A further review of the constitution was also adopted, which defined a new statement of aims: ‘to endeavour to meet the needs and aspirations of young people by strengthening and supporting the work of its members’.

The report produced recommendations for action by statuary and voluntary bodies, training agencies, churches, unions and industry designed to inspire an integrated youth and community service.

NCVYS, along with many other organisations locally and nationally, was becoming increasingly concerned by the seeming absence of any government policy on the youth service.

1977 saw the Silver Jubilee of Queens Elizabeth and NCVYS members were actively involved in supporting the appeal to establish a Trust to ‘help young people help others’.

Francis Cattermole, newly appointed director of NCVYS was a member of the review group, which was tasked with report on the current provisions in the Youth Service; to consider whether available resources could be employed more efficiently; and to assess the needs for legislation.

The summer of 1981 saw the riots in Toxteth, Brixton and elsewhere bringing anger and anguish to those workers who had warned in vain and tried long and hard to counter the alienation such violence expressed.

A disillusioned cynicism met the belated attempts of politicians to remedy the inner city despair: ‘Young people are seen as a problem to be treated, rather than a significant part of society to be valued’, noted the director of NCVYS.

Finally, in July 1984, Sir Keith Joseph, the Secretary of State for Education, made a statement announcing the issue of a draft circular on the youth service.

Though the Ministry felt legislation to be unnecessary, local authorities and, in an unusual departure from normal practice, voluntary youth organisations were invited to commend on the draft circular.

NCVYS responded duly, welcoming the more positive aspect of the circular, but regretting the absence of legislation to put the youth service on a firm foundation, and the lack of mandatory training grants.

Over the years 2013–2015, the Partnership works with a consortium of organisations including Barnardo's, Family and Childcare Trust, NCVYS, NAVCA, NCVO and NSPCC.

Bringing together leading practice into online resources, knowledge exchange and cross-sector working, the Partnership will provide policy and delivery advice to government and support the sector to develop new and sustainable approaches.

Their precise nature varied from regional or local networks, to national organisations, and they focus on a variety of areas.

One of NCVYS's key aims was to inform and influence policy that impacts on young people and the voluntary sector at a local, regional and national level.

NCVYS also works with its members to formulate policy positions on behalf of the voluntary and community youth sector, either proactively or in response to government consultations.

To assist this work it is involved with a number of coalitions and initiatives, including End Child Poverty,[5] Shine Week and Change4Life.

Current policy work areas include safeguarding and child protection; education, employment and training; youth justice; volunteering and positive activities; and local strategic arrangements.

In July 2009, ENVOY members participated in Shine Week,[14] an annual celebration of young people's talent and achievement set up by the Department for Children, Schools and Families in 2008.