Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil Youth Services have become the latest organisations to be formally recognised for the quality of their provision, receiving the highly acclaimed Quality Mark for Youth Work (QMYW) in Wales.

Merthyr Tydfil Youth Service received its very first silver award, whilst Cardiff Youth Service received reaccreditation for its bronze.

The QMYW (which is funded by Welsh Government and administered by the Education Workforce Council (EWC)), is a national award which demonstrates an organisation's excellence. To receive the accreditation, they must self-assess against a set of quality standards and pass an external assessment.

In achieving the bronze QMYW, Cardiff demonstrated that they have established the essential foundations for high-quality youth work. This includes engaging with young people to shape their provision, a strong understanding of the needs of those they support, and robust policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure a safe and effective approach.

In achieving the silver QMYW, Merthyr Tydfil evidenced to assessors how their service recognised and promoted equality and diversity, planned its services to meet young people’s needs, and involved young people in decision-making processes.

Presenting Merthyr with their award at the 2025 National Youth Work conference, Tara Reddy, Quality Mark Development Officer with the EWC said “Congratulations to both organisations for these awards.

“It was a pleasure to be able to present the silver QMYW to the Merthyr Youth Service team at the Youth Work conference in February. It’s always great to celebrate the exceptional work youth organisations do, but to do so surrounded by so many peers made it extra special.

“Cardiff’s reaccreditation is a credit to their hard work. The assessors were especially impressed and wanted to highlight their innovative digital youth work as an example of good practice.”

Speaking after the presentation of their award, Sam Morgan, Youth Service Manager at Merthyr Youth Service said “Achieving the silver Quality Mark for Youth Work showcases the very evident care, support, and opportunities that our staff in youth clubs and targeted teams across the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil give our young people.

“We are particularly pleased that partnership working was highlighted as an area of good practice by the assessors. We would like to thank our commissioned partners and local authority teams for their continuing support.”

Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty, Equality and Supporting Young People, Cllr Peter Bradbury said: “Cardiff Council is committed to engaging with young people and providing them with the opportunities, support and care they need to flourish.

“The Quality Mark for Youth Work recognises the work of our Youth Services and partners in prioritising youth development and well-being, ensuring that young people have access to safe, supportive spaces where they can learn new skills, receive guidance, and build positive relationships.”

For more information about the QMYW, including how your organisation can gain accreditation, or how you can become an assessor, visit the EWC’s website.