Young People’s Reference Group (YPRG) - August 2025

The priority recommendations, along with those from the PRG subgroups will be included in a submission to the Minister in the coming weeks. The YPRG survey which captured the views of over 700 children and young people has now closed and the findings collated and analysed. 

The YPRG met with the Minister on 29 April to present their recommendations, vision and role & purpose of youth work, which was very well received.  

Policy Reference Group (PRG)

The last meeting took place on 9 June. Updates were received from each of the Sub-Groups in relation to their reports, emerging themes and next steps. It is expected that the next meeting will take place in early Autumn once a way forward has been determined for the new policy.

Policy Reference Group (PRG) Sub-groups

The five PRG Sub-Groups - Access and Inclusion, Delivery Innovation, Strategic Engagement, Workforce Development & Growth and Youth Work for Young People have submitted their final reports. Recommendations have been considered and will also be presented in a submission to the Minister to consider.

Cross-Departmental Group

The last meeting took place on 3 September. The Department of Communities shared information on social supermarkets which is delivered through all Councils in Northern Ireland.  Members were provided with a copy of  An Evaluation of the Implementation of Key Actions in Priorities for Youth published on 29 August. 

Project Board

The Project Board has met six times since the Policy Review commenced and most recently on 18 March 2025.  The next meeting is scheduled to take place in October 2025.

Youth Work Policy Team have discussed final reports from YPRG and the 5 PRG Sub-Groups and a paper on linkages to other DE policies and programmes which will be have been incorporated into the ministerial submission.