Steve Ballantine is programme director for the new Foundation Degree in Youth Work at the University of Southampton. Steve joined the staff team of the School of Education in September 2004 and brings to the post over 21 years of post qualification experience.

Born in Perth Scotland Steve initially qualified at Dundee before travelling south to take up a post with the Isle of Wight Youth Service. Steve has worked in a variety of Youth work settings Inc rural, urban, centre based and detached. In addition to working for two LEA Youth Services (Isle of Wight & Hampshire) he has also worked in the voluntary sector. Steve is well known to Youth work providers within the wider Wessex region.

Steve came to the University of Southampton as an experienced and respected youth work manager with a proven track record in managing and developing effective youth work practitioners. Steve has managed practitioners in a variety of roles inc: centre based , detached, information and advice, youth counselling, personal adviser, artwork, outdoor education, inclusion, Dof E , accreditation, environmental work etc . Immediately before joining the University of Southampton team was managing a team of over 30 full time staff. Steve currently holds three management qualifications including an MA in management studies. Steve’s scholarly activities to date have resulted in dissertations of distinction in the areas of both supervision and motivation.