main content In-depth review of youth services

Groups and individuals who run youth services in the borough are being contacted as part of an in-depth review being undertaken by Bromley Council. The unique survey of youth provision will help to shape the future development of services.

Those contacted so far have been asked to answer six key questions and could be invited to present their views to councillors later in the year.

The survey, organised on behalf of the Council’s Children and Young People Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee, has already reached hundreds of known providers, but there is still time to take part.

Committee Chairman Councillor Mrs Anne Manning said: “We are committed to working with public, private and voluntary sector organisations in ensuring that the borough’s young people can access a full range of social, sporting, creative and cultural activities.

As well as building up a picture of the current range of services on offer, we want to ensure young people are fully involved in the future development of our youth services.”

Responses to the survey should be received by Friday 23 September; further discussions with key providers will be held in late October. All the evidence gathered will be analysed alongside information from Ofsted, Council officers, Prospects Youth Services and other local authorities.

The review, which began in April this year, will be completed by Christmas with findings and recommendations due to be reported to the Executive Councillor for Children and Young People, Councillor Graham Arthur, early in 2006.

Anyone who would like to contribute by completing a questionnaire should contact Stella Marshall, Youth Development Officer, on 020 8313 4719, or Keith Pringle, Committee Co-ordinator, on 020 8313 4508.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The review group - Councillors Roger Charsley, John Getgood, Mrs Jenny Hillier, Mrs Anne Manning, Denise Payton and Michael Turner - has met three times since April
• Analysis of survey responses will be held from 23 September to mid-October
• Oral evidence to be heard by review group from 17 to 31 October
• Evidence evaluated in November and report drafted in December
• Review findings/recommendations to PDS on 11 January 2006 and Portfolio holder on 18 January 2006
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Richard Simcox, Communications Officer, on 020 8313 4310, or email richard.simcox@bromley.gov.uk