Learning & events for forums
Our upcoming learning and events for parent carer forums, from online learning sessions to the national Contact and NNPCF conference.
In this article
Upcoming events/Online learning sessions
Future online learning
Receiving the DfE grant – what does it really involve?
Taking place on Tuesday 12th May 2026 12:00 to 13:00 via Zoom.
Please email [email protected] ASAP if you would like to make us aware of any accessibility issues, so that we can assist your access to the session.
This session will be led by Kate Lovelace-Collins – Head of Parent Participation, Ben Bennett – Grants Programme Manager and Helen Reid – Programme Officer. The session will cover:
Receiving the DfE grant – what does it really involve? Join us for a clear and practical session designed to help Parent Carer Forums fully understand what they are signing up to when accepting the DfE grant. We’ll break down the Conditions of Grant, the Code of Conduct for grant recipients, and the Memorandum of Understanding within the application process—explaining what each means in practice, not just on paper.
This session will translate formal requirements into straightforward, everyday guidance, helping your forum feel confident about roles, responsibilities, and expectations. There will also be space to reflect on good governance, managing risk, and maintaining positive relationships with partners, so you can approach the grant with clarity and assurance.
Who should attend?
This session is ideal for:
- Forum Chairs, Co-Chairs and Steering Group members
- Treasurers and those responsible for grant oversight
- Parent Representatives involved in decision-making
- New or emerging forums preparing to apply for funding
Why attend?
- Gain a clear understanding of what the grant requires from your forum
- Reduce the risk of misunderstandings or errors
- Feel more confident in signing and managing grant agreements
- Strengthen your forum’s governance and accountability
- Ensure everyone involved shares a consistent understanding of expectations
Whether you’re new to the grant or looking for reassurance that your forum is on the right track, this session will provide the clarity and confidence you need.
You can join us live or catch up via the recording at a time that’s convenient for you.
This session will be led by Kate Lovelace-Collins – Head of Parent Participation, Ben Bennett – Grants Programme Manager and Helen Reid – Programme Officer.
Please email [email protected] ASAP if you would like to make us aware of any accessibility needs or reasonable adjustments, so that we can help you get the most out of the session.
To register for the session please see the registrations details below; You are invited to a Zoom session.
When: Tuesday 12th May 2026 12:00 to 13:00
Register in advance for this session: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WoIOdCswTL2XcwUC2Jz-KQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session.
Please note if you are unable to attend on the day, a recording of the session along with relevant documents will be available shortly after the session on our Resource Pages.
Further upcoming online learning sessions are regularly updated here as they become available. Please note that further information and resources for forums along with recently recorded online learning sessions are available on our Resource Pages.
Please email [email protected] ASAP if you would like to make us aware of any accessibility issues, so that we can assist your access to a session.
After registering for a session, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting – as this is an automated email please check your ‘clutter’ or ‘spam’ folder where this email may be redirected.
Please note if you are unable to attend on the day, recordings of sessions along with relevant documents will be available shortly after the session on our Resource Pages.
2024-25 Conference
The Contact & NNPCF Joint in-person Conference took place on Tuesday 4th February 2025 at the Mercure Northampton. This event was really well attended. See the Highlights film from the day.
November 2024-25 Contact & NNPCF Joint Virtual Conference Recordings.
The Contact and NNPCF Joint Virtual Conference took place on Wednesday 20th November 2024. Recordings from sessions on the day are now available on our dedicated Conference page.
2023-24 Joint face to face Conference recordings now available
The 2023-24 Contact & NNPCF joint face to face Conference took place on 29th February 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Recordings from sessions on the day and a highlights film are now available on our dedicated Conference page.
2023-24 Virtual Conference Recordings now available
We’re happy 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.
Further upcoming online learning sessions will be updated here as they become available. Please note that further information and resources for forums along with recently recorded online learning sessions are available on our Resource Pages.
2022-23 Face-to-face conference recordings now available
The face-to-face conference took place on 28th February 2023 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Bristol City Centre. Many thanks to all of those who joined us in person and those who joined us via the live stream. The face-to-face conference included presentations from key partners including the Department for Education, Ofsted and NHS England. In addition, there was a Q&A panel and a workshop session to co-produce policy areas.
We are happy to share recordings of the conference sessions and relevant presentations. You can view these on our dedicated conference page.
New to online learning?
An online learning session is a presentation live on the internet. You will be able to hear presentations live, follow the slides and ask or submit questions for the presenters to answer.
You will need a home computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone. It’s possible to join via telephone, although you won’t be able to see the presentation or submit questions.
Past online learning
Visit out resources page to view past online learning sessions which cover a range of topics