Institute for Youth Work launched

The Institute for Youth Work (IYW), which intends to provide a collective voice for youth workers, has now been launched and is open for members to join.

Backed by the National Youth Agency (NYA), the institute will enable members to network, develop best practice and keep abreast of policy developments through its website at www.iyw.org.uk.

There are four levels of membership – volunteer, student, a "member" level for those working with young people without a formal qualification, and a "certified" level open to professionally qualified youth workers – with fees ranging from £10 to £40. 

Youth workers who join the IYW will be required to join up to the body's code of ethics, which asks members to ensure the privacy and safety of the young people they work with.

Organisations can join IYW as "organisational supporters", paying £1,000 a year in return for a 50 percent membership discount for their members, employees and volunteers.

The NYA will continue to provide support to the institute until it becomes self-resourcing through membership.