Join us for this year's Voice of the Child Conference, an inspiring day of learning, challenge, and collaboration focused on improving outcomes for children and young people through participation, prevention, and partnership working.

Taking place on 13 October 2026 from 9:00am to 4:30pm at BOXPARK Croydon, the conference will bring together professionals from across safeguarding, education, health, police, social care, and the voluntary sector to explore innovative practice, strengthen multi-agency working, and ensure children's voices remain at the heart of decision-making.

Building on the success of previous conferences, this year's programme promises to be our most impactful yet.

Hear from nationally renowned keynote speakers

Dez Holmes will open the day with a thought-provoking keynote on Transitional Safeguarding, exploring how services can better support young people as they move towards adulthood and navigate changing risks.

Craig Pinkney, internationally recognised criminologist and youth violence expert, will challenge traditional approaches through his keynote on Paradigm Shift, encouraging professionals to rethink how they understand and respond to the experiences of adolescents.

Joel Dunn, Chief Executive of the Centre for Public Safety and Violence Prevention, will deliver an inspiring keynote on Participation & Prevention, highlighting the critical role that young people play in shaping safer communities and more effective safeguarding systems.

Explore the issues affecting young people today

The conference will also feature expert-led sessions on:

• Young people's homelessness, with Kate Bond from New Horizons

• How technology can be harnessed as a force for good, with Jo Wimble-Groves from Active Digital

• Youth voice and participation in practice

• Adultification and its impact on safeguarding responses

• Local research on health and wellbeing

• Emerging safeguarding trends and future challenges

Delegates will hear directly from young people, explore practical approaches through interactive workshops, and take part in a panel discussion with speakers from across the day.

Why attend?

This conference is more than an opportunity to learn. It is a chance to reflect, challenge assumptions, hear directly from young people, and connect with colleagues across the partnership who are committed to keeping children's voices at the heart of practice.

Whether you work in safeguarding, education, health, policing, social care, youth services, or the voluntary sector, this is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

Join safeguarding professionals from across the partnership to shape future practice. Book your place and view highlights from last year's event.