Our Values and Commitments

Our Company Values

YTAS has five core values that guide how we run our company and our activities. These values define who we are and how we operate.

• Helping Others – we support, enable and champion.

• Community – we are welcoming. We respect difference, provide inspiration and build collective confidence.

• Collaboration – we work with and connect a rich network of people and places.

• Excellence – we encourage ambition, experimentation, and progression. We always strive for quality.

• Joy – we have an upbeat and positive approach.

 

 

What is youth theatre?

We consider a youth theatre to be any group or organisation which engages young people, up to age 25, as active participants in theatre arts where their participation is central to the creative process.

We believe youth theatre is an ideal medium to encourage and explore the dreams and visions of young people, and to nurture their self-confidence.

Our aim is for all youth theatre activity in Scotland to aspire to the highest standards of practice, providing a safe, inclusive and rewarding experience for young people.

Youth theatre is a specialist artform and youth work practice. It focusses on young people’s creative, personal and social development through their voluntary involvement in performing arts.  Youth theatre activities include creative workshops, training, productions, festivals and audience development.

Youth theatre differs from drama in schools because it is led by young people who play a central role in the creative process, rather than by teachers following a set curriculum. 

Through their involvement in youth theatre, young theatre-makers build skills, confidence and connections. As they grow older, they seek new challenges, ideas and insight from their leaders and youth theatre becomes their valued community where they can be creative and empowered.

 

 

A Youth Work Approach

Youth work promotes values of inclusion, mutual respect, equality and the involvement of young people in decision-making. It is about building relationships based on trust and shared understanding, and using the strengths of these relationships to develop a person-centred approach to the development of young people.

We believe youth theatre is a specialist youth work approach and practice. That’s why we make sure that the principles and outcomes of youth work are central to what we do at YTAS and among our members.

Youth Work Principles

YouthLink Scotland outlines the three essential and definitive features of youth work:

1. Young people choose to participate. The young person takes part voluntarily. They choose to be involved, not least because they want to relax, meet friends and have fun. The young person decides whether to engage or to walk away.
   
   

2. Youth work must build from where young people are. Youth work meets young people where they are at. The young person’s life experience is respected and forms the basis for shaping any agenda and development plan in partnership with peers and youth workers.
   
   

3. Youth work recognises the young person and the youth worker as partners in a learning process. Youth work is an equal partnership. The young person is recognised as an active partner who can, and should, have opportunities and resources to shape their lives. The relationship and dialogue between the young person and youth worker is central to the learning process.

Youth Work Outcomes

In collaboration with the youth work sector, YouthLink Scotland has formulated seven youth work outcomes:

1. Young people build their health and wellbeing.
2. Young people develop and manage relationships effectively.
3. Young people create and apply their learning and describe their skills and achievements.
4. Young people participate safely and effectively in groups and teams.
5. Young people consider risk, make reasoned decisions and take control.
6. Young people grow as active citizens, expressing their voice and enabling change.
7. Young people broaden their perspectives through new experiences and thinking.

If you’re interested in learning more about the National Youth Work Outcomes & Skills Framework and how to show the impacts of these outcomes in your work, please visit https://www.youthlink.scot/education-skills/youth-work-outcomes-skills/

YTAS is member of YouthLink Scotland (the collective voice of Scotland’s youth work sector) and their network of National Voluntary Youth Organisations of Scotland. For more information visit https://www.youthlink.scot/

 

 

A Children and Young People’s Rights Approach

The UK signed up to The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991. This international human rights treaty outlines the rights every child deserves. In 2023, The Scottish Parliament passed the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, which was granted Royal assent in January 2024. This means that most of its provisions will start being enforced from 16 July 2024. 

When a Convention is incorporated into Scots law, it has more power to bring about change. This change often occurs through shifts in culture. Additionally, it gains strength because the law can be applied in Scottish courts. Children and young people in Scotland led the campaign for incorporation for more than a decade. They emphasised that enshrining their rights in law was an important demonstration of how Scotland values them.

YTAS is keen to play our role in supporting progress brought about by the UNCRC incorporation into Scots Law. While Article 31 of the UNCRC establishes a right to leisure and participation in cultural life and the arts, we concentrate on the wider and more comprehensive role that arts and culture can play in fulfilling the rights of children and young people.

We strongly believe that engaging in a quality experience of arts and culture is crucial for the wellbeing, development, and future success of children and young people. It also contributes significantly to achieving broader educational goals by:

• Providing safe environments for expressing emotions and opinions, as well as developing an understanding of others.
• Building resilience, confidence and overall wellbeing, including mental and physical health.
• Ensuring their right to an education which nurtures their unique personalities, talents and skills.
• Fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for progression towards meaningful employment, and empowering them to become active participants and change-makers in society.

Our research into the Long-Term Impact of Youth Theatre Participation confirms this belief. It identifies six significant impacts that youth theatre involvement can have over time:

1. Increased confidence (or self-belief)
2. Increased emotional intelligence (or ability to empathise with others)
3. Increased resilience (or ability to respond well to stress and/or pressure)
4. Improved teamwork and leadership skills
5. Improved emotional wellbeing
6. Broadened horizons

YTAS integrates a commitment to Children and Young People’s Rights throughout our mission, aims, activities, and outcomes. To ensure we live up to our commitment and goals regarding Children and Young People’s Rights, we regularly evaluate, consult, and research within our sector.

You can find more information about the Rights of Children and Young People, including various useful guides and tools on this topic at:

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland

https://www.cypcs.org.uk/rights/

Together (the Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights)

https://www.togetherscotland.org.uk/

YTAS is member of Together. 

 

 

Safeguarding and Child Protection

YTAS believes that children and young people should not experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and we are committed to practicing in a way that protects them from harm. 

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures  apply to all YTAS staff, including freelancers and volunteers, or anyone working on behalf of the charity.  The full policy can be downloaded using the link above, with our pledge and key principles outlined below.

Age Definition of ‘children’

The UNCRC and Children and Young People (Scotland) Act (2014) define a child as being anyone under the age of 18 which is a definition YTAS also adopts for the purposes of this policy.

Our Principles

YTAS recognises the importance of encouraging children and young people to attend, enjoy and participate in the arts. Their protection should be a matter of concern for us all. We have a shared responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children and young people. 

Our Child Protection Principles recognise that:

• The best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration.
• All children and young people should be treated fairly and with dignity and respect.
• All children and young people have the right to protection from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• All children and young people have the right to express their views on matters that affect them. 

Our Safeguarding Pledge

This pledge is made to all children and young people YTAS engages.

All of us at YTAS promise to make sure that you have the best time possible while you are taking part in our activities. We all believe that you have a right to feel safe and comfortable while you are with us. We will do our very best to live up to the promises that we make to you.

We will:

• Make you feel welcome.
• Always think about your needs as the main consideration.
• Treat all children and young people fairly.
• Make sure that all our staff and volunteers know what they are supposed to be doing.
• Make our activities are as safe as possible.
• Listen to what you want to tell us.
• Do our best to make sure you have fun.
• Do what we say we will do.

Child Protection Officer

YTAS’s designated Child Protection Officer is CEO, Kenny McGlashan.

 

 

Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

YTAS’s work involves developing relationships with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures. Working effectively with diversity and promoting equality of opportunity and inclusion is therefore an essential part of our work. There is no equality of opportunity if diversity and inclusion is not recognised and valued.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy and Action Plan lay out our specific roles and responsibilities concerning EDI. The Policy sets out our company objectives to:

• Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Continually improve and monitor our EDI performance.
• Integrate EDI considerations into all business decisions.
• Raise employee awareness of EDI matters.

Our EDI Action Plan

Our EDI Action Plan was established in 2015 and is aligned and embedded with our company’s Strategic Framework, which guides all our sector support, development, and intermediary activities. The YTAS staff team meets regularly to assess and update progress on our Action Plan.

Both our EDI Policy and Action Plan are shaped by our sector research and consultation. Through this process we have identified several challenges affecting Scotland’s youth theatre groups and leaders in advancing EDI priorities.

Our research reveals an inequality of opportunity for participation and advancement among youth theatre participants and leaders with protected characteristics. It also highlights that Scotland’s youth theatre groups and leaders currently lack the time, resources, knowledge, and skills needed to tackle EDI issues and priorities. Our Action Plan addresses these challenges and aims to resolve them through the following activities and outcomes.

Our EDI Activities

• Providing EDI sector support, training, and resources.
• Providing EDI access bursaries and development grants.
• Providing access to safe spaces in all our events and spaces.
• Ensuring all our events and digital spaces are accessible and inclusive.
• Applying best EDI practice in our work on events and with partners.
• Ensuring inclusion is a principle which is embedded in our activities and membership.
• Improving our EDI knowledge and practice.
• Working to diversify our membership.
• Supporting the EDI developments and activities of our members.

Our EDI Outcomes

• Scotland’s youth theatre leaders have increased knowledge and motivation, and improved skills and connections which enable them to better address EDI priorities.
• Scotland’s youth theatre participants and leaders with protected characteristics have increased opportunity to participate and progress in youth theatre; and improved access to better quality opportunities.
• Scotland’s citizens have increased knowledge and awareness of the benefits of youth theatre in relation to EDI needs and priorities.

 

 

LGBT+

To protect and amplify LGBT+ voices in Scotland’s youth theatre community, in 2023 YTAS embarked on a journey towards ‘silver’ accreditation in LGBT Youth Scotland’s Charter programme. This programme enables organisations to proactively include LGBT people in every aspect of their work, protecting staff and providing a high-quality service to users.

YTAS fully supports LGBT Charter Rights, which aim to safeguard lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s human rights, and draw on international human rights and relevant UK and Scottish legislation.

All YTAS events and spaces, in-person or digital, are safe spaces where people of all identities feel welcome. We have a zero-tolerance policy to ‘othering’ and bullying, which applies across all of our services, events, and communications channels. This includes but is not limited to; transphobia, homo or biphobia, racism, ableism, sexism, or class discrimination.

 

 

Fair Work

The Scottish Government’s Fair Work Policy defines ‘Fair Work’ as work that offers all individuals an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect. It balances the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. It generates benefits for individuals, organisations and society.

YTAS is committed to applying Fair Work principles across our organisation and supporting employers in Scotland’s youth theatre sector to do the same.

Our Fair Work Commitment

• Effective Voice – we’ll support staff to have their say at work.

• Opportunity – we’ll allow people fair access to work, employment and training opportunities.

• Security – we’ll support awareness of employment rights and provide security of work and income.

• Fulfilment – we’ll promote positive and supportive workplace relationships and a sense of belonging.

• Respect – we’ll ensure work enhances individual health, safety and wellbeing.

Since 2016, YTAS has been an accredited Living Wage employer. This means that everyone working at YTAS, including permanent employees and third-party contractors and suppliers, receive a minimum hourly wage that reflects the cost of living.

We are also a PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Partner, striving towards creating a more family friendly working environment. PiPA campaigns to enable and empower parents, carers and employers to achieve sustainable change in attitudes and practices in order to attract, support and retain a more diverse and flexible workforce. We are always happy to discuss solutions that allow people to balance their caring responsibilities with their working lives, for example through job shares or flexible working arrangements as appropriate.

Our Fair Work Action Plan

Our Fair Work Action Plan was established in 2024 and is aligned and embedded with our company’s Strategic Framework, which guides all our sector support, development, and intermediary activities. The YTAS staff team meets regularly to assess and update progress on our Action Plan.

Our Action Plan is shaped by the results of baseline assessments we have undertaken as a Fair Work Employer and a PiPA Charter Partner. We have also engaged in employee consultations to review and enhance our company policies and processes.

As an intermediary organisation with over 100 members across the country, YTAS is uniquely placed to inform, educate and support Scotland’s youth theatre sector in adopting Fair Work principles and implementing lasting improvements within the workforce.

Our sector research and consultations reveal that youth theatre groups and leaders in Scotland lack the necessary time, resources, knowledge and skills to address Fair Work priorities. Additionally, there is a lack of clear and consistent data to evidence the impact of Fair Work improvements. Our Fair work Action Plan addresses these challenges and aims to resolve them through the following activities and outcomes.

Our Fair Work Activities

• Improving our Fair Work knowledge and practice.
• Undertaking actions which help to resolve sector low pay and precarious work.
• Providing access to workforce and talent development opportunities
• Providing Fair Work sector support, training, and resources.
• Supporting our members with their Fair Work developments and activities.
• Applying Fair Work principles in our work on events and with partners.

Our Fair Work Outcomes

• Scotland’s youth theatre leaders have improved access to information, resources and support relating to Fair Work priorities.
• Scotland’s youth theatre workforce is better equipped to adopt Fair Work principles.
• Scotland’s youth theatre workforce feels better supported to address Fair Work priorities.
• Scotland’s youth theatre workforce is more resilient.

You can find more information about the vision and framework for Fair Work in Scotland at

https://www.fairworkconvention.scot/the-fair-work-framework/

Environmental Sustainability

YTAS is a climate aware and climate active organisation. We are a member of the Green Arts Initiative, an interactive community of arts organisations working to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable Scotland. We are committed to monitoring and reducing our own environmental impact, and to inspiring, encouraging and supporting our Scotland’s youth theatre sector to act sustainably as we transition towards a climate resilient and low-carbon economy.

Our Environmental Policy and Environmental Action Plan set out our commitment to minimising our environmental impact, reducing our carbon footprint, and continually improving our environmental performance. The Policy lays out our company objectives to:

• Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
• Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
• Integrate environmental considerations into business decisions.
• Raise employee awareness of environmental sustainability.

Although our carbon footprint is already low, we continue to be ambitious when it comes to reducing our impact and constantly seek new ways to do more. Travel has been identified as the main source of carbon emissions for YTAS in recent years, so we are dedicated to reducing these emissions. Our focus will be on areas we have control over and those we can influence. This includes YTAS core staff, board members/volunteers, freelance event staff, YTAS members, and event attendees. In addition to reducing travel-related emissions, we are also devising plans to track waste at our event venues and to monitor and reduce our digital carbon footprint.

Our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan

Our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan was established in 2024 and is aligned and embedded with our company’s Strategic Framework, which guides all our sector support, development, and intermediary activities. It includes actions we will take to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, as well as mitigation and adaptation actions we will take to enhance our climate resilience. The YTAS staff team meets regularly to assess and update progress on our Action Plan.

As an intermediary organisation with over 100 members across the country, YTAS is uniquely placed to inform, educate and support Scotland’s youth theatre sector in reducing it its carbon emissions and increasing its commitment towards environmental sustainability. We will use our ‘Resources’ web portal as well as online and in-person events to discuss and promote this approach.

Our sector research and consultations reveal that youth theatre groups and leaders in Scotland lack the necessary time, resources, knowledge and skills to address environmental sustainability priorities. Our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan addresses these challenges and aims to resolve them.

Our Environmental Sustainability Goals:

• Embed a commitment to deliver climate action and climate justice across our organisation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of climate related issues and developments relevant to the cultural sector.
• Achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
• Enhance our climate resilience.
• Inform and educate Scotland’s youth theatre sector about the climate emergency, sustainable practices and climate adaptation.
• Inspire and support Scotland’s youth theatre sector to improve environmental sustainability practices and climate resilience.

Our Environmental Sustainability Outcomes:

• Scotland’s youth theatre leaders have improved access to sector environmental sustainability training, events, and resources.
• Scotland’s youth theatre leaders have increased knowledge and motivation, and improved skills and connections which enable them to better address environmental sustainability priorities.
• Scotland’s youth theatres have reduced their impact upon the environment.
• Scotland’s citizens have increased knowledge and awareness of the benefits of youth theatre advancing environmental sustainability priorities.

YTAS is member of Creative Carbon’s Green Arts Initiative. For more information and details of how to join visit https://www.creativecarbonscotland.com/green-arts-initiative/