Policy Overview

At Children England we are committed to using the collective strength, voice and influence of our members to promote the children, young people and families voluntary sector and to make a positive difference for children. Our policy work is a key part of this agenda.

We have a particular focus on ensuring that the Government is able to meet the commitments it set out in the Children's Plan and its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We also undertake extensive policy work on sector-wide issues such as safeguarding and risk, how children's charities are funded to provide services, workforce development and the development of good practice in children's services.

In addition, the Speaking Out project, run in partnership with the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) is a major policy initiative aimed at ensuring that the voice of the children and young people's voluntary and community sector is heard across a range of government departments.

We take pride in providing our members with high quality information on the latest policy developments, taking up key issues with government and stimulating debate to ensure effective long-term policy development. We frequently respond to government consultations on behalf of our members and publish a thought-provoking and topical quarterly magazine Outlook, which members receive free of charge and which others can subscribe to.

We also have a strong background in working with government to ensure policy is developed in partnership with children's charities, so if you are a policymaker who wants to engage with a wide range of voluntary sector organisations that work with children, young people and families then do get in touch with us and we will be happy to help.

We are also looking to work more with policy think tanks, academic institutions and other voluntary sector organisations to ensure children's policy is developed which is innovative, sustainable and makes a real difference.

Policy contacts

Sophie Griffiths, Policy and Information Officer - to discuss our Speaking Out Project sophie@childrenengland.org.uk

Emilie Whitaker, Policy and Information Officer - to discuss general policy work including safeguarding, voluntary sector issues and good practice emilie@childrenengland.org.uk