The quality development of local youth work needs …

a clear and comprehensive system for documentation and follow up of outcomes, preconditions and work processes in relation to measurable indicators and aims.

In order to work with quality developmentit is necessary to have a system for documentation and follow up specifically designed for youth work and clearly linked to measurable quality indicators and aims. Only this way can youth workers get relevant and structured input for analysis and reflection, avoiding speculations and basing their decisions on facts.

Follow up of qualitative outcomes should focus on gathering information from young people; Who they are (to secure that no groups are excluded) and how different groups perceiveyouth work (e.g. have they been taking part in creation, planning, etc. and have they learned, etc.) I.e. is youth work meeting the core principles.

Discuss & assess
Here you find the questions you need to ask yourself to know if you need to develop and the assessment function
Set objectives
Here you describe what you want to achieve.
Needs
Here you describe what you need to acquire, develop or change.
Actions to take
Here you describe the actions you plan to take.

Remember! Development is far from always a linear process! It needs to start with discussions, but the first ‘Action to take’ might be to gather more knowledge before setting aims for development and deciding on further actions to take. Dare to be both flexible and to take one step back before taking two steps forward!

References & tips

“Quality systems ensure that the voice of young people is central in the design and delivery of youth work that organisations, programmes and activities are responsive and relevant to the needs and aspirations of young people.” “Quality systems assist youth workers in improving their practice and skills development through creating a structure and space for reflection, dialogue and action.” Quality Youth Work – a common framework for the further development of youth work, European Commission 2015
Improving Youth Work – your guide to quality development, European Commission 2017
Inspiring Quality Street Work – strengthening street work through documentation and follow up. KEKS 2023.