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.

Do you agree on what this means in practice?
Do you agree on to what degree youth work meets this bullet point?
Here you find the questions you need to discuss to find out!

If you think that this is something you need to work on, click the “Add to development agenda” button below. You will then find your agenda on your personal page and be able to start a development process.

Please note!
If you start a development process related to this bullet point you will find the below questions also under the page “Discuss and assess”. There you will also be able to take notes.

Questions to discuss

Is local youth work having a clear and comprehensive system for documentation and follow up of outcomes, preconditions and work processes in relation to measurable indicators and aims?
- Does this system gather information on both quantitative and qualitative outcomes?
- Does youth work have reliable statistics on which groups of young people it reaches and not?
- Does youth work know if there are differences between different groups regarding their participation and learning?
What are the risks of just gathering quantitative data?
What are the risks of not having a structured system for documentation and follow up?
- In relation to youth work quality development?
- In relation to recognition and advocacy?

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.