The common core describes the skills and knowledge that everyone who works with children and young people (including volunteers) is expected to have. The six areas of expertise in the common core offer a single framework to underpin multi-agency and integrated working, professional standards, training and qualifications across the children and young people’s workforce.

The 2020 Children and Young People’s Workforce Strategy set out a plan to review the six areas of the common core and explore whether they were the right ones. The refresh of the common core took place between July 2009 and March 2010 and was led by CWDC in collaboration with DCSF and other key partners.

The refresh is now complete and full details can be found on on the Every Child Matters website.