National Body for Youth Work (NBYW) in Wales Delivery Board meeting: 9 June 2026

• Ruth Meadows (Chair), Director of Tertiary Education, Welsh Government (RM)
• Sharon Davies, Head of Education, Welsh Local Government Association (ShD)
• Steve Davis, Principal Youth Officer, Pembrokeshire County Council (SD)
• Steve Drowley, Chair, Education Training Standards Wales (SDr)
• Paul Glaze, Chief Executive, CWVYS (Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services) (PG)
• Loren Henry, Chief Executive, Urban Circle (LH)
• Catherine Taylor, Principal Youth Officer, Denbighshire County Council (CT)
• Dyfan Evans, Head of Youth Engagement Branch, Welsh Government (DE)
• Victoria Allen, Senior Youth Work Strategy Manager, Welsh Government (VA)
• Bethan Langmay, Youth Work Strategy Manager, Welsh Government (BL)

Apologies

• Sian Lewis, Chief Executive, Urdd Gobaith Cymru (SL)
• Jo Trott, Deputy Director, Learner Pathways, Welsh Government (JT)

RM welcomed Board members to the meeting. No conflicts of interest were declared.

The Delivery Board approved the minutes and action points from the previous meeting.

Action: Officials to publish the minutes from the meeting held on 23 April 2026 on the Welsh Government website.

Officials advised that the overall timeline remains broadly unchanged. Delivery Board members noted the slight extension to the timeline to allow for Ministerial engagement and further communication with the sector.

Delivery Board members who acted as chairs and vice-chairs for two subgroups established in spring 2026 to consider issues in relation to governance and accountability, and finance and resources, summarised key points raised by subgroup members.

With regard to governance and accountability, subgroup members emphasised that arrangements should reflect youth work values. Subgroup members emphasised the need for those arrangements to be transparent and inclusive, with clear lines of accountability to the Welsh Government and the wider sector. Participants emphasised the importance of embedding meaningful youth participation within governance structures, including consideration of Board membership for young people aged 18 to 25. 

With regard to finance and resources, it was noted that subgroup members highlighted the value of the NBYW providing a clearer national overview of funding and provision. This would in turn support organisations to plan, deliver and evaluate services more effectively, enabling better coordination and impact across Wales. In addition, the subgroup proposed that the NBYW should play a key role in advocating for the sector, supporting research and development, and facilitating the sharing of best practice.

Delivery Board members and officials thanked all subgroup members for their contributions to these discussions.

The proposed consultation structure presented by officials was broadly supported by Delivery Board members. The importance of using clear, accessible language, and embedding Welsh language considerations throughout were highlighted by Members. The Board emphasised the need for engagement with the sector alongside any consultation.

Officials confirmed that the next Delivery Board meeting will take place on 10 September 2026 and will be held in a hybrid format, with options to attend either in person or online. 

The Board noted the risk register and briefing materials.