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Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT) is proud to have been formally recognised by the Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) as a quality youth work provider through the Youth Work Quality Endorsement Framework (QEF).

This recognition builds on NFCT’s longstanding commitment to delivering meaningful and impactful youth programmes across Nottinghamshire, with the support of the VRP over recent years. The VRP has played an important role in supporting the Trust deliver initiatives such as Forest Futures, a programme designed to give young people access to positive activities, mentoring, and pathways that inspire confidence, raise aspirations, and create brighter futures.

The VRP is a collaboration of public sector organisations, charities, and community groups working together to reduce serious violence and its underlying causes. Overseen by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, the VRP focuses on prevention and early intervention, supporting local initiatives that provide young people with positive opportunities, build safer communities, and address the root issues that can lead to violence.

The Youth Work Quality Endorsement Framework builds on the National Youth Agency’s Youth Work Practice Standards and provides a clear benchmark for high-quality youth provision. The framework recognises organisations that can evidence excellence across three key areas:

– Youth work practice: ensuring safe, effective, and inclusive engagement with young people.

– Robust structures: delivering consistency, accountability, and resilience in practice.

– Governance and leadership: demonstrating strong strategic direction, safeguarding, and long-term planning.

By completing the QEF process, NFCT has shown it meets these high standards and is committed to maintaining them through ongoing quality reviews and audits.

Natalie Baker-Napier, Head of the Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership, said:

“We’re delighted to recognise Nottingham Forest Community Trust as a quality youth work provider through our Youth Work Quality Endorsement Framework. By achieving this award, NFCT has demonstrated a sustained commitment to delivering high-quality youth work that positively impacts the lives of children and young people, helping them to thrive and build brighter futures.”

Calum Osborne, CEO of Nottingham Forest Community Trust, added:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from the Violence Reduction Partnership. It is a testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to support children and young people across our communities. The VRP has been a vital partner in recent years, supporting initiatives such as Forest Futures, which has enabled us to provide young people with opportunities, mentoring, and life skills that will shape their futures. This award reflects both the standards we hold ourselves to and the positive impact we are committed to delivering every single day.”

The endorsement from the VRP demonstrates the strong foundations NFCT has built in youth work, while also providing momentum to continue expanding and deepening its offer. With Forest Futures and other youth-focused programmes, the Trust remains dedicated to supporting young people across Nottinghamshire to unlock their potential, stay safe, and thrive.