From Policy to Practice: Commissioning That Works for Children
Wednesday 3rd June 2026 | 9.00 am – 4.30 pm
Hilton Bankside, London
About the Conference
From Policy to Practice: Commissioning That Works for Children brings together commissioners, local authorities, providers, voluntary sector partners, suppliers, and young people to explore how commissioning can better deliver stability, safety, and positive outcomes for children and young people (CYP).
The conference focuses on the practical realities of commissioning children’s services — moving beyond policy intent to what actually works on the ground. Through keynote insight, case studies, lived experience, and cross-sector discussion, the day will examine how commissioning decisions can be shaped around children’s needs, rights, and long-term outcomes.
This is a strategic and practice-focused event for anyone involved in planning, funding, designing, or delivering services for children and families.
Registration
Click below to purchase your ticket
Key Themes
- Putting children at the centre of commissioning – ensuring children’s rights, voices, and lived experience shape decisions.
- Commissioning for outcomes – what good commissioning looks like in practice and how to measure impact.
- Market sustainability and collaboration – building ethical, sustainable markets across the system.
- Using data to drive decisions and accountability – identifying need, monitoring quality, and evaluating impact.
- The role of local authorities – strategic commissioning across early help, placements, SEND, and family support.
- The future of children’s commissioning – funding, workforce pressures, integration, and accountability.
- Legal duties and risk – understanding safeguarding, SEND, procurement, and statutory responsibilities.
Speakers and Contributors
The conference will feature senior leaders, commissioners, providers, and young people with lived experience of services.
Opening Keynote (invited): Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England
A national perspective on priorities for commissioning from 2026–2030, and how children’s rights and lived experience should shape local decision-making.
Who Should Attend
- Local authority commissioners and senior leaders
- Heads of service and strategic leads in children’s services
- Providers of children’s social care, early help, SEND, and family support services
- Voluntary and community sector organisations
- Policy leads and system partners
- Suppliers supporting commissioning, data, and service delivery
- Participation and engagement leads
Why Attend
- Gain insight into national and local commissioning priorities
- Learn from real-world examples of commissioning models that drive change
- Hear directly from young people about what needs to improve
- Explore how data, collaboration, and legal frameworks support better decisions
- Build connections across the children’s services system
Sponsorship and Exhibiting
- For information about sponsoring or exhibiting at the conference, please email ann@care-awards.co.uk to request a copy of our packages.
Venue
Hilton Bankside, London
A central London venue with excellent transport links, providing space for learning, discussion, and networking throughout the day.
