The Youth Access Quality Framework is here

After 6 months of development alongside hubs, experts and young people, we’re pleased to share the complete Youth Access Quality Framework with you.

The Youth Access Quality Framework is a shared structure that defines what good looks like for hubs. The framework sets out clearly defined areas of quality and identifies ways of measuring whether high-quality services are being delivered consistently and meaningfully. 

In short, the framework enables hubs to show their impact, supports continuous improvement, guides investment decisions, and enables new hubs to grow in underserved areas. 

The quality framework was developed over six months, led by Dr Isabel Hanson, a researcher at the University of Oxford and General Practitioner focusing on youth mental health and implementation science. It was created through a co-design process with young people and hub services, combining research evidence, practice knowledge, and lived experience.  

As you’ll see in the in-depth explorations covered within the quality framework, it is a genuinely collaborative feat. Its creation and continuous support from the membership is a shining example of the sector's commitment to continuous service improvement, with and for young people. 

We hope it will: 

  • Enable hubs to demonstrate the breadth, depth, and impact of their work using a nationally recognised model 

  • Support continuous improvement and service development in ways that are locally responsive and meaningful to young people 

  • Provide government and system leaders with a clear tool to inform policy, commissioning, and oversight  

  • Preserve the youth work ethos and relational strengths of existing hubs 

  • Help aspiring hubs develop models in underserved communities 

The quality framework comprises 18 areas of quality, organised into three categories:  

  1. Principles – the ethos, values, and relational foundation of the Youth Access model, describing how services build trust, equity, and partnership with young people.
  2. Foundations – the operational and organisational elements essential for services to be safe, effective, and sustainable.
  3. Services – the specific types of support offered, and how these are delivered and coordinated both within the hub and with external partners. 

Hubs vary in size, context, and local need. The quality framework is designed to recognise and celebrate this diversity: quality is not defined by how many services a hub provides, but by how well each area is delivered in response to local needs. 

the youth access quality framework image of printed document

To find more and explore what good looks like, download the Youth Access Quality Framework. 

Download the Youth Access Quality Framework

We have designed the framework to be accessible using the two-page view PDF function for easier on-screen reading. 

A printer friendly black-and-white version is also available here.

What’s next? 

  • We’ll be launching a supplementary self-assessment tool, in early 2026, for services to use to measure strengths and areas for development and while also producing a national picture to identify assets and gaps in local service provision 

  • The Improvement Programme will follow, providing a suite of learning and workforce development resources to guide hubs in expanding service delivery and improving support for young people 

quality and improvement programme logo

 

To keep up to date on the development of the Quality and Improvement programme, sign up to the Q&I Programme insights newsletter.

Related