Helping leaders solve problems and create lasting change
Turning evidence, experience and young people’s voices into practical solutions, stronger partnerships and better outcomes for young people.
The Youth Work Leadership Lab brings together insight, research and practical leadership support to strengthen youth work and the people who lead it.
We support leaders across local authorities, voluntary organisations and the third sector to navigate complexity, lead with compassion and make confident, evidence-informed decisions.
Our work includes youth work leadership and management, applied research into the issues affecting young people’s lives, improving engagement and attendance, strengthening evidence literacy and championing the value of youth work.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to better outcomes for young people, alongside the wellbeing and development of those leading and delivering the services they rely on.
How we can help
Whether you need to understand your impact, strengthen your leadership or plan what comes next, the Youth Work Leadership Lab offers thoughtful, practical support shaped around your organisation, your people and the young people you serve.
Evidence, Research & Impact
Understand what is working and communicate why it matters. We support organisations with applied research, evaluation, impact measurement, case studies and evidence-informed service development.
Leadership, Culture & Wellbeing
Develop confident, reflective leaders and healthier organisational cultures. Our workshops, coaching and resources explore compassionate leadership, reflective practice, supervision, wellbeing and leading through change.
Strategy, Influence & Change
Turn evidence and values into clear plans and meaningful action. We help organisations with strategic planning, leadership development, policy engagement, advocacy and positioning youth work within wider systems.
Not sure which type of support you need?
That is completely fine. We can start with a conversation about where you are, what feels challenging and what you would like to change.
About Emma
Emma Chivers is the founder and Director of the Youth Work Leadership Lab. She is a researcher, consultant and sector leader with more than 25 years of experience in youth and community services.
Emma combines academic research with a deep understanding of the realities facing youth work leaders. Her work focuses on leadership and management, inequality, poverty, attendance, evidence-informed practice and the systems affecting young people’s lives.
A Senior Fellow of Higher Education and doctoral researcher, Emma has designed and delivered professional learning for youth work leaders across Wales. She is also Chair of Youth Cymru and the All-Wales Youth Work Research Group.
At the heart of Emma’s work is a belief that strong, compassionate and well-supported leadership creates better services and better outcomes for young people.
Why work with us?
Practical, useful evidence
We turn research and insight into clear actions, stronger decisions and tools you can actually use.
Specialist expertise
More than 25 years of experience across youth work, leadership, research and professional learning.
Support shaped around you
Every organisation is different, so our support is tailored to your people, priorities and challenges.
Collaborative and compassionate
We create space for honest reflection, shared learning and positive change, without losing sight of people’s wellbeing.