The Fostering Network at The Labour Party Conference

Last week was a week of firsts for me.

My first visit to the wonderful city of Liverpool.

My first time attending a political party conference.

And most importantly the first time I've heard a Prime Minister make a commitment to young care leavers, in a prime, national speech.

 The past few days provided a great opportunity to reflect on what it takes to influence policy.  Whilst it was at times a little surreal to be walking amongst politicians, with media cameras everywhere and journalists round every corner, it also felt very normal to walk alongside the leaders of our country and have a chat!
Changes to policy and practice are achieved when organisations put time and specialist skills into campaigning.  There are many organisations and individuals who will have contributed to achieving the change that our Prime Minister announced for care leavers this week.  The majority of individuals who campaigned won't benefit personally - they did this for others, the future young people who will one day become care leavers.

Campaigning requires great patience, resilience, determination and most of all passion.  Changing current policy, or introducing new policy is a complex thing to achieve but every day organisations like ourselves keep trying to achieve this change.  Informed policy change considers the impact on, and outcomes for everyone, keeping the most vulnerable person at the centre.

For example, in our work at The Fostering Network, we listen to the experiences and perspectives of many, from foster carers and social workers, to care experienced adults and children.  Our policy team translates this consultation, the issues and poor experiences, into policy proposals intended to improve outcomes.  We ensure that the impact of policy change on children, foster carers and fostering services is fully considered.  It critical to hold everyone in mind and see it through the eyes of others, this is key to well considered policy change.

When it comes to outcomes we focus on policy change that will improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the room. In our work, this is children in foster care.
For the past few days I've been right at the heart of policy change.  I was fortunate to attend some exceptional events, delivered by organisations who share our desire to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable in society.  I witnessed children speaking directly to minsters, voicing their opinions and calls for change at the Children at the Table event.  I met with MPs to inform them of the work of our charity and raise awareness of the power of fostering and the needs of children in their local areas, across the UK. 
I observed powerful collaboration in action - organisations coming together to propose solutions with a stronger, louder voice. And whilst walking through the main conference hall, I heard someone call my name.  I turned around, unsure if this call was meant for me, to find Mandy, a fostering panel member from my old local authority, where I served as a social worker for many years.  We had the most wonderful catch up, reminisced on our time working together and I heard all about her role as lead for children and families in the council.

Overall, attending the party conference was a great experience, I met wonderful people and learnt so much.  All possible thanks to Natalie, our dedicated, highly skilled, exceptional Head of Policy & Campaigns and the team that she leads.