The role of the Youth Officer with the VEC is a new post and heralds an exciting time in Youth Work. The functions of the role are identified within the Youth Work Act 2001 and these are primarily to

• Draft a 3 year youth work development plan within the VEC region
• Prepare an annual report and cause an evaluation to be made of youth work programmes and services in the county
• Co-ordinate plans, proposals and activities with approved National Youth Work organisations, designate local voluntary youth work organisations & authorised organisations within the VEC area
• Make recommendations on grant applications, registration and project allocations
• Manage the appointment of the Youth Work Committee & the election process of the Voluntary Youth Council when these elements of the Act are implemented

The Youth Work Act 2001

The purpose of the Act is to provide a legal framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services by the Minister, the Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and by National and Regional Youth Organisations.

The principal features of the Act are:

• To define Youth Work in a clear and concise manner
• To detail policy, budget, research, monitoring and assessment function of the Minister for Education
• To define the function of Vocational Educational Committees regarding Youth Work, particularly the procedures, planning and prioritising of funds and the reporting on the provision of Youth Work programmes and services
• To establish a special Youth Work Committee in each VEC area
• To provide for the structure of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee
• To formalise the allocation of grants for Youth Work
• To establish Voluntary Youth Councils to represent the needs and demands of the voluntary sector at local level
• The appointment of a National Assessor of Youth Work to ensure the best possible use of public money in youth work programmes and services.

The Act makes provision regarding VECs that:

• VECs must ensure that there is adequate provision of youth work programmes and services in co-ordination with voluntary youth organisations
• VECs will have to prepare a three year development plan for their administrative areas
• VECs will be able to grant, withdraw or reduce financial assistance to Youth Work Organisations
• VECs will be able to arrange for the provision of Youth Work programmes and services where they are not being provided.

Registration of youth work clubs and groups

Youth work clubs and groups are currently being invited to apply to register with County Offaly VEC. To do this, simply complete and return the registration form (available below).

Why should my youth group register with the VEC?
The Youth Work Act requires the VEC to coordinate youth work in the county. Under the Act, all youth groups who want to access grants and support from the VEC must first be registered. Registering with the VEC will also give you a voice on the upcoming Voluntary Youth Council and access to information and support. When groups are registered, it will also help the VEC to meet youth needs in the entire county and will support our case for additional resources to be provided.

Is my group eligible to apply for registration with the VEC?
Youth work groups are eligible to apply for registration with the VEC. Sports groups are not eligible. This normally includes groups such as the following: Youth clubs Scouts, etc. Special interest youth work groups A full list of registration conditions is contained at the back of registration application form.

How do I apply to register my group with the VEC?
Complete and return the Application Form for Registration click here to download. Completed forms should be returned to: Youth Officer, County Offaly VEC, Castle Buildings, Tara Street, Tullamore

Youth Club Grant Scheme

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme aims to support youth work and youth activity groups in their administration, programme and services costs. The scheme is administered locally by the VEC. The scheme is intended to support the work of volunteer-led youth groups in Offaly, with a particular focus on those with members aged 10-21 years. Assistance with applications can be provided by telephone or by arranging for the Youth Officer to call to your group.

This Scheme is administered by the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of the Youth Affairs Section of the Department of Education & Science.

 

Local Youth Club Grant Scheme

Points to note in relation to the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme:
 

• Groups must have at least 8 members under 21 years of age. Priority is given to groups with members between the ages of 10 and 21 years.

• Groups must be volunteer-led and operated. This grant scheme is not open to staff-led groups or those in receipt of significant core / additional funding.

• Note for sports groups: Please note that sports clubs are not eligible for funding under the terms of this scheme. Such groups should contact the Sports & Recreation Partnership.