The youth sector is facing unprecedented change. Cuts are forcing commissioners and providers to make incredibly difficult decisions, with a much sharper focus on impact and value.

So how can services for young people be delivered more efficiently and effectively? Can we develop better ways of understanding and demonstrating what works? How can youth sector providers clearly articulate the value proposition in their work with young people? And what role can social finance play in supporting services for young people in the future?

The Young Foundation is looking for answers to these questions and is working on projects including:

• Catalyst: a consortium of organisations formed to deliver the Department for Education's strategic partner programme for youth, including strengthening the youth sector market to enable youth organisations to have easier access to finance, contracts and trading opportunities.

• Informing investment in youth work - in collaboration with the National Youth Agency, supported by the Local Government Association, this tool is developing a 'calculator of value'