1.3 Evaluate the contribution of youth work values, principles and cornerstones to the formation of the youth work relationship

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Evaluate the contribution of youth work values, principles and cornerstones to the formation of the youth work relationship.

What are Youth Work Values?

Youth work values shape every aspect of practice. They set out what youth workers believe is important. These beliefs guide the way youth workers behave and make decisions.

Youth work values often include:

• Valuing young people’s rights and opinions
• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity
• Upholding mutual respect
• Supporting young people’s engagement and participation

When a youth worker acts in line with core values, young people feel safe and respected. This sense of safety and respect forms the basis for building strong, trusting relationships.

Valuing Young People’s Rights

Respecting young people’s rights supports the formation of relationships. Young people often notice when adults take them seriously. Listening and responding honestly helps youth workers gain trust.

If a young person knows their rights matter, they are more likely to open up. They may discuss problems and seek support. This behaviour relies on the worker showing consistency and integrity.

Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Fair treatment for all makes relationships stronger. Youth work environments should never tolerate discrimination. Recognising and embracing differences shows acceptance.

Some ways workers do this:

• Challenging stereotypes
• Respecting different cultures or backgrounds
• Using inclusive language

When young people see these efforts, they often mirror the respect they receive. It helps foster a welcoming and safe community, vital for meaningful engagement.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a two-way process. Youth workers demonstrate respect by listening, showing patience, and valuing opinions. This behaviour encourages reciprocal respect from young people.

Relationships thrive where mutual respect exists. Young people feel valued and safe, which helps them participate more fully.

Supporting Participation

Engagement means young people have a say. Workers encourage participation by consulting young people on activities and decisions.

Supporting choice makes the process empowering. Young people see relationships as partnerships rather than hierarchies. This changes the dynamic, as authority is shared rather than imposed, leading to stronger bonds.

What are Youth Work Principles?

Principles are practical statements that guide how youth work gets done. They help translate values into action.

Typical youth work principles cover:

• Voluntary participation
• Respect for individuals and communities
• Empowerment through participation
• Learning from experience
• Commitment to anti-oppressive practice

Voluntary Participation

Voluntary participation means no young person is forced to engage. Participation on their own terms creates trust. Workers must invite, not coerce, attendance.

This approach:

• Demonstrates trust in the young person’s judgement
• Offers choice and agency
• Reduces power imbalances

Relationships built on voluntary participation feel genuine, not forced.

Respect for Individuals and Communities

Respecting individuality matters in every interaction. Youth workers avoid making assumptions. They show an interest in people’s lives, backgrounds, and cultures.

Communities matter too. Workers recognise and celebrate community strengths, not just focus on individual needs.

Empowerment Through Participation

Empowering young people gives them influence over their lives. Workers create opportunities for leadership and decision-making. This shows belief in young people’s abilities.

Empowered young people are more likely to form healthy, balanced relationships with youth workers. They don’t feel patronised or ignored.

Learning from Experience

Reflective practice sits at the heart of youth work. Workers and young people learn together. Both parties discuss outcomes openly and explore what worked or didn’t.

This honest reflection builds genuine connection. It encourages shared responsibility for learning, which reinforces trust.

Commitment to Anti-Oppressive Practice

Youth workers challenge unfairness in their work. They confront discrimination, whether based on gender, race, class, ability, or sexuality.

By being active allies, workers show their loyalty to young people’s wellbeing. This builds respect and trust.

What are Cornerstones of Youth Work?

The ‘cornerstones’ refer to key features that define youth work. They tie together the values and principles with the practical reality of building relationships.

Core cornerstones include:

• The voluntary nature of relationships
• Informal education
• Youth empowerment
• Community focus
• Safe spaces

Voluntary Nature of Relationships

Relationships in youth work differ from those in school or social care. The young person chooses whether to form a relationship with the worker.

This voluntary element is a foundation for trust. It tells young people they are in control and their autonomy is respected.

Informal Education

Informal education is learning that happens outside the classroom. It is led by young people’s interests and questions.

When workers create learning opportunities that reflect young people’s needs, relationships become more equal. The worker is a facilitator or mentor, not an instructor.

Learning together builds connection and respect.

Youth Empowerment

Empowerment runs through every aspect of youth work. Workers do not speak for young people but help them use their own voice.

Empowerment strengthens confidence and trust. It invites young people to share responsibility in shaping the relationship.

Community Focus

Youth work relationships extend beyond individuals. They work best when they recognise the importance of the wider community.

Workers acknowledge community resources and challenges. They build relationships not just with individuals, but with groups and settings. This broadens the base for support and networking.

Safe Spaces

Creating safe and welcoming environments is critical. Physical, emotional, and social safety all matter.

Young people need to feel safe before they participate fully. Workers watch for signs of discomfort and adapt their approach if needed. Stability and predictability help young people build confidence in the relationship.

Contribution to Relationship Formation

Youth work values, principles, and cornerstones directly influence how relationships begin and develop.

Here’s how each element contributes:

• Establishing Trust: Consistency in applying values builds trust. When young people see values such as confidentiality and respect in practice, they learn to trust the youth worker.
• Promoting Equality: By always challenging discrimination, the worker models behaviour for young people and creates an environment where everyone is valued.
• Encouraging Participation: Inviting young people to be part of decisions fosters a sense of ownership. It changes relationships from being adult-led to shared partnerships.
• Maintaining Boundaries: Knowing and respecting professional boundaries means relationships remain supportive, not dependent.
• Adapting to Individuals: Workers respond to each young person’s unique needs and situation. This shows flexibility and care, making connections stronger.
• Fostering Empowerment: The emphasis on empowerment means young people learn from each interaction, developing confidence and agency.

Practical Examples

• A young person attends a youth club. The worker greets them by name, remembers details about their life, and checks in regularly. This consistent, genuine interest is rooted in mutual respect and builds trust.
• During an activity, a worker spots exclusion and positively challenges it. They explain why inclusion matters and encourage group understanding. This models anti-oppressive practice and teaches by example.
• At a youth council meeting, workers step back and let young people set the agenda. This recognises their capacity and puts participation at the heart of the relationship.

Barriers and Solutions

Some barriers sometimes prevent values and principles being reflected in practice. Recognising these helps workers find effective solutions.

Examples of Barriers

• Organisational culture may not support participation
• Time pressures can lead to rushed interactions
• Worker’s personal biases can unintentionally influence attitudes
• A lack of training in areas like anti-oppressive practice

Solutions

• Reflective supervision can help workers spot when values are not being upheld.
• Ongoing training embeds core values and principles.
• Building organisational cultures that celebrate youth-led approaches.

The Impact of Consistence and Authenticity

Consistent behaviour matters. Young people look for authenticity – workers who act the same way in all contexts.

Actions that build trust:

• Maintaining confidentiality
• Following through on promises
• Being honest about what can and can’t be done
• Asking for and listening to feedback

Trust is fragile. Just one instance of broken confidentiality or dismissive behaviour can damage years of steady relationship-building.

Reflection and Professional Development

Self-awareness helps workers evaluate the quality of their relationships. Tools such as supervision, reflective journals, and peer feedback can improve practice.

Questions that help include:

• Do my actions reflect my values daily?
• How do I challenge discrimination or exclusion?
• Am I genuinely empowering young people, or making decisions for them?
• Where can I improve my approach?

Continuous learning keeps youth work values alive in practice and strengthens relationships.

Final Thoughts

Youth work values, principles, and cornerstones shape every relationship with young people. They set the standards for dignity, respect, empowerment, equality, and learning. Without a strong foundation in these elements, relationships can become distant, tokenistic or disempowering.

Workers who habitually reflect and improve are best placed to put these principles into practice. The result is positive, authentic, and constructive relationships that help transform young people’s lives.