Approximately, how many young people did you support in the last year?
This is one of the questions we’re asking this year in the National Youth Sector Census.
Every day, you show up for young people and make a real difference in their lives. But if your youth work isn’t included on the Census map, there’s a risk that your work, and the needs of the young people you support, aren’t fully visible to decision makers.
We’re inviting all frontline youth workers and organisations to complete the National Youth Sector Census. It’s the most comprehensive national picture of where youth work is happening, who it’s supporting, and where more investment and provision is needed.
If you deliver youth work directly, your insight is crucial. If you commission or support youth work delivery, please pass this to your networks.
Why complete the Census?
Taking part helps to:
- Put your organisation on the Census map– making you visible to commissioners, policymakers and potential partners, as well as to service users
- Reduce duplication – supporting a shared national picture so local areas don’t need to map services separately
- Shape future provision – ensuring your work informs new programmes and local interventions
How to complete the Census
- A new format this year makes it quick and simple to complete the survey with no log in required.
- It only takes about 15 minutes to complete and is a simple tick-box format
- It can be saved and returned to
- No in-depth financial data required
What the Census covers
You’ll be asked about:
- The activities and support you provide
- The issues young people are seeking help with
- Your workforce (paid and volunteer)
- Safeguarding and partnership working
Who the Census is for
- The Census is open to anyone delivering youth work or support to young people aged 11–19 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs), including:
- Youth clubs and grassroots organisations
- Voluntary, community and faith groups
- Uniformed groups
- Youth workers in schools, hospitals and other settings
- Anyone supporting young people using youth work principles, whatever their job title
- You only need to submit one response per organisation or service
What’s next?
Complete the Census by 31 May to ensure your data is included in the annual Snapshot report (due to be published in the autumn) and used to inform national and local decision-making.
As well as the Census, we’re also keen to understand how organisations perceive the National Youth Agency whether you work with us directly or indirectly. We’d really appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete our short perception survey too.
