Principal Youth Officer (PYO) group

The PYO group has been an intrinsic part of the Unit since its inception in 1989. The group supports all PYOs in the North East, and is now a key point of contact for a range of partners including Government Office and other regional stakeholders as well as national organisations such as the NYA and APYCO. The Unit acts as an information gathering and dissemination point for PYOs, and we have compiled regional information on operational and strategic issues affecting PYOs in the region. The group has developed as a support mechanism for colleagues: a safe place to talk and discuss issues, concerns and new ideas.

The PYO group is particularly relevant for colleagues in the current climate of change. Youth services are going through a period of very significant change, as serivces become more integrated within Children’s Trust. The development of Integrated Youth Support Services and Targetted Youth Support are creating significant challenges for senior managers in local authority youth services. The regional PYO group is an opportunity for colleagues to share information and develop understanding in relation to these very significant changes.