National Advocacy Conference 2026
sponsored by
Friday 27th November 2026 - in person
Get ready for an incredible experience at the 2026 conference, being held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. Join us for an action-packed day filled with fascinating talks, amazing networking opportunities and a chance to indulge in all the good stuff! Don't miss out on the excitement!
9.00am - Doors open for welcome drinks and a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues.
10.00am - from your chair and sponsor, Irwin Mitchell.
10.15am Key note speakers covering inspiring topics.
Alex Fox, Chief Executive, Community Catalysts
Elly Chapple, founder #FlipTheNarrative
12.00pm - Lunch
1.00pm - Interactive roundtable discussions, featuring intimate conversations around topics. Facilitators will set the scene with a 10-minute introduction before opening the floor for 20 minutes of discussion.
3.00pm - Comfort break
3.30pm - Panel discussion
4.30pm - Goodbyes and safe journey home
Programme
Interactive Roundtable discussions - we are still confirming exciting topics!
#1 - Supporting care leavers. Just for Kids Law. Description to follow
#2 - How to prepare for changes in SEND law. Lisa Coaten, IPSEA
With changes to the SEND law system imminent following the recent White Paper, this discussion will consider how those who work in SEND can prepare for proposed changes and continue to support children, young people and families in the future. This will specifically focus on preparing for changes to the SEND education system in England.
#3 - The impact of the Supreme Court ruling. This discussion will hold a space to reflect on the changes brought about by the judgement that rewrote what makes a DoL a DoL.
Five months on, we will explore concerns about the changes as well as identifying what is working well. A great opportunity for IMCAs and Care Act advocates to reflect on practice developments.
#4 - Sensitive approaches to providing advocacy and support Alexis Quinn. Description to follow
#5 - The role of advocacy in safeguarding and tackling closed culture. Description to follow
#6 - Goodbye Nearest Relative, Hello Nominated Person, Professor Judy Laing, University of Bristol. This session will explore one of the most significant reforms within the new Mental Health Act: the replacement of the Nearest Relative with the Nominated Person. Join Judy to look at what the change means in practice, the rights and responsibilities of Nominated Persons and the implications for patients, families, and professionals. IMHAs will play a crucial role in supporting people to understand this new right, make choices about who they want to act in the role and ensure the views and wishes of those who lack capacity are represented. A practical and timely session for anyone seeking to understand how this important reform will reshape choice and human rights.
The following sessions are brought to you from our legal colleagues at Irwin Mitchell
#7 - TBC. Description to follow
#8 - TBC. Description to follow
#9 - TBC. Description to follow
#10 - TBC. Description to follow
#11 - TBC. Description to follow
#12 - TBC. Description to follow