Stronger Futures - A Northern Ireland Youth Work Policy Statement

Overview

The Department of Education (DE) invites you to take part in the public consultation for a revised youth policy statement: Stronger Futures – A Northern Ireland Youth Work Policy Statement.

This revised policy statement is a result of an extensive review of youth policy, by the Department, children and young people and other key stakeholders, including the community and voluntary youth sector and the Education Authority.   

Following completion of the review process, proposals were combined into a set of six key themes, set out in the draft policy document attached.

A copy of Stronger Futures – A Northern Ireland Youth Work Policy Statement and other related documents are available at  https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-stronger-futures-northern-ireland-youth-work-policy-statement

Consultation Period

The consultation will run from 10 June to 25 September 2026.

The Department’s preferred method of response is online, using the link at the bottom of this page.

Alternatively, you can respond by emailing youth.services@education-ni.gov.uk or by writing to:

Youth Work Policy Team,
Rathgael House,
Balloo Road,
Rathgill, Bangor,
BT19 7PR.

Why your views matter

We now wish to hear the views of the public and welcome contributions from everyone with an interest in youth services in Northern Ireland. Have your say online via Citizen Space, click “Respond Online” below.

Privacy and Data Protection Notice

How your information will be used

The Department of Education (DE) is committed to protecting your privacy. This consultation is being conducted in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

What information we collect

We collect the information you provide in Sections A, B, C, and D of this form, including any personal data you choose to share.

How we use your information

We may publish a summary of the consultation responses and, in some cases, the responses themselves but these will not contain any personal data. We will not publish the names or contact details of respondents but will include the names of organisations responding.

Sharing your information

Your response will not be shared with third parties outside DE.  Anonymous, aggregated findings may be published or shared with stakeholders.

Anonymity and confidentiality

If you do not provide your name or organisation, your response will be treated as anonymous.

Sharing of information is noted as above.