Policy & Influencing

Our unique position in the children’s sector means we can influence people and organisations that make important contributions to the lives of children and families in Scotland.

Our policy positions and calls are explained fully in our Manifesto 2021-2026 (click here to access).

Click here to access the Children and Young Person’s version of our Manifesto 

All our work and relationships, and the evidence we draw from our network, help inform the policy positions we take. It also allows us to identify our key priorities, which work towards our vision of all children in Scotland having an equal chance to flourish.

Our policy positions are the result of: 

• Direct participation and engagement (click here for more) with children, young people, and families 
• Consultations with our members 
• Our role as co-secretariate of the Cross-Party Group on Children and Young People (click here for more) 
• Evidence gathered through our work, including project work (click here for more) and our direct services (click here for more) 
• Our partnerships (click here for more) across the whole of the children’s sector. 
• Our relationship with local and national governments. 

We are involved in a range of activity with the aim of influencing practice and creating positive change for children.  

There are many different ways you can get involved in our policy and influencing work, and in our work more widely.

One of the best ways to get involved is to become a member of Children in Scotland. 

Members’ Forums 

Children in Scotland organises and chairs a number of Forums to support our members, gather their feedback and expertise, and help inform our policy positions. Our member forums have been developed to meet the different needs of the children’s workforce while also providing the opportunity to bring members together with the ambition of influencing policy and practice. 

Voices 

Voices brings together the diverse knowledge, skills and experience of our members to seek solutions for the most pressing issues affecting children in Scotland today. Every member of Children in Scotland is welcome to attend and contribute to Voices Forum meetings. Click here to find out more

Children's Sector Strategic Forum 

This group meets at least four times per year and takes a pro-active and evidence-based approach to improving children’s lives at a national level. 

Membership comprises Children in Scotland members who hold senior positions within the children’s sector.
Click here to find out more about the forum - and access minutes and briefings