We administer the Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales (the Quality Mark), in partnership with Education Training Standards (ETS) Cymru, the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services (CWVYS), Principal Youth Officers Group (PYOG) Wales and Training Agencies Group (TAG).

The Quality Mark is a unique tool for self-assessment, planning improvement and gaining a quality mark for youth work. It supports and recognises improving standards in the provision, practice and performance of organisations that provide youth work, demonstrating and celebrating the excellence of their work with young people.

The Quality Mark consists of two distinct elements:

• a set of Quality Standards that youth work organisations can use as a tool for self-assessment and improvement
• an externally assessed Quality Mark that is a national award demonstrating an organisation's excellence

38 youth work organisations in Wales have achieved the Quality Mark. To register your interest for a Quality Mark external assessment, please complete an expression of interest form. 

Watch current Quality Mark holders share the benefits of the Quality Mark.

Considering getting involved in the Quality Mark?

Our e-learning module is designed to help build your knowledge of the Quality Mark, why it matters and what’s involved in it. Start the module.

Quality Standards and Guidance documents

Quality Mark introduction and guidance

Quality Mark: gold level

Quality Mark: silver level

Quality Mark: bronze level            

From a youth perspective: QMYW assessment process

This short video, produced by Swansea MAD, guides young people undertaking the Quality Mark for Youth Work (QMYW) in Wales through the assessment process.

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Youth Work Quality Mark evaluation report

An  evaluation of the work of the Education Workforce Council on the Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales and its development in the youth sector.

Youth Work Quality Mark Post Assessment survey

Quality Mark assessors play a vital role in helping groups and organisations identify, articulate and celebrate their work with young people.

What does a Quality Mark assessor do?

As a Quality Mark assessor, you’ll be part of a team that externally verifies the quality of youth work practice.

Acting as a mentor, you’ll support others as they work towards achieving the Quality Mark. You’ll also play a key part in identifying, promoting and celebrating good practice.

Quality Mark assessors undertake the role voluntarily. If you’re selected to act as a lead assessor, you’ll be paid for your time. 

What we look for in an assessor

You don’t need a specific qualification to become an assessor. But it helps if you're passionate about celebrating youth work in Wales and have an interest in quality assurance.

You'll also be outgoing, friendly and have:

• at least 5 years experience working with young people
• excellent observational and analytical skills
• a supportive and collaborative nature 

Benefits of being an assessor

Being an assessor will allow you to:

• share good practice and learn from others
• contribute to the development of youth work
• improve your leadership and communications skills
• build on your existing network of professional relationships
• increase your knowledge and awareness of the youth work sector 

Watch Quality Mark assessors talk about how the opportunity has affected their practice 

Read the guidance on being a Quality Mark assessor

How to apply

If you’re committed to improving youth work in Wales, and feel you have what it takes to be an assessor, we encourage you to fill in our short application form.

Guidance for Assessors

Youth Work Quality Mark Observational Assessment Guide

Report Writing Guidance