Topic 1 Setting a Young Person up for Success Preparation is essential when welcoming young people into your organisation. Small actions taken early on can make a big difference to their experience and retention.

At the Youth Action Forum, the focus was on what employers can already do – not major policy updates or costly changes, just simple steps to ensure young people feel seen, heard, and recognised. One size does not fit all; being adaptable is key.

Ensure you have the right environment, line manager and team in place. Ask the following questions when developing targeted programmes to support young people:

1 2What is going on at that site or office that might have an impact?

What motivates people to get involved?

3 4Is the line manager and wider team performing, nurturing and well placed to support?

Does the line manager and wider team have the capacity to give the time and energy needed?

5 6Has the line manager had training on how to best support a young person?

Is pastoral care from a youth outreach organisation in place?

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