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Support setting up & running a forum

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On this page you can find support on the day-to-day running of a parent carer forum, including advice on setting up a forum in your area. 

Parent Carer Participation Handbook 

The parent carer participation handbook [PDF] is useful for anyone involved in running a forum. 

NB. Please note that this document is now several years old and whilst it still has many useful sections, we do have other more recent documents such as Managing Your Grant which is sent out when your grant application is approved, which are more up to date on finance and governance. 

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The handbook includes information on all aspects of running a forum including: 

  • Getting started, policies, governance 
  • Finances including paying parents 
  • Working as a team, managing conflict 
  • Reaching and consulting with parents 
  • Working with local authorities & health to improve  services 

Co-production and campaigning guidance 

The conditions of their grant mean that parent carer forums can’t take part in campaign activity. However, that doesn’t mean that forums can’t support local and national campaigns with their knowledge and experience. 

We’ve produced guidelines to explain how Contact supports campaign groups and parent carer forums, and to help parent carer forums find ways to work with local campaign groups 

Find out more in our co-production and campaigning guidelines. 

Templates for forums 

Forums developing policies might find it it helpful to adapt these templates. 

Governance documents 

Other policies and procedures 

Financial management 

Further information on the Grant Application and Monitoring process can be found on the ‘ Parent carer participation grant and monitoring‘ page.