Workforce Development Programme

The Workforce Development Programme will provide high-quality, specialist and bespoke training and support to enable youth practitioners, at all stages of their careers, to strengthen their expertise in supporting young people affected by violence and to develop their leadership skills as they progress professionally.

The programme will be delivered through three integrated packages, designed to meet the varying needs, capacities, and career stages of practitioners across London’s youth sector:

Package 1 offers a broad series of training, development, and networking opportunities. This responds directly to the need for flexibility and accessibility, particularly for parttime, freelance or youth workers who cannot commit to intensive programmes. It also provides opportunities for those new to the sector. These will be a mix of online and in person sessions and activities.

Package 2 retains the core strengths of Rise Up by offering an intensive, cohort-based development programme. This preserves the unique aspects that made Rise Up impactful including leadership development, mentoring, its cohort model, and wellbeing support while targeting practitioners ready to step into senior roles. Evidence shows that supporting development at this level leads to wider organisational benefits, as participants influence teams, culture, and practice beyond their own roles.

Package 3 is the Youth Practitioners’ Advisory Board (YPAB), offering continued leadership development and strategic influence for those who have completed Rise Up or the new Package 2. This ensures ongoing progression and maintains a pipeline of practitioner leaders able to shape VRU priorities.