Martin Whitfield MSP has launched the consultation on his “transformative” proposed Member’s Bill that would ensure every council provides youth work services.
The Bill would seek to establish a robust legal framework ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to consistent and high-quality youth work opportunities.
This landmark proposal reflects the critical importance of youth work in fostering social inclusion, tackling inequality, and empowering Scotland’s next generation.
At its heart, the Youth Work (Scotland) Bill addresses the growing disparities in youth service provision, particularly in rural and economically deprived areas where resources are often scarce.
By introducing a legal obligation for local authorities to deliver youth work services, the Bill would aim to create a more equitable and sustainable system.
In addition, the proposed legislation aligns with Scotland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ensuring that young people’s rights to education, development, and active participation in their communities are not just acknowledged but actively safeguarded.
The Key Objectives of the proposed Bill would include:
- Universal Access: Mandating youth work services to be available to all young people aged 11–25, with particular focus on targeted support for disadvantaged groups.
- Equity and Fairness: Breaking down systemic barriers to ensure youth work is inclusive and accessible, regardless of geography or background.
- Sustainability: Establishing a dedicated Youth Work Fund to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across Scotland.
Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“My proposed Youth Work (Scotland) Bill would be transformative piece of legislation that would make youth work a cornerstone of every young person’s life in Scotland.
“By creating a legal obligation for local authorities to provide universal and targeted youth work services, this Bill would ensure no young person is excluded from the opportunities they need to succeed.
“Youth work is more than just services—it is about creating a pathway for young people to grow, develop, and contribute to their communities. Today’s consultation is an important step towards breaking down systemic barriers that prevent equal access to youth work, especially for those in rural or deprived areas.
“Throughout my time as an MSP, I have seen the incredible impact that youth work has on building confidence, resilience, and life skills. This legislation recognises and celebrates that value, enshrining it in law to guarantee opportunities for generations to come.
“By tackling inequality and investing in our young people, we are building a stronger, fairer Scotland where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.”
Supporting the proposed Bill, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Nicola Killean said:
“Youth workers are frontline workers who make a huge difference to the lives of the children they work with.
“But we’re aware that provision is inconsistent and children in many areas of Scotland have little or no access to this important support.
“And many youth work services, particularly in the third sector, experience insecure funding and that impacts their ability to delivery sustained support to children.
“This bill will ensure that all children have the right to access quality youth work while prioritising children who are furthest from having their rights realised.
” It is important that barriers to participating in activities are addressed, including for disabled children, those living in poverty and for children in remote rural areas.”
One Community Scotland Project Manager, Dr.Khadija Coll MBE said:
“This new legislation represents a significant step forward in ensuring that every young person across Scotland, regardless of their background, can access consistent and high-quality youth work services.
‘’As an organisation that works closely with BME and disadvantaged young people, we are particularly encouraged by the Bill’s emphasis on universal access and fairness.
‘These measures are crucial for breaking down the systemic barriers faced by young people in marginalised communities, including those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
‘’We also hope that, as this Bill progresses, organisations like ours will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of Youth Work Strategies and other key decision-making processes.
‘This Bill has the potential to create meaningful and lasting positive change by formally recognising the vital role that youth work plays in helping young people develop, thrive, and feel included in our society.’’
Ellie Craig MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said:
“We’re delighted to see the proposals in the Youth Work (Scotland) Bill.
“As part of our current campaign to invest in and protect youth work services, we’ve been clear about the benefits that youth work brings to children and young people as well as society as a whole. The sector must receive adequate funding and purposeful investment.
“Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament believe that young people across Scotland should have a right to high quality youth work services, whether that be through their local authority or via the third sector.
“Any approach should be grounded in the UNCRC and inform, protect, defend and uphold children’s rights.
“With these plans, together we can make progress on Scotland becoming the best place in the world to grow up and empower young people to become well rounded individuals ready for their next stage in life.”
Tim Frew, CEO at YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work, said:
“At YouthLink Scotland, we welcome the consultation on the proposed Youth Work (Scotland) Bill and recognise the importance of this initiative in strengthening youth work services across the country, which the sector has been calling for.
“We commend Martin Whitfield MSP for bringing this forward.
“This consultation is a crucial opportunity to ensure youth work is embedded in legislation, guaranteeing universal access to high-quality services for all young people, regardless of their background or location.
“As we work to implement Scotland’s commitments under the UNCRC, it is vital that youth work is given the legal recognition and support it deserves, ensuring it has parity of esteem with formal education.”
Kerry Reilly, CEO of YMCA Scotland, said:
“YMCA Scotland is delighted to support the Youth Work Scotland (Bill).
“Every young person in Scotland should have the right to access youth work as part of their personal growth and development.
“The right to youth work is as fundamental to a young person as the right to play for a child.
“Youth work gives young people the opportunity to learn, grow and flourish, contributing to their communities and shaping their own learning for their future.”
Find out more about Mr Whitfield’s Bill consultation and how to respond at Proposed Youth Work (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website.