In a week when the propaganda machine hails the success of the National Citizen Service – see National Citizen Service participation rises three-fold ; when the Labour spokesperson, Tristram Hunt illustrates his ignorance about the state of youth work today by praising the impact of NCS without reference to the devastation wreaked on Youth Service provision across the country ; and when SERCO,  the largest provider of NCS, ‘stands accused of mismanagement, lying and even charging for non-existent work’ in its bid to be the company running Britain, it’s fascinating and a touch controversial to get this news from the Federation for Detached Youth Work.

The National Citizen Service (NCS): a critical forum.

The Federation for Detached Youth Work (FDYW) has met recently with representatives of the National Citizen Service (NCS). The aim of this meeting was to plan a critical forum in which the programme can be evaluated and reflected on from the perspective of marginalised young people and those who work with them. In planning this event, the Fed welcomes commentary not just from detached youth workers but all those with experience of the NCS. Please write to myself, Graeme Tiffany, at the Fed’s usual contact address: fdyw@nya.org.uk.Beyond your views of what’s working and what’s not, we would like to hear your suggestions for the scheme’s improvement. Young people’s perspectives are also welcomed. Your submissions will be treated in confidence.