Youth Futures Foundation

As the What Works Centre for youth employment, one of our aims is to reduce gaps in data and research to improve employment outcomes for marginalised young people.    Last year, we launched the Data Dashboard - a free online resource that is automatically updated with the latest statistics, giving stakeholders quick and practical access to high-quality evidence on youth employment.    Check it out ➡ https://lnkd.in/eYdXxzJ2 

We’re hiring a Senior Economist / Evidence Evaluation Manager!    Do you want to design new impact evaluations and lead on their commissioning and management to support young people into good jobs?    Apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eiqUsfRv

This morning, the Office for National Statistics published the latest UK labour market figures. 📈 Abigail Coxon, Senior Economist, Youth Futures Foundation, comments: Today’s ONS Labour Market statistics reveal an overall upward trend in unemployment for young people aged 16-24 not in full-time education, with the unemployment rate reaching 11.9%, up from 11.5% in the previous quarter. Young women have experienced the largest increase in their unemployment rate, however their rate is still lower than young males. “We must address the persistent levels of youth unemployment in order to create a brighter future for young people across the country. Long-term unemployment has been shown to have a great impact on young people, not just in terms of financial security but also mental and physical wellbeing. We must find solutions that help create opportunities so that young people can reach their potential.” Visit our Data Dashboard for the latest youth employment data ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eYdXxzJ2

Racism is a daily reality for Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and ethnically diverse people in the UK - but leaders have the power to create change. Our updated Anti-Racism and Allyship in the Workplace guide highlights how you can be an effective ally. https://lnkd.in/esDyAAfC It starts with listening to your diverse colleagues and taking action to support them. Let's build a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard. #AntiRacism #Allyship #Race #ResponsibleBusiness

Young people aren’t just the group whose employment prospects we’re hoping to change, their voice is embedded throughout our work.    On #InternationalYouthDay, we wanted to shout out our Futures Voices Group. From submitting to All Party Parliamentary Groups, hosting webinars for employers, to delivering powerful speeches to large audiences, their commitment to enact change has played an indispensable role in our efforts to achieve our mission.

Fascinating blog post written by Joanna Barbara Hofman, RAND Europe, on the role of the Youth Guarantee in reducing NEET rates and the key considerations for policymakers in the UK.   We look forward to continuing to work with RAND to review international NEET policies to maximise chance of successful implementation in the UK.

“Involving young people in the consultation process, and in decision making roles in the partnerships, has been particularly powerful in challenging harmful mindsets. Not only has this helped to shift existing perceptions around young people within the system but it has changed young people’s perceptions about themselves and what they are capable of” 💡    In our latest blog post, Kezia Jackson-Harman, Senior Project Manager – Place and Systemic Change at Renaisi-TSIP, shares what the organisation has discovered when creating systems change with young people in places.    Read it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ej2qQZ4y

A statement from our CEO, Barry Fletcher, on the recent violence across the UK. "Youth Futures Foundation condemns the racially motivated intimidation and violence continuing to escalate across the country targeted at Muslims, refugees and other communities. The experiences of minoritized ethnic communities are at the heart of our work and we are proud to work with so many partners and communities across the country to help enable a more equitable society for the future generation. We stand with all those affected and are sending strength, care and support."

We’re pleased to present the findings from the evaluation of the Youth Employment Service North East (YES North East) programme, our collaboration with North East Autism Society (NEAS).    Funded as a part of YFFs ‘Development’ stream in 2021 to support neurodiverse young people toward EET outcomes, the evaluation reveals that the YES model successfully supported more than half of the participants into employment, education, or volunteering/work experience.   Read the full report here 👉https://lnkd.in/eXEJxafx

Inspiring Futures has officially launched! 🚀   The Hamara Healthy Living Centre-led project, in our Connected Futures grants programme, is designed to address the employment opportunities for young people from South Asian communities.    Spanning four years, the project will prepare 200 young people for the world of work and equip employers in Leeds and Bradford with the means to tap into the vast pool of talent and potential in the South Asian community.    We can’t wait to continue to support Hamara on this journey and are excited for what’s to come.    #SouthAsianHeritageMonth