF? QSF for clubs / projects Progression – Minimum to Excellence External Validation Integration of Frameworks