YouthLink Scotland's membership covers a wide range of policy areas in their work including health, education, youth participation, environmental protection, sport, volunteering, child protection, youth justice, human rights and issues relating to overseas aid and development to name but a few. YouthLink Scotland updates its member organisations on these key policy areas through the Parliamentary Update which outlines the key business in the Scottish Parliament, and in the UK Parliament in both the House of Commons and House of Lords affecting young people and the youth work sector. YouthLink Scotland also updates its member organisations on policy matters through the fortnightly Youth Work Briefing.
YouthLink Scotland influences policy development on issues affecting young people and the youth work sector by responding to Government legislation, and by submitting responses to key consultations on a wide range of issues. YouthLink Scotland also progresses policy development by briefing MSPs, MPs and Peers on issues affecting young people and the youth work sector.
YouthLink Scotland has also established a Policy Forum, which will act as YouthLink Scotland's policy powerhouse, enabling wide-ranging discussion within its meetings and across YouthLink Scotland's membership. Through the Forum, YouthLink Scotland will review and promote research, keep abreast of international and national good practice, influence national policy and encourage good practice through published papers and other sources. The overall aim of the Policy Forum will be to support the development of coherent youth policy.
For further information please contact Alex Cole-Hamilton, Policy Officer on 0131 313 2488 or acole-hamilton@youthlink.co.uk