Our process

Using evidence based learning

By establishing a firm evidence base, we can help build sector understanding and inform best practice and government policy.

We do this by using evaluation and research to evidence the impact of services and explore how practice can be improved to meet the needs of all children and young people. Our team of expert researchers have worked with academic institutions and practitioners across the UK to build an evidence base in areas such as literacy in the early years, the impact of poverty on health and the emotional well-being of children in care.

Influencing policy

By influencing national decisions, we can help enshrine good practice in law.

Taking what we learn from our research and our front-line networks on the ground we challenge and influence policy developments. Our work hosting the All Party Parliamentary Group for children has helped improve policy on the use of Stop and Search on under-18s and assess where policy change is needed to improve children’s social care services. We also worked extensively on the SEND reforms to successfully ensure that children and young people have the right to make decisions about the services and support that they receive.

Supporting the workforce

By using our knowledge to show others the way forward, we can help many more children and families.

It’s vital that the children’s workforce have the skills, are well-led and feel properly supported to meet the challenges the sector currently faces. That’s why we work extensively with front-line practitioners in schools, children services and health care professionals to look at what’s working and what’s not. Together we develop, innovate and translate policy into good practice that can be rolled out across the country.

Involving children and young people

By involving children and young people, we can help them actively participate in decision-making and influence change.

Cutting across all the work we do is the participation of children and young people. Whether it's through our Young Researchers, our Young NCB advisory group or the the countless focus groups and engagement events we hold each year, we ensure that their views, opinions and experiences inform every aspect of our work. 

A voice for the sector

By using our networks to bring people together we can achieve greater impact.

We know that we are stronger and have a bigger voice when we work together. Our extensive reach across the sectors and expertise in convening and brokering new relationships means we can mobilise, respond and deliver effective change right where it matters.