Forum resources

This page contains recorded online learning, training videos and the latest reports on parent carer participation.

In this article

2023-24 virtual conference recordings now available

We’re pleased to be able to share recordings from the November 2023 Contact & NNPCF Joint Virtual Conference which took place across 14, 15, and 16 November. See our dedicated conference page.

Recorded online learning

All recorded online learning sessions have now been organised into playlists by topic on the parent carer forum online learning from Contact YouTube account.

Recent recorded online learning sessions

‘Our Survey Says’ – How to Create and set up your own surveys. To help parent carer forums create surveys to explore the thoughts and opinions of their members/colleagues. We give a quick run-through some of the common survey platforms, to demonstrate how to create surveys, exploring optimum ways to capture the information, how to publish your survey, and how to export the data to analyse the results. View the recording of the session and download the presentation.

Some attendees asked for an example of some wording for a GDPR consent box on your surveys: GDPR wording example: I consent to the collection and processing of my personal data (e.g., name, email address, etc.) for the purposes of this survey, in accordance with the [Your Organisation privacy policy link] and [privacy policy of survey platform i.e Survey Monkey]. I understand that my data will be kept secure and will only be used as described in the policy. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at [contact info].

Measuring Impact with Data Orchard. The purpose of this session is to understand concepts of impact measurement, why it’s useful and what you need to do. Madeleine Spinks Co Chief Executive of Data Orchard CIC shares a presentation on Impact Measurement and Theory of Change. This session was interactive, and attendees were moved in to small break out groups to discuss challenges faced, along with impact and outcomes – these discussions are not included in the recording. View the recording of the session and download the presentation.

Interactive Online Learning Session to introduce Ele – Your New Digital Wellbeing Companion. We are pleased to introduce you to Ele, the new digital wellbeing platform delivered by CiC, our wellbeing and forum support provider, through this online learning session recording. Ele is your new one-stop shop for elevating your health and wellbeing. With thousands of videos and resources covering a range of different topics, Ele provides easily accessible personalised support 24/7. With a Netflix style user experience, over 6,500 lived experience videos, 2000 Blogs, podcasts & roundtable discussions with experts and UK wide directory of 12,000 support organisations, we are excited for you to meet Ele and start exploring all the support and resources available to you. View the recording of the session and start your wellbeing journey.

Portsmouth Neurodiversity Profiling Tool Information Session presented by Cat Sidwell, Chair of Portsmouth Parent Carer Forum and Claire Mason from Portsmouth’s Neurodiversity team. Portsmouth launched a new neurodiversity pathway in September 2002. The pathway encompasses identifying needs at earlier stage using the neurodiversity profiling tool and then building a plan to ensure the support is put in place at the right time.
The session covers: Background to the Profiling tool, Information about the multi-disciplinary team, Information about the profiling tool and training for forums that will be run for Contact in September, where to find out more and Different ways to access the training. View the recording of the session and download the presentation. You can also download the Neurodiversity profiling tool example and the case study referred to in the session.

Working with Host organisations, presented by Ruth Hobbs from Somerset Parent Carer Forum and covers: Why some forums use a host organisation, types of roles a host organisation can fulfill, key things for forum steering groups to think about when thinking about working with a host organisation, benefits and pitfalls, developing a host agreement, recruiting a worker, key points for host organisations.  View the recording of the session and download the presentation. You may also find the online learning session Remuneration and Employing People for Forums useful in conjunction with this session.

‘Making the most of Canva,‘ presented by Nan Cooper from Bolton Parent Carer Forum and Lisa Aldred from Contact. Looking to enhance your digital skills and effectively communicate with your community? Look no further! This session dedicated to mastering Canva, the ultimate design tool for every occasion. An exciting journey covering essential Canva features tailored for parent carer forums. Highlights include: Branding, Creating Flyers & Documents, QR Codes, Shading & Design Techniques, Year in Numbers and Social Media Posting. Also learn how you can access Canva for free and make the most out of its features. View the recording of the session along with the presentation.

‘Councils going ‘bankrupt – the implications of section 114 notices’ with Steve Broach. This session is presented by Steve Broach and covers: Section 114 notices – when are they made? – What are the implications for a council that has issued a section 114 notice? – Can making a section 114 notice be challenged? – What services do councils who have issued section 114 notices have to provide? – How can a failure to provide the minimum level of service be challenged? – What is the role of central government here? Please note – These slides and the accompanying talk are intended for general information only and should not be relied on as legal advice. View the recording of the session along with the presentation.

Dealing with bullying in the workplace. This session is presented by Tracey McCarthy from HR Services Bristol and covers; What is bullying and harassment, Scenarios and cases heard in tribunals, Impact of allegations or actual incidents on individuals and organisations, Line managers vulnerabilities e.g when managing performance and How to effectively manage bullying and harassment. View the recording of the session along with the presentation.

The Warwickshire Co production Journey. This session, presented by Elaine Lambe, Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice, Catherine Ratcliffe, Genuine Partnerships; Gail Bedding, Contact Associate. This session gives an example of how a forum worked closely with partners in their local area, ensured everyone received co-production training to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people as well as families. This session covers: Background to the situation before the work started, Genuine Partnerships and the four cornerstones of co-production, Appreciative Enquiry Approach, Working together with partners and our achievements and Impact on co-production. View the recording of the session along with the presentation.

Grants online learning 2024-25. The grants team guide you through the grant application and monitoring process providing helpful hints on how best to complete your application and monitoring forms and outlining any changes that have been made to the process this year.

Leading your forum through change. This session, presented by Kath Bromfield the NNPCF North West Regional Steering Group Member and Kate Lovelace-Collins Contact Operations Lead, and Adviser for the South West, talks about planning for change within a forum. Whether it’s a shift in roles, stepping back or taking the lead. How as forums do we navigate and support each other to plan for the future? The session covers: Where to start, looking at strengths and where you need help. The importance of shared vision and how to reach one. Recognising when things may need to change for you or your forum and how to navigate that. Some tools and strategies to lead your forum through change and tricky times. View the recording of the session along with the presentation.

Self Evaluation Framework, Safety Valve and Delivering Better Value. This session is presented by Andre Imich, SEN and Disability Professional Adviser. The DfE published a summary of evidence supporting the Tranche 2 interim findings. This is available on the DBV programme website www.dbvinsend.com/insights. This session covers;
Delivering Better Value and Safety Valve: What they are, What they’re expected to achieve, Which local authorities are involved, Tiers and phases, Funding available to local authorities, The role of forums and how they should be involved. Self Evaluation Framework: What it is and why it’s important, How PCFs should be involved, Key indicators of a strong SEF. View the recording of the session along with the presentation.

Supported living for people with learning disabilities and autism.  Aimed at people who are looking to make long term plans who are currently in, or approaching transition into adult services.  This session was presented by Steve Harris from Progress Housing Group and covers; how supported living works for people who want choice and control over where they live and how they are supported, the transition period and options for young people and families including residential care and supported living, how housing, care and support works together, specialist organisations and services they can offer and LA and NHS responsibilities, funding housing and support and how this links with housing and support provision. View the recording of this session along with the presentation.

Small Forums and Contracts. Presented by John Wilson from Community Matters this session outlines the responsibilities for parent carer forums who are unincorporated associations (constituted groups) when paying people. View the recording of the session, download the presentation and the additional resource on insurance for forums.

Financial planning for the transition to adulthood. The session presented by Rhainnon Gogh from PlanitFuture outlines the top 5 things parent carers of children with SEND need to know. How and when to plan for post-18 finances; Decision-making and mental capacity; Impact on residential care and means-tested support; Managing bank accounts; Pensions for young adults and Child Trust Funds and saving plans. View the recording of the session and download the presentation. Further relevant links include – Help with fees for Deputyship and Help with fees for Lasting Power of Attorney.

Employer Responsibilities. The session presented by Cally Butler, Payroll Consultant and Tracey McCarthy, HR Consultant covers; Preparing to employ people -Determining employment status, Registering as an employer with HMRC, Setting up a payroll system, Pensions and automatic enrolment and Health and Safety Liability insurance Safer recruitment practices. Managing employees – Employment contracts, Policies, Managing hours and absences, Running the payroll, payslip requirements, Paying HMRC and Ending the employment. View the recording of the session and download the presentation.

Using your DfE Grant. This session presented by Kate Lovelace-Collins and Sarah Lee from Contact, covers; the Purpose of the Grant, what you can use the grant for, what you can’t use the grant for, examples from other forums, links to the managing your Grant handbook and other resources. View the recording of the session and download the presentation from the session.

Lets Get Digitally Inclusive! This session, presented by Lisa Aldred from Contact will help you to create digital content that is accessible and inclusive, learn about basic skills and tools that can increase accessibility, remove barriers to the information you provide, find out about screen readers, translators colour combinations to alt text and beyond! View the recording of the session and download the presentation from the session.

Dynamic support registers and Care, Education and Treatment Reviews – what the new policy means for forums and families’ online learning session. In this session find out what the updated policy means for autistic and learning-disabled children most at risk of hospital admission. With officials from the NHS England’s National Learning Disability and Autism, NNPFC and Contact. View the recording of the session and download the presentation.

Support from Contact and the NNPCF. This session was presented by Kath Bromfield the North West steering group member for the NNPCF and Kate Lovelace-Collins the Operations Lead for Contact. Are you new to your parent carer forum?  Are you a new forum just starting out?  This session is designed to give a warm welcome from the NNPCF and Contact and give you an overview of our roles and what support we can offer.  We’ll signpost to support and information that might be useful and much more.  View the recording of the session, download the presentation along with a signposting document and online personal safety tips as mentioned in the session.

Setting up and running payroll with Community Matters. This session is presented by John Wilson of Community Matters and covers how to set up and run payroll and choosing a payroll provider if you decide you don’t want to run it. View the recording or download the presentation from the session.

Fundraising tips and guidance for Parent Carer Forums. This session was presented by Contacts Fundraising Team and covers: Recommended sources of funding; How and when to apply; Types of funding available and Creating a strong Case for Support and potential areas to collaborate with Contact. View the recording or download the presentation from the session.

Remuneration and Employing People for Forums. This interactive session was presented by John Wilson from Community Matters and covers; Good Practice when paying people; Aspects of legislation that cover how people can be paid; How your forums legal structure can impact on who you can pay and what you can pay people for; Implications for forums; What you need to consider when making decisions to pay people; Tools and help available and how you can ensure that  people really are self employed in the eyes of HMRC and what you will have to do if you decide they are an employee. View the recording of the session, download the presentation and view examples of payroll providers.

Resources to help you run your forum

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

All parent carer forums aspire to be inclusive and representative of the families in their areas so that they can effectively represent all parent carers’ voices.

See our Diversity and Inclusion toolkit which will support forums to develop a welcoming and inclusive culture:

Summary Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit

We also have a new summary version of the Diversity & Inclusion toolkit which would help new forums to put on inclusive events and meetings to grow their memberships and to be welcoming and inclusive to all from the start. Use the summary toolkit on its own or alongside the full toolkit.

We have developed some template Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies for parent carer forums to adapt for their own use:

These templates are to help parent carer forums to develop policies which are right for them at their stage of development.  Individual forums will need to ensure that the policy meets their needs and enables them to develop a fully inclusive culture.

Cyber Security

Information and tips for forums on cyber security

This is not intended to be exhaustive, but we hope you find it a useful starting point.

Running a forum online workshops

Summary versions of training sessions held across the country are available on YouTube. Some of the sessions also have supporting documentation.

Subscribe to the Contact and NNPCF parent carer participation newsletter. 

Coproduction resources

Introduction to co-production

Watch this co-production video or watch the subtitled version, where forums, local authorities, health providers and commissioners share their experiences of working in co-production and how it helped them improve services.

Online learning

How associate support helped embed coproduction in Herefordshire.  As part of Coproduction Week 2020, in this short webinar we hear from Max Bassett (Vice Chair of Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire) ;Kate Rowe (Contact Associate) and Sue Mennear (Regional Parent Participation Adviser) about how associate support helped embed coproduction and a new way of working in Herefordshire.  Download the associated presentation. See the following link to Parent Carer Voice Herefordshire’s Coproduction Charter – https://pcvh.co.uk/coproduction-charter/

Co-production, Campaigning & the Independence of Parent Carer Forums presented by Mrunal Sisodia NNPCF Co-Chair, Kate Hurn and Sue Mennear, Contact, with contribution from Carol Kelsey (Co-ordinator at Herts Parent Carer Involvement.) The webinar includes; How parent carer forums can work with campaign groups for better outcomes for families, What parent carer forums can and can’t do to support campaigns, A good practice case study from Herts Parent Carer Involvement about the Nascot Lawn Campaign… and much more. Download the associated presentation.  Other related documents include the recently updated Co-production and Campaigning Guidance , along with overview of HPCI for professionals, HPCI statement on campaigning, a short case study about Nascot Lawn.

Quality Indicators for co-production – a framework and self-evaluation tool.

Contact hosted the National Alliance for Partnership Working (NAPW), a consortium of delivery partners across SEND who worked together to develop a common language around co-production.

Using the Quality Indicators of co-production framework [.doc] should help develop a shared level of understanding and expectation to which all local area partners can aspire.

The Quality Indicators draw on the four principles of co-production which measure how Local Areas are working and help identify next steps on the journey to embedding a culture of co-production in working with families of children and young people with SEND.

For more information or support to improve and develop co-production, please contact [email protected]

Parent Carer Participation Annual Reports

Other Reports

Case studies and more support

You might also find these web pages useful:

Subscribe to the Contact and NNPCF parent carer participation newsletter

By subscribing to the newsletter you will be kept up to date with new resources for your parent carer forum – https://action.contact.org.uk/page/62794/subscribe/1