The National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) is a key event in the social care calendar, bringing together leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the future of social care and support. This year, Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) and the National Co-production Advisory Group (NCAG) were proud to play a significant role in ensuring the conference was more inclusive than ever before.
TLAP and NCAG helped to shape an event where people who draw on care and support were central to the conversation. Together, we co-produced the format for a co-production themed room, called the ‘Innovation Station’. This was a space for both rich group discussions and informal conversations, resulting in an atmosphere where ideas around co-production could flourish.
We were proud to open the event by hosting the opening ‘Spotlight Session’ – a workshop exploring the link between co-production and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Additionally, we partnered with the Local Government Association (LGA) and councils to deliver a session on improving Direct Payments, sharing insights from a successful TLAP project with the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
For many NCAG members, this year’s NCASC was a refreshing change. Caroline Waugh reflected on the experience, saying:
“I had some very rich, intelligent conversations. It’s vital that people like NCAG are having those conversations, and we are seen to have a seat at the table.”
Rachel Mason noted the shift in tone:
“There is a new feel and energy about NCASC. All speakers and plenary sessions had the golden thread of co-production running through them. Now all that’s needed is to ‘make it real’.”
The conference also provided space for networking and advocacy. Vicky Forfar described it as a “great opportunity to network and fly the co-production flag,” while Paula Sardinha summed up the event as “a great few days of interesting and informative talks and seminars, combined with some real hard-hitting conversations.” Jenny Carter added that she “enjoyed meeting new people and seeing people who I haven’t seen for a while and thought the venue was good too.”
Kate Pieroudis, Senior Co-production Adviser at TLAP, said:
“Year on year NCASC has felt more inclusive. The voices and experiences of people who draw on care and support feature more prominently, both challenging practice and working in partnership towards shared solutions. This is much needed if we are to find solutions to the many barriers people working in social care face in creating good lives for people.”
Our involvement in NCASC highlights the importance of including people with lived experience in shaping social care – not just in policy discussions, but at the heart of decision-making. For those looking to make their events more inclusive, TLAP offers practical guidance through our resource on Organising Insightful and Inclusive Events.
