Going forward, I would expect the board to advise on the appropriate implementation and monitoring of ‘Extending Entitlement’ to ensure young people in Wales are receiving the services they’re entitled to receive. Part of the board’s role will be to provide assurance that processes and practices for commissioning youth support services are fair, transparent and equitable. This will include overseeing the implementation of new arrangements for the distribution of youth work grants. The chair and board members will be subject to the public appointments process. I expect the chair to be in place by the autumn. The chair will then support me to appoint all the other board members, who will be in place by the spring of 2018.

Deputy Presiding Officer, this is an exciting time for Wales. We have an opportunity to ensure support services for our young people are designed to enhance their life chances, are structured around their needs, and are available in the language of their choice. Together, we can lead the way for youth support services again.