WIREDGOV

A free resource pack launched on 19 April 2011 that will help make sure money spent on services for young people is well-used and has the right impact.

Services for Young People: Value for Money Self-Assessment Pack is a collaboration between the Audit Commission and the Confederation of Heads of Young People's Services (CHYPS). It is free to download.

Already piloted in six areas, it was credited with:

• helping statutory and voluntary providers to begin longer-term reviews of provision, staffing and costs;
• increasing self-awareness among managers and staff about council youth services;
• stimulating discussion between partner organisations on improvement and how to achieve better value for money;
• identifying some 'quick wins'- for example, doing more to celebrate young people's achievements; and
• generally raising the profile of youth services.

Youth services include not only traditional youth clubs, but may cover youth workers' outreach work, information, advice and guidance schemes, youth-targeted sports, arts and heritage provision, even the Youth Offending Service. In any area these will be provided by a mix of councils, voluntary, community and private organisations.

Andy McKeon, Audit Commission Managing Director, says:

'Council funding is under extreme pressure, but investment now in high quality youth services is an investment in the country's future. Teenagers often need help to develop social and communication skills, to build their self-esteem, and improve attitudes to education. With the advice and support of youth professionals they stand a much better chance of avoiding negative influences such as involvement in crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs. In short, good youth services help to turn young people into young citizens.'

In 2009 the Audit Commission report 'Tired of Hanging Around' showed how sport and leisure activities could prevent young people being drawn into anti-social behaviour. It found that a young person caught up in the criminal justice system costs the taxpayer £200,000 by the age of 16, but one needing support to stay out of it costs less than £50,000. The report identified a need for councils and their partners to improve resources for young people. This new resource is designed to complement it.

The pack is organised into five modules which take users through a structured assessment of their services, drawing on their own and comparative data about spending and outcomes. It then helps them prepare an action plan to provide the best value for money services for young people, specifically tailored to their area and its resources.

David Wright, Chief Executive of CHYPS, says:

'It has been shown that youth work,  where it is done well, helps young people learn about themselves, others and society. Through non-formal educational activities that combine enjoyment, challenge and learning it develops the ability of young people to think for themselves, and provides them with opportunities to shape their own futures and to act for others.
 
'The Tool is a valuable resource that will help with re-shaping and redesigning youth services, giving all those involved -lead members, partners and other local decision makers - the opportunity to identify what they want from youth services in their area, appreciate all contributions and understand what works best.

'I hope this tool will be taken up and used, and I know that CHYPS are keen to offer practical support to local authorities using it in this way.'

Services for Young People: Value for Money Self-Assessment Pack is a voluntary, online, self-assessment tool aimed at elected members and senior staff with an interest in services for young people. It is relevant to all councils, fire and rescue authorities, the police, voluntary and private sectors - indeed anyone who is involved in commissioning or delivering services locally for young people.

Notes to editors

1. The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone. Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers. On 13 August 2010 the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced that he plans to disband the Audit Commission. For more details about the role of the Audit Commission visit www.audit-commission.gov.uk
2. The Confederation of Heads of Young People's Services (CHYPS), represents the interests and advocates on behalf of all those who deliver, manage and commission youth work and are responsible the effective delivery of all elements of Youth Support Services. Its key function is to represent its members at both a national and local level to influence policy, campaign and to champion the cause of good quality youth work. It does this through the maintenance and development of a national and regional infrastructure. CHYPS works with partners engaged in youth work delivery, and with those campaigning to protect youth work in future. It places value on its relationship with its members and works in partnership with national partners to secure the best possible outcomes for young people. For more details visit www.chyps.org.uk  

For further information please contact:
 
Callum Collins,
Corporate Communications Manager,
Audit Commission,
Tel: 0844 798 8844
E-mail: ca-collins@audit-commission.gov.uk

or

David Wright
Chief Executive,
Confederation of Heads of Young People's Services,
Tel:  07734 498 242
E-mail:  davidwright.chyps@nya.org.uk