Theory of Change in the development of a new campaigns strategy

Matt Downie Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs

Who we are
work with over 250,000 children and young people of all ages
run over 650 services across the UK, incl:
Adoption, fostering and children in care Disabled children, schools and short breaks Young carers and edge of care support Child sexual abuse therapeutic services Intensive family support Childrens centres, parenting support etc

The challenge of setting political priorities

Breadth and scale of AfC work
Sticking to AfC vision and values How are we different to other campaigning charities?

How does Theory of Change help?

What is the vision of the organisation? Is this our overall aim of campaigning at AfC?
Vulnerable Children fulfil their potential. Who do we mean by vulnerable children?
Children with Disabilities Young Carers Young Offenders Children in Care - Neglected Children Children who were abused Young Parents Children in temporary accommodation Children in Poverty NEETS Siblings of children in any of the above

What other assumptions will drive our decisions about campaigning priorities?
Positivity, not deficiency. AfC works with families to achieve positive change Focus on early intervention and removing structural barriers Ensure that services and service users understand and buy into campaigning Urgency

Building up our theory of change

Young people move towards independence at their own speed

Vulnerable parents can support their children

Young people and parents have the right to access an effective welfare state

An effective & successful care system

Young people have the freedom to make mistakes

Young people feel safe and secure

Young people have access to effective healthcare

Young people have the same opportunities to education and employment as their peers

Vulnerable children fulfil their potential

How will this get us to new campaigning priorities?

The campaign conversation
Workshops Surveys

Analysis based on influencing expertise Validate against our aim and assumptions A new Campaigner Network 2014 onwards.

Questions?

Matthew.downie@actionforchildren.org.uk @matthew_downie (personal) @AfC_policy