In 2011, the DCYA introduced a set of standards for staff led youth work projects and services: these were called the National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for youth work. These standards are helping to ensure the provision and ongoing development of quality youth work opportunities for young people. As a natural progression to the NQSF, the DCYA has now developed a set of National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups, aimed at local youth groups and clubs. These have been developed and refined in consultation with young people, volunteers, youth organisations, the National Youth Work Advisory Committee, the Irish Vocational Education Association and VEC Youth/Liaison Officers. They present an opportunity for youth groups to demonstrate their commitment to best practice and to the delivery of quality programmes and activities, which meet the needs and expectations of their young members. As well as being a benchmark for progress, the National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups provide a fundamental building block on which practice can be developed on an ongoing basis. They are intended as a ‘living document’ that will evolve over time and be reviewed and informed by the process as the national quality standards are implemented in clubs and groups across the country.