We are pleased to offer this rare opportunity to debate the politics and ethics of youth work, grounded in the appearance of the Institute of Youth Work code, in the company of Sarah Banks, Durham University, editor of ‘Ethical Issues in Youth Work’, Howard Sercombe, Strathclyde University, author of ‘Youth Work Ethics’ and Maralyn Smith, National Programme Manager at the NYA.

Not to be missed if you can help it!

ENGAGING CRITICALLY : A SERIES OF SEMINARS

ETHICS IN YOUTH WORK : A RETREAT FROM POLITICS?

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 AT UNITE THE UNION, BROAD ST, BIRMINGHAM

FROM 11.00 A.M. TO 4.00 P.M.

Talking about ethics is very much in fashion within the world of youth work. In the last few years three books have appeared exploring ethical issues and our relationships with each other and young people. As part of the move towards an Institute for Youth Work [IYW] there has been a significant debate about ethics. Indeed as a result the National Youth Agency circulated in June a draft code of ethics for consultation. The intention is that would-be members of the IYW will sign up to the code as a condition of their membership.

Against this backcloth we wish to encourage a wide-ranging discussion about the place of ethics in our work and inexorably the place of politics.

Morning session [11.15 – 1.15]

– Welcome and introduction

– Around 45 minutes in pairs and small groups addressing the question of ‘what do politics and ethics in Youth Work mean to you?’

– The relationship of Politics to Ethics – contributions from Tony Taylor and Sarah Banks. [around 15 minutes each]

– Around 20 minutes in small groups followed by Q & A and discussion.

Afternoon Session [2.00 – 4.00]

– ‘What is the place of a code of ethics in Youth Work?’ – contribution from Howard Sercombe [ around 15 minutes] followed by discussion in small groups [30 minutes]

 – ‘Facing Reality : The Creation of the Institute of Youth Work and a Code of Ethics’ – a contribution by Maralyn Smith [around 15 mins ] followed by discussion in small groups [30 minutes]

– Plenary, ‘Where do we go from here?’ Panel of four speakers – questions and discussion [20 – 30 minutes]

Tea, coffee etc available in the morning and at lunch, but in time-honoured IDYW style we ask you to bring your own butties!

 Directions_to_Transport_House by car, rail and foot, the latter taking account of changes at Birmingham New Street station.

Places still available at £5 waged, £2 unwaged and students – contact Tony on tonymtaylor@gmail.com