{"id":836,"date":"2026-02-13T11:10:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T11:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/childrenandfamilies.on.worc.ac.uk\/?p=836"},"modified":"2026-02-13T11:10:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T11:10:09","slug":"partnerships-that-matter-leading-change-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/childrenandfamilies.on.worc.ac.uk\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/partnerships-that-matter-leading-change-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Partnerships That Matter: Leading Change conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The DCF and DEI Practitioner and Student Conference<\/strong> was a hugely successful event, bringing together 70 practitioners, students, researchers and partner organisations for an inspiring day themed around \u201cPartnerships That Matter: Leading Change<\/strong>.\u201d The atmosphere across St John\u2019s Campus was vibrant and full of energy as delegates engaged in a diverse and ambitious programme of workshops led by Julie Pearson and Tracey Hobbs (Early Years Alliance), Stacey Hodgkins, Emma Grishin and Kieran Lyons (NSPCC), Sarah Warwick and Amanda McCully (HOW College), Michelle Malomo (UoW) and Zoe Skidmore (Greenview Nursery), Shaun McInerney (UoW), Denisse Levermore (UoW), and Dr Angela Hodgkins (UoW).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The networking caf\u00e9 was a real highlight, creating a buzzing hub for conversation and collaboration. Colleagues from the Early Years Alliance, NSPCC, the Letter Press Project, Study Skills and Library Services offered resources, insights and opportunities for delegates to build meaningful new professional connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Attendees feedback indicated that they appreciated the opportunity to meet other professionals, share experiences, and think collaboratively. Many highlighted this as one of the most positive aspects of the day, alongside the workshops themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day was anchored by two powerful and thought\u2011provoking keynote speakers. Dr Carla Solvason challenged traditional assumptions surrounding the idea of the \u201cgood parent,\u201d encouraging more authentic, compassionate and non\u2011hierarchical relationships with families. Dr Emma Laurence explored the power of storytelling as a leadership tool, showing how shared narratives can help practitioners navigate complexity, remain hopeful and influence positive cultural change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Together, the keynotes and workshops created a genuinely uplifting and memorable event, celebrating the strength of partnership across our sector and reaffirming that lasting change in children\u2019s services grows from relationships, shared stories and collective purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Both keynotes prompted significant personal reflection. Attendees expressed that they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n