The Feathers Marylebone Achieves London Youth Gold Accreditation

The Feathers Association has been awarded the prestigious Gold Level Quality Mark by London Youth, marking a landmark achievement in our ongoing mission to support and empower young people in central London and more broadly in our work across the country. With this honour, The Feathers Marylebone becomes one of only ten organisations citywide to hold the Gold accreditation – a powerful recognition of excellence in youth work, governance and community impact. 

The London Youth Quality Mark is the only youth-focused quality assurance programme nationally accredited by City and Guilds. Achieving the Gold standard involves a comprehensive and independently assessed review of an organisation’s leadership, safeguarding, youth engagement and programme quality. For The Feathers, the process has been more than a measure of standards. It has been a journey of reflection, resilience and deep commitment to the young people and families it serves. 

At the heart of this achievement is Andrew Mederick, Director of Communities and Engagement, who led the accreditation process. His connection to the work is personal and unwavering. 

“This award belongs to our young people, our team and the community that has believed in us through every step. The journey to Gold wasn’t about being perfect. It was about being honest, learning together and committing to do better every single day. We listened to our young people, we challenged ourselves and we grew stronger as a team. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.” 

For over 90 years, The Feathers Association has been offering safe spaces, trusted relationships and transformative opportunities for young people. The Gold accreditation is a recognition of that legacy, but also a signal of what’s to come. 

David Jones, CEO of The Feathers Association, sees the award as both a celebration and a catalyst. 

“This is an extraordinary moment for us, not just because of what it says about where we are now, but because of what it allows us to imagine for the future. The Gold award reflects the dedication and care our staff and volunteers bring to this work every day. But more than that, it gives us a stronger platform to grow from. It means we can extend our reach, deepen our impact and create new pathways for young people to thrive. Andrew’s leadership has been exceptional, and this achievement belongs to every person who contributes to our mission.” 

The Feathers will be hosting a community celebration later this summer to honour the people and partnerships that made this achievement possible. Looking ahead, the organisation will continue to invest in creative programmes, mental health support, inclusive leadership opportunities and long-term youth development, including our flagship summer programme, which will see us provide aspirational activities all summer long, free of charge for children and young people. 

The Gold Level Quality Mark is not the end of the journey. It is a bold affirmation of who The Feathers is – and a clear commitment to the future. One where young people are not only supported, but inspired to lead, to grow and to shape the world around them.