National Quality Standards Framework Overview

Overview of NQSF Process Primarily a support and development tool for youth work organisations. Self assessment with an external validation process. Process of review, assessment and continuous development. 3 year cycle 10 steps to the process.

All youth work practice and provision is: Self and External Assessment Statement of Youth Work Practice: What you do: ethos; mission; service provision; defining features/functions Why you do it: rationale; vision; aim and objectives; outcomes Who is it for and with: target group; partnerships; linkages; exchanges How you do it: modes of provision; methodologies Where you do it: geographical area; settings; levels*; locations 5 Core Principles- All youth work practice and provision is: 1. Young person-centred: recognising the rights of young people and holding as central their active and voluntary participation 2. Committed to ensuring and promoting the safety and well- being of young people 3. Educational and developmental 4. Committed to ensuring and promoting equality and inclusiveness in all its dealings with young people and adults 5. Dedicated to the provision of quality youth work and committed to continuous improvement Please identify one achieved outcome in relation to each of the Core Principles Self and External Assessment Standards Section 2: Organisational Management and Development 1. Governance and Operational Management 2. Strategy 3. Volunteers 4. Human Resource Management 5. Collaboration and Integration Standards Section 1: Youth Work Practice and Provision 1. Planning 2. Practice 3. Progression 4. Monitoring and Assessment 5. Policies and Procedures Continuous Improvement Plan Progress Report

10 Step Process Step 1 Establish Implementation Team Step 2 Complete Statement of Youth Work Practice Step 3 Five Core Principles Step 4 Ten Standards Step 5 External Assessment Step 6 Continuous Improvement Plan Step 7 Progress Report Step 8/9 Update and Progress Actions Step 10 Review and Plan

Step 1 Structure of Implementation Team Led by a designated paid member of staff. Should include personnel with relevant expertise. Minimum of 3 people. Aims to be representative of key stakeholders e.g Staff, Board of Management, Young People, Volunteers, Parents.

Role of the IT Lead Person Liaise with the CDYSB L.O. Guide and implement the NQSF process within the project. Organise and coordinate meetings. Ensure mechanisms are in place for information to be shared across the organisation. Where possible, ensure stakeholders are invited and supported to participate in the IT Identify and delegate tasks to be followed up between meetings.

Step 2-Statement of Youth Work Practice Completed in cycle 1. This should be reviewed and amended as necessary. Statement should be approximately 500 words, jargon free and answer the questions on page 10 of the QSF document. What do you do ? Why do you do it ? Who is it for and with? How do you do it ? Where you do it ?

Step 3 Core Principles The 5 core principles are fundamental to youth work. Services should gather evidence to show that these define and direct their practice and provision. Each CP is accompanied by several indicators. There should be one piece of evidence for every indicator. Services must identify one achieved outcome in support of each principle. (5 outcomes in total)

Small Group Task Break into small groups Each group takes a different principle 1 – 5 Based on prescribed indicators come up with a list of evidence for the service for that principle When this is completed, come up with one outcome for the principle

Step 4 -10 Standards Consider the 10 standards and prescribed indicators. Assign a position on the scale of attainment – absent, acquiring, achieved, advanced. Gather evidence in support of the position.

Group Task Break into three small groups Consider the indicators on the scale of attainment and choose the most appropriate one for the service at this time Come up with a list of evidence to back that up -

Step 5 External Assessment Carried out by the Liaison Officer in consultation with the Implementation Team To validate the position taken by the service Review of documentary evidence. Observations on practice. Focus groups with stakeholders. Agree final position on the scale of attainment for each of the standards.

Step 6 Complete Continuous Improvement Plan Strategic summary of position and progress in relation to 5 principles and 10 standards. CIP should include – Identified areas of improvement. Identified actions to address these. Identified personnel and timeframe.

Step 7 Complete NQSF Progress Report Completed in November each year. Only document submitted to Department. Section 1 completed by Service and Section 2 is completed by Liaison Officer. Comments on the external assessment process, the progress of the CIP and identifies emerging issues.

Steps 8 and 9 Years 2 and 3 Continue to update and progress actions in the Continuous Improvement Plan.

Step 10 Review and Plan Repeat actions from year 1. Review progress made in previous 3 years and commence planning for the next cycle.