Youth Sector Support

Training, safeguarding and capacity-building for Oxfordshire’s youth sector.

Sector Support

For Oxfordshire’s Inspiring Youth Sector

Oxfordshire Youth works alongside the extraordinary organisations and professionals committed to helping young people thrive to ensure every young person can access world-class youth provision.

Oxfordshire Youth is a charity that invests in a network of over 150 local non-profit youth organisations and groups so the 32,000 children and young people they reach each year have the skills, connections and support they need to thrive. Through expert capacity building support, an annual training programme, quality assurance, leadership development, and conveying of cross-sector partnerships we work to enable ongoing development and sustainable investment into the sector to ensure every young person can access world-class opportunities across Oxfordshire.

Networks & Community

Join Oxfordshire’s Youth Sector Networks

Youth Alliance Oxfordshire

A new partnership of all sectors working for children and young people to ensure we have a connected, equipped and sustainable youth sector across Oxfordshire.

Children & Young People’s Forum

A non-profit youth leadership space for collaboration, sharing of practice and sector leadership.

Changemaker Network

A membership of non-profit youth organisations and groups working with children and young people.

Download membership pack Join the Changemaker Network

EDI Working Group

Driving equity, representation and safer spaces in the youth sector.

Youth Sector Insider

Sign Up to the Monthly Youth Sector Insider

Stay updated with funding opportunities, sector insights, training events, resources, youth work news, and Changemaker updates every month.

What We Offer

Our Support for the Youth Sector

Training & Development

Level 2 & 3 youth work pathways, CPD workshops, annual youth work conference, resources and toolkits.

Training prospectus

Youth Voice Expertise

Co-production, consultation, young people’s leadership and insight programmes.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Workshops on suicide ideation, anxiety, digital safety, reflective practice and more.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

EDI coaching, audits, leadership training and anti-oppressive practice support.

Organisational Development

Fundraising, strategy development, governance, trustee training, safeguarding and sustainability support.

Youth Programmes

We co-design youth programmes with young people, pilot them, and then work with youth organisations and groups to deliver them in their community.

Events

Discover Our Sector Events

Our latest training, conferences and workshops are available via Eventbrite:

Essential Services

DBS & Changemakers Access

DBS Checks

Safe, fast and supportive DBS processing for the youth sector, including eligibility guidance, document checks and progress tracking.

Changemakers Area

Password-protected resources, funding updates, DBS allowances and exclusive sector tools.

DBS Service

Full DBS Service

We make safer youth work simple. Oxfordshire Youth provides a fast, supportive DBS checking service for individuals and organisations working with young people. It’s part of our commitment to safeguarding excellence and reducing barriers to high-quality practice.

What is the Disclosure and Barring Service?

The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. If you are working with young people or applying for work in regulated activity, you will need a DBS check.

Training

DBS checks are easy once you understand the process. We provide training to help Changemakers and youth organisations complete forms accurately, avoiding common mistakes and ensuring safe, confident recruitment.

DBS & Changemakers

As part of our Changemaker Network package, Oxfordshire Youth waives the administration fee for the first five DBS applications submitted each year — saving organisations time and money.

Volunteer Checks

Changemakers: £5 admin fee

Non-affiliated (not-for-profit): £15 admin fee

Non-affiliated (for-profit): £50 admin fee

Paid Staff Checks

Changemakers: £10 admin fee + DBS £21.50

Non-affiliated (not-for-profit): £20 admin fee + DBS £21.50

Non-affiliated (for-profit): £50 admin fee + DBS £21.50

Enhanced Checks

Changemakers: £10 admin fee + DBS £49.50

Non-affiliated (not-for-profit): £20 admin fee + DBS £49.50

Non-affiliated (for-profit): £50 admin fee + DBS £49.50

Process

We send the GOV.UK eligibility quiz to determine your correct DBS level.
Application forms are issued to your organisation or the individual applicant.
You complete and return the form to Oxfordshire Youth.
ID verification takes place via Zoom (if needed).
We submit your DBS application.
We track progress, follow up issues, and support you until completion.

“We have developed such a brilliant relationship with Oxfordshire Youth. I honestly don’t think we’d go anywhere else for training now.”

– Chiara Querci-Hall, British Gymnastics

Contact Our DBS Administrator

You can contact our DBS Administrator for Oxfordshire Youth via email at:
dbs@oxfordshireyouth.org