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.
From 10.15am 3 key note speakers (tbc) 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 Description to follow
#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. 5 months on, we will explore concerns about the changes as well as identifying what is working well.
#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 - TBC. Description to follow
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