To advise Members on the restructuring of the Community Youth Service and progress towards the revised planning guidance (December 2003), and the national standards and performance indicators in youth work.

The Committee were advised of the restructuring of the Community Youth Service and progress towards the revised planning guidance introduced December 2003, and the national standards and performance indicators in youth work.

The Community Youth Service Manager gave a presentation on the work and restructuring of the Service and he highlighted the following issues:

• The National Picture – it was a statutory service funded through the Education FSS.  New DfES targets and planning guidance had been issued.  Work had started to prepare for the Ofsted Inspection in Autumn 2004, results of which may be included as part of the CPA assessment.   The Green Paper – Every Child Maters – contained ramifications for the service.

• The Role of the Service – the Service had to be educational, participative and inclusive.  It worked to 22 Youth Standards and focused on 4 key targets for 2004-5 namely: the number of young people participating; the level of participation; the number of recorded and accredited outcomes.

• Local Picture – the service currently had a 25% staff vacancy rate, a situation that was reflected nationally.  The accredited outcome target of 572 was unlikely to be met, mainly due to limited staff resources to run programmes.  The predicted budget underspend was due in the main to staff vacancies.  The need to meet targets had further enhanced partnership working through Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Restructuring – in line with the national agenda, the service was restructuring to increase face-to-face working.  Where possible more qualified full-time staff were being employed, rather than part-time, to help meet the delivery of accredited training.  A new Senior Youth Worker role had been established.  An increased training and development activity of both staff and youth accreditation had been adopted. 

• Financial Matters – While Service Standard 14 indicated £100 per head of youth population the Council’s Education FSS allocation was £77.79 and the Council’s budget for 2004-5 was £59.54.  The predicted budget underspend of £120,000 was distorted by additional external income of £140,000 for specific work of which £70,000 had already been committed.  The Cabinet Member (Community and Social Development) had been requested to carry forward £50,000 for expected recruitment costs.

The Chairman invited Councillor Mrs M.D. Lloyd-Hayes to address the Committee on youth issues.

Councillor Mrs Lloyd-Hayes outlined concerns following the closure of the two youth centres in the City.  She highlighted that while the City Centre had a low resident youth population, due to the transport links and retail outlets it had a high transitory population.  She reported upon the development of Close House, St. Peters Close, Hereford.  The building had been provided by the Deanery and had been converted and equipped for youth activities through collaborative working.  A number of agencies were interested in providing information through the Centre i.e. the Primary Care Trust and the Learning and Skills Council.  She further commented that youth workers would be able to provide accredited training.  There would be facilities for students to “drop-in” particularly to do homework while waiting for transport after school or college.  She also indicated the fundraising undertaken.

Councillor Mrs Lloyd-Hayes also highlighted the need for increased youth worker provision in the County, particularly in the City.

The Committee congratulated all concerned with the youth centre project. 

The Head of Culture, Leisure and Education for Life reported that meetings had taken place between the Council and the Youth Worker for the project regarding funding and a detailed Business Plan was awaited.  Responding to a question regarding the involvement of Parish and Youth Councils in youth work, he confirmed that a number of Council’s had been contacted or involved, however, the staffing levels in the service had restricted this area of development

The Chairman suggested that he and the Vice-Chairman informally meet youth representatives from around the County to discuss issues of concern.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman meet youth representatives to discuss issues of concern and report on their findings in due course.