Research community catalyst focused on youth transitions launches in online event
11 December 2024
Last month, the ADR England Research Community Catalyst: Youth Transitions project was officially launched in an online event hosted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER). The event brought together over 100 senior researchers, policymakers, sector leaders, and young people to learn, collaborate and innovate.
Co-funded by ADR England, the Youth Futures Foundation, and TASO, the project aims to map existing research and data sources, identify opportunities for improved data linking, and foster a cross-sector community of data users. This initiative will equip data users with the tools and training necessary to help address evidence gaps related to the journeys of disadvantaged young people into and out of education and employment.
Emerging research gaps in youth transitions
During the event, Jude Hillary, Principal Investigator at NFER, provided an overview of the methodology used to identify emerging research gaps. This included sharing details of a literature search and a diverse range of stakeholder interviews.
Professor Peter Urwin, Co-investigator from the University of Westminster, shared insights from these activities and outlined emerging gaps and themes. These focused on specific groups of young people and their journeys, as well as particular states or transitions that are complex and under-investigated.
Following the sharing of these insights, attendees took part in breakout sessions, where they explored the emerging research gaps and contributed to shaping the research agenda. Participants also shared their thoughts on the types of training and resources that would best support them in tackling these issues.
A new report, From gaps to priorities: Examining the evidence landscape was published earlier this week. This provides an overview of the investigators research approach, assessment of gaps in the evidence, and their refined research priorities. These incorporate feedback from the breakout sessions at the launch event.
Youth voice
One of the most powerful moments of the event was the youth voice segment. Eden, a Youth Ambassador for Youth Employment UK, shared her personal experience of transitioning from education to employment. Eden’s story provided an important real-world example of the challenges young people can experience navigating these transitions.
Launch of online data tool
The event also introduced a new online data tool designed to help users navigate and interpret administrative data related to youth transitions. Natasha Plaister, Co-investigator at FFT Education Datalab, presented a prototype of the tool, which aims to increase access to valuable datasets and build confidence among researchers and policymakers in analysing youth-related data.
This tool will be further developed over the coming months, along with a range of other guidance, training and development opportunities for those interested in using administrative data to address the evidence gaps identified.
Addressing children at risk of poor outcomes
The event also featured an update on another ADR England Research Community Catalyst project, focused on children at risk of poor outcomes. Professor Lucy Griffiths introduced this project, which seeks to build a community of researchers and analysts focused on children and young people supported by early intervention services or children’s social care in the UK.
Next steps
As the event concluded, Jude Hillary emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to advance the research agenda. This project is set to play a crucial role in strengthening the evidence base and building a diverse community of researchers and other stakeholders committed to driving transformative change.
