Youth Justice Worker Level 4 Qualification

Descriptions

The Authority is preparing to launch a tender for the provision of a Level 4 Youth Justice Worker Qualification on behalf of the Youth Custody Service. Through this notice the Authority is looking to engage with the current market regarding this future requirement.

The Youth Custody Service (YCS) is a specialist division within HMPPS responsible for managing the youth secure estate in England and Wales. It oversees the placement and care of children and young people aged 10 to 17 who are remanded or sentenced to custody. This includes the following secure sectors: Secure Children's Homes (SCHs), Secure Training Centre (STC), Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) and the Secure School. The YCS aim to be a provider of high-quality children's services, where skilled, enthusiastic staff have the tools and capability to work with children in order to meet their individual needs, so that they are better able to lead rewarding, constructive lives upon their release.

Aligned with the recommendations of the Charlie Taylor Review (2017)-which called for the professionalisation of the Youth Custody Service (YCS) workforce-we are seeking to commission a training provider to provide an accredited trauma-informed programme that is designed to enhance the skills, understanding and confidence of custody staff working with children in the secure estate. This approach should foster a deeper understanding of trauma and its behavioural impact, support the development of meaningful relationships between staff and children, and contribute to the creation of safer, more therapeutic settings focused on recovery and rehabilitation.

The requirement is for a Level 4 Youth Justice Worker Qualification to replace the current Level 4 Children, young people and families practitioner Apprenticeship. The qualification must be grounded in the principles of trauma-informed practice. The provider must demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs and experiences of children in custodial environments, and be responsive to staffing structures, roles, and capability needs within Youth Justice settings and the custodial environment specifically.

The course should deliver a structured, skills and knowledge-based learning experience for YCS staff working directly with children and young people. The content must be rooted in trauma-informed principles and evidence-based approaches to mental health and recovery within secure environments. The learning structure must align with the Youth Jsutice Skills Matrix

The contract will enable five years of enrolments and suitable time for the last cohort of learners to complete the qualficiation within the contract term. Currently 100 learners are expected to enrol during each year of enrolments, these learners are expeteced to be split equitably between YOI Feltham, YOI Werrington and YOU Wetherby.

The service commencement is estimated to start in the Spring of 2026, following the mobilisation phase which will include developing and finalising the curriculum and ensuring the course is appropriately accredited.