Northern Rock Foundation

Dr Kerry Young 

Harrington Young

Summary findings

Introduction

This is a summary of research carried out by Dr Kerry Young of Harrington Young to explore systems for measuring the progress of young people involved in youth projects in the North East and Cumbria. The research was commissioned and funded by Northern Rock Foundation. At the centre of the research was the need to ensure that young people are at the heart of the process of celebrating their achievements.

The research was supported by a steering group drawn from the youth work sector in the North East and Cumbria.

Key findings

The research resulted in three tested approaches. These were developed through visits and telephone conversations and included

• The need to agree with young people the outcomes they want to achieve
• The importance of the young person?s self-assessment and the need to ensure that the process allowed for reflection
• The challenge of limited time and the importance of avoiding bureaucracy
• The crucial importance of the importance of training and support for staff.

It was also noted that a ?one size fits all? system would be inadequate and that flexibility was vital to allow young people and workers to record a range of outcomes.

This report will be of interest to:

• Youth workers
• Commissioners of public services centred around work with young people
• Voluntary and community organisations working with young people
• Youth work training providers
• Researchers
• Funders and organisations interested in supporting young people.

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