Children in Scotland welcomes submissions for 2025 conference

03 October 2024

Children in Scotland has called for workshop submissions for its 2025 Annual Conference.

Taking place from 28-29 May in Glasgow, the renowned children’s sector conference will take on theme of ‘Making space for voices’, covering a range of topics like UNCRC Incorporation, children and young people’s mental health, equality, diversity and inclusion and education and learning, as well as a special focus on The Promise, which is now halfway into its 10-year plan.

The conference team are now welcoming workshop submissions until 15 November 2024. Workshops are free to host and a fantastic opportunity to engage a broad range of professionals working with children across Scotland.

In 2024, their annual conference included 25 workshops on a diverse range of topics, including everything from supporting distressed behaviour in school, a day in the life of a young carer and digital health and wellbeing, to understanding animal abuse by children and young people and how to intervene.

Previously the team have leaned toward workshops that feature children and young people’s voices and have a strong interactive or dynamic element, but they welcome workshops of all types to apply. They are seeking a wide range of possible event hosts, from a variety of backgrounds and are keen to see people with lived experience taking part.

Conference workshops will this year feature alongside an exciting and developing programme, which already includes keynotes from Juliet Harris, Director of Together, speaking out UNCRC incorporation, and Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer of The Promise Scotland, on progress The Promise has made and what still needs to be done by 2030.  

Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor of The Promise and Chair of the Board of Directors, and Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, will both taking up chairing roles during the two-day event.

Further to workshop submissions, early bird bookings are now open, with all information and tickets available by visiting www.childreninscotland.org.uk/AC25

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Making space for voices – Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference 2025

3 Oct 2024

Simon Massey, Children in Scotland’s Head of Engagement & Learning, shares the plans for the charity’s annual conference taking place 28-29 May 2025.

It doesn’t feel that long ago that we were packing away banners, pulling together evaluations and debriefing with everyone from our last conference. I was so pleased with how it went down. The two-day event was attended by more than 450 delegates, with four co-chairs (two being young people), ten keynote speakers and panellists, 25 workshops, 40 exhibitors, and four sponsors – representing all parts of the sector.

We are now on a mission to build on that success…

Plans for 2025

We’ve decided to move the conference over to the West of Scotland next year and have found a new home in a partnership with the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central.

The theme of the conference will be ‘Making space for voices’ and will cover a wide range of issues relevant to the children’s sector. This will include UNCRC Incorporation, children and young people’s mental health, equality, diversity and inclusion, education and learning while also including a focus on progress to achieve the aims of The Promise, particularly in light of 2025 being half-way through the ten-year lifetime.

I’m really pleased to be able to share that we’ve already got some great people involved in the conference. This includes:

Juliet Harris, Director of Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) who will be providing a keynote presentation on UNCRC incorporation.

Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer of The Promise Scotland who will also be providing a keynote on progress The Promise has made and what still needs to be done by 2030.

Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor of The Promise and Chair of the Board of Directors who will be co-chairing one of the days.

Nicola Killean, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland who will be returning as one of the co-chairs again, having co-chaired day 1 at the 2024 conference.

The programme will continue to develop over the coming weeks and months so please make sure you sign up to receive our News or Events Updates and follow our social media for the latest.

We’re conscious that some of the topics we cover can be challenging and may take their toll on people, so we’re looking to put in place opportunities over the two days that will provide respite and support. This will include ‘lighter’ workshops, a quiet room, Children in Scotland staff to talk to and, we hope, a range of exhibitors that provide a different experience – 2024 saw stalls selling cakes and Pets As Therapy with gorgeous therapy dogs attending both days.

We are also continuing our journey for the conference to be more environmentally sustainable. Once again, we’ll be having a plant-based menu to cut down on emissions while we have decided to not have a printed programme and will be encouraging exhibitors to consider what materials they bring along. One of the real positives of the new venue is that the DoubleTree by Hilton provides a carbon offset for each delegate who attends the conference.

There is more about looking after yourself and sustainability on the conference Hub pages.

Children and young people’s voices

Once again, our children and young people’s advisory group, Changing our World, will be involved in planning the event and will be there across both days – I’m really excited to see what ideas they throw into the mix this year!

We will also work to embed children and young people’s voices and participation across all parts of the event – such as co-chairing and keynotes, while there will be an expectation that workshops will incorporate children and young people’s voices and perspectives.

Get involved: workshops, exhibitors and sponsors.

As always, it is you, our network, that will really make the conference a success. Obviously, we want as many people to come along as delegates but there are also other ways for you to get involved.

Exhibiting is a great opportunity for organisations to showcase what they do to a wide range of individuals and groups working with children and families across Scotland. Exhibitors also get the chance to listen to speakers, attend workshops and enjoy the food and refreshments!

Sponsors help make the event financially viable, while keeping our ticket prices as low as possible. Sponsoring our conference provides the chance for an organisation to get behind our flagship event and potentially deliver a keynote or workshop and have an exhibition stall. Packages are tailored to individual needs.

Tracy Hope, our Senior Business Development officer, leads on these areas so please get in touch with her if you’d like to know more.

Workshops are one of the most popular ways for people to get involved. Our submissions process is now open until 15 November so if you’ve got a great piece of work you want to share, have completed some research or have something else you want to shout about, check out the information here.

Making the conference affordable

We work very hard to make the conference as accessible as possible for people from a financial perspective. Putting on a conference is a very resource-heavy endeavour, but our prices are incredibly competitive thanks to doing things as efficiently as possible, and securing income from our exhibitors and sponsors.

Early bird prices will be in place until mid-December so there is plenty of time to make the most of the opportunity. Members will, as always, receive discounts on all tickets whether that is at early bird or standard prices. So, if you are a Member, please make sure you use your code when buying your ticket, and if you’re not a Member, please consider joining.

Finally…

I just want to say a massive thanks to everyone who has been involved in delivering our previous conferences and who is already involved in putting on our 2025 one. It really is hard work, but the rewards are amazing!

Hearing from so many different individuals and organisations and seeing so many people so fully engaged across two-days is inspiring – I am really looking forward to what we can do next May.

Please get involved – as a speaker, workshop facilitator, exhibitor, sponsor or delegate, you are all welcome!

About the Author

Simon Massey is the Head of Engagement & Learning at Children in Scotland.

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Annual Conference 2025 Hub

Weds 28 & Thurs 29 May 2025

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Access All Arts Fund opens for a third year

A project improving children and young people access the arts has today opened for applications.

The Access All Arts Fund, managed by Children in Scotland alongside a panel of young people, is open to those aged 11-25 with the aim of supporting access to creative arts opportunities and promoting wellbeing. The fund is now open for applications until 5pm on 25 October.

Funded by Creative Scotland, the programme supports young people with disabilities, additional support needs, or other financial, social or mental health barriers to the arts to apply for funding for a range of arts activities, from ceramics and painting to music and dance. The Fund supports children and young people to be heard and to share their creative passions by encouraging direct applications from children and young people.

In 2023, a total of £86,040.89 was distributed to support the creative activities of 161 children and young people across 28 local authorities. In a survey of participants, 92% said the fund had had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. 82% said that receiving funding had helped them to overcome barriers to the arts.

David Mackay, Head of Policy, Projects and Participation at Children in Scotland, said:

“Now in its third year, the Access All Arts Fund is a fantastic opportunity for anyone in Scotland between the ages of 11 and 25 to develop existing skills in the arts or even try something new. What’s so special about this project is that awards are determined by a panel of children and young people who truly understand the positive impact the arts and creativity can have on people’s wellbeing, self-esteem and learning.

We are thrilled that Creative Scotland has once again this year recognised the important impact that the Access All Arts Fund is having in empowering young people in their continuing support for the project. We are really looking forward to again seeing the many creative ways that children and young people can express themselves.”

To find out more about the Access All Arts Fund and how to apply, visit our project page.

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot

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Giving a gift in your will – a way of investing in the future

11 Sep 2024

With Remember a Charity Week running from 9 - 15 September, Children in Scotland CEO, Dr Judith Turbyne reflects on the value of legacy investment.

I am getting to the stage in my life where I really should be at least thinking about putting in writing what I want to happen at the end of my life. Don’t get me wrong, I hope I am alive for at least another thirty years. But I am firmly in my 50s, approaching my 60s more quickly than I ever thought possible. And it is probably time to at least think. I can already see what a personal, private and difficult decision it might be to decide how I might leave anything I have left.

Of course, for many people, there is little to no money. For others, there is only just enough to give a level of support to those they have left. But for others, there is that freedom to invest in something you value, something that has helped you or someone you love in life or something that you have supported for years.

We joined Remember a Charity just over a year ago, to start our journey in trying to encourage legacy donations. We have only taken small steps in that journey, but we believe that it is an important one for us.

As an organisation we are seeking new ways of strengthening the resilience of the organisation. In the past we have concentrated less on seeking support from the public. However, we believe that our now over 30 years of work means that we have developed strong relationships with children, young people and those working with and for them across Scotland. Perhaps you have been supported by us through our Additional Support for Learning services or perhaps you are a professional who has benefited from our learning opportunities. Perhaps you have volunteered on our board or been an active part of our policy forum.

If you had a positive experience, and you value the work of Children in Scotland, perhaps you will think about leaving us a little in your will. Or indeed, if not us, perhaps you can support one of our many members who are working with and for children across Scotland.

If you can and do. Thank you so much. We promise to be good stewards as we invest in a brighter future for all children living in Scotland.

About the Author

Dr. Judith Turbyne has been Chief Executive of Children in Scotland since 2021 and is Chair of the Corra Foundation.

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Sarah Gallier

Advice & Information Officer - Enquire

Sarah joined Enquire as Advice and Information Officer in August 2024. She offers advice and information on children and young people’s rights to additional support for learning.

Sarah has a wealth of experience working with families. Prior to joining the team she worked for Fife Gingerbread, providing holistic family support to help promote wellbeing and opportunities for families. Prior to this, Sarah worked within education as a PSA, she recently completed her HNC in Childhood Practice, working within a forest nursery. Sarah has a particular interest in outdoor learning and using a child centred approach to her work.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, including her 2 dogs. She is an advanced scuba diver and has recently introduced her children to the wonders of diving., both now qualified. She loves travelling and exploring different countries and cultures with her family in tow.

Ellenor Hutson

Advice & Information Officer - Enquire

Ellenor Hutson has twenty years experience as an advice worker and has worked in a variety of settings including citizens advice bureau, law centres and advice lines.

Prior to joining Children in Scotland she was senior caseworker for an MP. Ellenor enjoys problem solving and helping people.

Outside of work, Ellenor enjoys spending time with her family and walking her dog, a standard Poodle named Bridae.

Gary Gallacher

Director

Gary currently works as the Head of Operations for Redress Scotland, supporting decision making on applications from survivors. These applications relate to historical abuse whilst in a relevant care setting in Scotland.

He joined the Board of Children in Scotland in July 2024.

Gary has had a wide-ranging career in the charity and public sector, with a passion to support children, young people, adults and their families. In more recent years much of this has focused on supporting those who have experienced complex trauma in their early life.

He has experience as both a frontline practitioner and over 10 years’ experience as Senior Leader with a drive to support those engaging with services.

Gary has a BA in Community Education.

He grew up in the West Coast of Scotland, but has spent much of his adult life on the East Coast. He has a large family and spends his free time out exploring the countryside and participating in a range of extreme sports.

Annemarie Devlin

Director

Annemarie’s has enjoyed a wide and varied career, mostly within the fundraising and charity sector. Past experience includes working at a number of charities in Scotland and UK wide. Annemarie has been a consultant working with charities to develop income generating growth and development. More recently, Annemarie is Director of Development at Royal Lyceum theatre in Edinburgh, where she enjoys her role raising income and support for the theatre.

Annemarie was awarded CIOF Fundraising Excellence Award and was an inaugural member of Scottish Fundraising Adjudication Panel.

Outside of work her passion is walking and being walked by her two labradors!

Craig Johnston

Director

Craig has over 30 years' experience working in the fields of Higher and Secondary Education, Youth work, Psychology, Social Work, Sport and Health across the UK and the USA. He has held Doctoral, Masters and bachelor’s level teaching commitments on Criminology, Education, Youth Work, Sociology and Social Work at various universities.

Craig 's research interests lie in the study of youth justice, alternative school provision (exclusion) and the social and sociality affecting individuals and communities. His published work held a rating of world leading, with a priority to engage in research with a right’s based and/or strong social justice agenda.

Craig holds a Doctor of Philosophy (in Education) and Master of Arts in Youth and Community work from Brunel University, London, a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, from Winchester University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Community from Strathclyde University, Glasgow. He is also a Fellow of ADVANCE HE.

Craig currently lives in Oxford and works at the University of the West of England, Bristol but was born and raised in Forfar, Tayside.

Children in Scotland call for ‘urgent and radical rethink’ of third sector funding

22 August 2024

Children in Scotland’s response to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee Pre-budget 2025-26 scrutiny - Third sector funding principles has highlighted the significant challenges faced by children’s sector organisations in Scotland, and we are calling for an urgent rethink of funding models.

Representing 450 charities, statutory bodies, organisations, and individual professionals across Scotland, Children in Scotland has highlighted our key concerns, with short-term funding arrangements and no inflationary increases having the most impact on long-term planning and staff wellbeing and retention.

David Mackay, Head of Projects, Policy and Participation, said:

“The third sector in Scotland currently faces immense financial and operational pressures due to years of static funding, rising costs, recent high levels of inflation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile an increase in demand for services has placed an increased strain on third sector staff and resources.

“Children in Scotland believes there needs to be an urgent and radical rethink about the way the third sector is funded and the Scottish Government’s relationship with them. Without this, many high-quality third sector organisations will simply not survive the coming years, and ultimately there will be a significant impact on the children, young people, families and communities that benefit from these organisations.”

A shift to longer-term funding, of three years or more, would help the third sector to plan for the future, spend more efficiently, and create better organisational stability, all of which would positively impact staff wellbeing.

Enquire, Scotland's national advice service for additional support for learning, is just one of Children in Scotland’s services affected by the current short-term funding model. Although this has been funded by Scottish Government over a period of more than 20 years, for most of that time, it has been done on a yearly cycle.

David said:

“We currently spend a disproportionate amount of time and staff resources on annual and bi-annual proposals, rather than the direct delivery of projects and services. Longer-term support would allow us to develop longer-term workplans with certainty, helping us to more efficiently co-ordinate our work.

“Short-term funding is also having a significant impact on recruitment and retention of staff, which in turn has an impact on relationships with service users as trusted relationships are broken. The third sector’s competitiveness with the private sector and public bodies is key to ensuring the success of our relationship-based practice."

The issues around short-term funding arrangements are frequently compounded by poor communication and delays around the funding, which can have significant implications for project delivery. Children in Scotland and their members have seen cases of projects being confirmed within days of, or even into, a new financial year.

One Children in Scotland member described the impact of this ongoing uncertainty:

“It impacts on our ability to function effectively, has a negative impact on staff, and we have seen staff move away from the sector, because of lack of confidence in funding decisions. Specifically, we found out about funding for a project for this year, six weeks into the financial year. Fortunately, we had been able to retain staff for the project in other work. Without this, we would have needed to make the staff redundant and lost the ability to deliver this key piece of work for the Scottish Government.”

Like many third sector organisations, Children in Scotland’s grant for core funds from Scottish Government has not kept pace with the rate of inflation. By committing to fair work, the Real Living Wage, and progressive employment practices, we have been left with a shortfall.

One Children in Scotland member reported:

“As the Real Living Wage increases automatically in line with inflation, charities who have signed up to the Real Living Wage have to budget for an automatic uplift to wage bills every year, which are often a very high percentage of their overall budget. If grant funding doesn't also increase in line with inflation, then the charity could end up running a service at a loss.”

Third sector funding needs a complete rethink, in order to continue to operate a fair working environment, and continue to support the service users. David reiterated the organisation’s appeal for change, saying:

“Children in Scotland and our members want to see a system that values the important contribution of the third sector and delivers the much need stability and sustainability third sector organisations need in order to continue to deliver their vital work supporting children, young people and families. We understand the current financial pressures on the Scottish Government and we are keen to work with them to deliver change. The current funding models are broken - undermining the stability of organisations, the wellbeing of staff, and ultimately the quality and quantity of work on the ground.”

Children in Scotland’s full response to the Third Sector Funding Inquiry consultation can be downloaded here.