As details of a new Bill to strengthen the role of youth work in Scotland are revealed today, SYP welcomes the proposals from Martin Whitfield MSP.
The key objectives of the Bill are universal access, equity and inclusivity and a rights-based approach.
Ahead of the Bill launch, Ellie Craig MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said:
“We’re delighted to see the proposals in the Youth Work (Scotland) Bill. As part of our current campaign to invest in and protect youth work services, we’ve been clear about the benefits that youth work brings to children and young people as well as society as a whole. The sector must receive adequate funding and purposeful investment.
Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament believe that young people across Scotland should have a right to high quality youth work services, whether that be through their local authority or via the third sector. Any approach should be grounded in the UNCRC and inform, protect, defend and uphold children’s rights. With these plans, together we can make progress on Scotland becoming the best place in the world to grow up and empower young people to become well rounded individuals ready for their next stage in life.”
Martin Whitfield MSP, Shadow Minister for Children, Young People & Lifelong Learning, said:
“My proposed Youth Work (Scotland) Bill would be transformative piece of legislation that would make youth work a cornerstone of every young person’s life in Scotland.
“By creating a legal obligation for local authorities to provide universal and targeted youth work services, this Bill would ensure no young person is excluded from the opportunities they need to succeed.
“Youth work is more than just services—it is about creating a pathway for young people to grow, develop, and contribute to their communities. Today’s consultation is an important step towards breaking down systemic barriers that prevent equal access to youth work, especially for those in rural or deprived areas.
During the youth work campaign training session at SYP’s 82nd National Sitting in The Scottish Parliament earlier this month, MSYPs were asked to reflect on their youth work journey and why it matters. Beinn Grant MSYP, who represents Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said: “Growing up I didn’t have an opportunity to get involved in a lot of youth work. However, actually since becoming an MSYP I have got involved in a lot of youth work organisations in my local authority.”
He added: “I realise how much of an impact youth work has and how much it can influence the lives of young people.”
Tim Frew, CEO at YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work said: “At YouthLink Scotland, we welcome the consultation on the proposed Youth Work (Scotland) Bill and recognise the importance of this initiative in strengthening youth work services across the country, which the sector has been calling for. We commend Martin Whitfield MSP for bringing this forward.”
MSYPs spoke about SYP’s current campaign to invest in and protect youth work services at this year’s Cabinet Takeover meeting last week. Olivia Brown MSYP asked the First Minister John Swinney MSP about this during our interview alongside the Children’s Parliament:
