LAYC Membership
What we offer our members:
Training
The training programme is designed to develop volunteers/staff knowledge, skills and confidence when working with children and young people on relevant topics. No matter, if you are new to youth and children’s work, or an experienced youth and children’s worker or in management, LAYC guarantees that its training programme has a number of courses for you!
Training is free for member groups’ staff and volunteers, except where otherwise listed. The training is for adult workers/ volunteers/leaders aged 16+
If you are in need of bespoke whole staff training please get in touch and we can share our training request form and T&Cs (please note some whole staff training requests may incur a cost).
Accredited Pathways
To support the development of a confident and competent youth and children workforce within LAYC member groups, the training programme offers includes accredited pathways via the Ready for Youth Work course at SCQF level 3 and the PDA in Youth Work at SCQF level 6.
Youth Scotland’s awards recognise young peoples’ achievements via accrediation. LAYC can support staff to assist children and young people to undertake Hi5 Award, Dynamic Youth Award and Youth Achievement Awards) by providing training and support.
Members can access 10 free DYA Challenge Sheets worth £60.
Access to Insurance
Insurance is an optional add-on to membership. A comprehensive insurance package tailored for youth and children’s work, including public liability, employer liability, and contents insurance.
PVG Support
LAYC can apply for PVGs on behalf of member groups, for their youth and children’s regulated roles, saving them time and the cost of annual membership with Disclosure Scotland.
HR Support
Access to professional employment law advice and legally produced employment policies that are regularly updated and adaptable.
Members can also access a free phone call for advice which is limited to 30mins/2 advisements.
CAP Cards
Each Edinburgh-based group has the opportunity to join Edinburgh Leisure’s Community Access Programme (CAP). This cost is covered by LAYC as part of your membership. CAP supports youth groups to get active, by offering reduced prices for accessing Edinburgh Leisure activities.
Youth Work Essentials
This is A ‘one-stop shop’ of core information for youth workers and volunteers. It provides information on running your group, safeguarding, volunteer induction toolkit and many other resources.
Digital and Social Media
Through LAYC’s digital and social media, you will be kept updated on sector-relevant news including policy updates, research, events, and funding opportunities. LAYC’s digital media also offers a place to advertise paid and volunteer positions and share news from member groups.
Advice, Support and Information
LAYC has a wealth of experience in community-based youth and children’s work and can provide advice, support, and information for member groups on topics such as policies, issues, and good practice.
We also welcome any general enquiries related to youth and children’s work that support member groups to deliver services.
We are available to member groups through email, phone, digital media, or in-person meeting.
Networking and Connecting
LAYC currently provides forums for member groups – Youth Work Managers, After School Club Managers, and Youth Work Chairs Forums, with the possibility of other forums when required.
Forums offer the chance to share current updates, provide support, share good practices and matters of concern, as well as an opportunity to connect with other member groups.
Forums are also a mechanism for listening to member groups to feedback to key decision-makers.
Research
Member groups are represented on the National Youth Work Research Steering Group. News, research, and articles are shared with the sector on behalf of this group, and at relevant times there are events to contribute to the work of the steering group.
Room Hire
LAYC has a number of rooms available for hire for away days, meetings, training, etc. at a discounted rate for members. LAYC is in a central location near The Meadows in Edinburgh and can provide refreshments.
Access to national programmes through Youth Scotland
Through the shared membership, young people are able to access a range of projects and programmes supporting and recognising development.
These programmes are regularly refreshed to remain relevant and range from leadership development, skills development, youth participation, employment, and national youth event opportunities.
Access is usually free to member groups.
Become a Member of LAYC
LAYC membership is open to groups working with children and young people in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. Members must be not-for-profit, community-based and offer universal access.Â
Becoming a member is likely to save you money. For example on insurance, training costs or PVG processing.
Contact us at [email protected] to find out about more becoming a member.
Membership Without Insurance
Membership With Insurance
Find out if you are eligible for membership
We’ve put together a handy guide that walks you through the main important eligibility criteria for groups to follow in order to become a member of LAYC and also entitles groups to Youth Scotland Membership. Click the button below to download the guide now.
Ready to join?
Are you ready to join LAYC? Clicking the button below will open our membership application form in a new browser window.
Renewing Your Membership?
Thank you for choosing to renew your Youth Scotland Network and LAYC Membership. We are delighted to be supporting the great work you do in delivering community based youth work.
Click the button below to download our step-by-step guide for renewing your membership.
Youth Scotland
LAYC is an Area Association of Youth Scotland.
When an organisation joins LAYC, this also includes membership to Youth Scotland.
Youth Scotland is the largest non-uniform youth organisation in Scotland, and can provide members with further support and training on youth work topics.
