Annual Conference 2026: Programme
9:00am Welcome
Hear from our co-chairs, John McKendrick and Byron, and Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive, Dr Judith Turbyne.
9:45am
Keynote: What comes next? Creating change with confidence
9:45amLaura Anderson, Campaigner, Environmental Scientist, and Ethical Influencer
Laura Anderson (@LessWasteLaura) brings her experience as an environmental campaigner to explore how positive change grows from creativity, collaboration and hope. Sharing stories from her work inspiring collective action, she highlights how imaginative approaches can empower us all to shape the world around us. This presentation will highlight the power of listening to children and young people, nurturing their ideas, and building communities where everyone can feel safe, healthy, supported and active, reminding us that change is not only possible, but ours to lead.
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Stamping out stereotypes: talking about poverty with children and young peopleChild Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, Cost of the School Day VoiceRead more
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Liminal: finding comfort in the in-betweenMental Health Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital charity, Lou Fraser – Artist and facilitatorRead more
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Alcohol-free childhood: exploring the right to a childhood free from alcohol marketingAlcohol Focus ScotlandRead more
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Working with care experienced young people who have displayed Harmful Sexual BehaviourKibbleRead more
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What Matters to Me: digital storytelling with adopted young peopleScottish Adoption & Fostering, The Scottish Book TrustRead more
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Shifting from co-production to production: insights on participationThe National Leadership Network
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3:25pm
Hear us. Believe us. LGBTQ+ young people’s perspectives on inclusion in Scotland
Young people from the Trans Rights, Voices Unheard and Mental Health Youth Commissions at LGBT Youth Scotland
A new government and 20 years of GIRFEC – both mark the passage of time. But how much progress is being seen when it comes to LGBTQ+ young people’s rights and representation? Grounded in lived experience, this presentation draws on young people’s experience as well as LGBT Youth Scotland’s Manifesto and Life in Scotland Research. It examines the social and political landscape for LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland, explores what meaningful inclusion looks like, and offers young people’s perspectives on how practitioners can take action to better support LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland.
Please note that photography and filming are not permitted at this session.
4:10pm Conference close
9:00am Welcome
Hear from our co-chairs, Lynne O’Brien and Liam, and Children in Scotland’s Chief Executive, Dr Judith Turbyne.
9:40am
Keynote: Every seed has the potential to grow
9:40amFiona McKenzie, Founder and CEO at CentreStage Communities, OBE FRSA
Scott McCarroll, Community Development Coach, CentreStage Communities and Writer
In this deeply personal talk, Scott shares his story in his own words – an honest journey through challenge, resilience and transformation.
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Learning together: building healthy, connected communitiesPeeple, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Dumfries and Galloway – Sanquhar AcademyRead more
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Unseen stories: creative expression through inclusive comicsOdd Citizen Comics, Sight ScotlandRead more
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It takes all kinds of minds: an interactive workshop exploring the neurodivergent experienceSalvesen Mindroom Centre, NeuropointRead more
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A play neighbourhood approach from Inspiring ScotlandInspiring Scotland, Care & Learning Alliance (CALA), ActifyRead more
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Challenging stigma: children’s rights in actionYoung People’s Organising and Campaigning Group, Children’s Rights Team (Aberdeenshire)Read more
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Home-grown solutions? Navigating out-of-the-ordinary transitions into secondary schoolStromness Academy, Orkney Islands Council, University of DundeeRead more
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Emotions and the Brain: teen takeover editionScottish Centre for Conflict Resolution (SCCR), CyreniansRead more
2:00pm
Keynote: The Impact of GIRFEC over the last 20 Years – and the way forward
2:00pmJoanna Macdonald, National Chief Social Work Advisor
Marking 20 years of GIRFEC, Joanna Macdonald, CEO of the National Social Work Agency and National Chief Social Work Adviser examines how a bold policy ambition became a shared national approach to supporting children and families. Joanna reflects on GIRFEC’s role in driving early support, strengthening rights‑based practice and improving multi‑agency working, and outlines how national leadership will continue to champion its values to ensure consistent, effective implementation for every child.
Siobhian Brown, MSP, Minister for Children, Young People of Scotland & The Promise
Introducing the next steps for Scottish Government for children, young people, and The Promise.
Keynote introduction by Dave Pepper, Clearcare, conference sponsor.
