Flintshire Youth Service and Vale of Glamorgan Youth Service have become the latest organisations to be formally recognised for the quality of their provision, receiving the bronze and gold Quality Mark for Youth Work (QMYW) in Wales.

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, Flintshire 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 gold QMYW, Vale of Glamorgan demonstrated exceptional partnership working, effective use of management information, and innovative resourcefulness in meeting the needs of young people. The award also recognises and celebrates the achievements of young people, as well as the profound impact youth work, and youth workers, have made on their personal journeys.

Tara Reddy, Quality Mark Development Officer with the EWC said “Huge congratulation to both organisations on these excellent achievements.

“For Flintshire, this is their very first QMYW. The first step can often be the hardest, and I’m delighted that all of their hard work has been formally recognised.

“For the Vale of Glamorgan, reaching gold, having already achieved bronze and silver, is an outstanding accomplishment. It goes to show how the QMYW is helping organisations right across Wales continually grow and improve the services they offer our young people.”

Speaking after the presentation of their award, Martin Dacey, Lead Officer for Social Inclusion and Wellbeing at Vale of Glamorgan said: “This is an outstanding achievement and is recognition of all the excellent work that Rhys and the Youth Service undertake with our young people. We are so proud of their achievements. Diolch yn fawr to all of our incredible staff!”

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.