The Youth Achievement Awards recognise and accredit the work and commitment of young people aged 14+ across the UK with a Qualifications Authority certificate. They have proved very popular with young people and youth workers alike because they are based on a quailty youth work process. Key aspects of the Awards are:

- They accredit activities that young people are already doing.

- Young people opt in at the level that is appropriate for their needs.

- They are accredited by a Qualifications Authority, ASDAN.

- They are quality assured by young people through a peer assessment process.

- They provide equality of opportunity for all abilities because they measure responsibility taken rather than specific skills gained.

To take part, young people form an Award Group to approve each other's challenges, review achievements and award challenge certificates prior to recommending national accreditation. It's straightforward good practice of Plan-Do-Review, with the added value of peer assessment and a nationally recognised certificate.

To offer the Awards, Youth Groups must register to an Operating Agency in Scotland.

In May 2006 there were 150 youth groups registered through 32 Operating Agencies, including 22 Local Authorities, national and regional youth agencies as well as formal education institutes. They are:

Aberdeen City Council

Adam Smith College

Angus Council

Argyll & Bute Council

Barnardo's Scotland

Borders Association of Youth Clubs

British Red Cross

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar

Dumfries & Galloway Council

Dundee Association of Youth Clubs

Dundee City Council

Dynamic Youth

East Renfrewshire Council

Falkirk Council

Fife Council

LAYC

Moray Council

North Ayrshire Council

North Lanarkshire Council

Perth & Kinross Council

Renfrewshire Council

Scottish Borders Council

Scottish Youth Parliament

Shetland Association of Youth Clubs

Shetland Islands Council

South Ayrshire Council

South Lanarkshire Council

Stirling Council

Volunteer Development Scotland

West Lothian Council Community Learning & Development

Young Scot Enterprise (Smart Citizenship)

Youth Scotland

The Qualifications Authority, ASDAN, meet in Scotland to accredit completed portfolios in 2007 on:

27 September, South Lanarkshire

4 December, TBC

To arrange an External Moderation Meeting please complete the booking form and return to Youth Scotland.

To find out more about Youth Achievement Awards contact awards@youthscotland.org.uk