Political
Advocacy
in practice
Politics is the vehicle for change in society; Politicians are the engine; Policy is the fuel, and changing Practice the wheels for progress. Public opinion is so often the driver. We need effective political advocacy for the best interest of children, young people and childhood today.
Resources
BMA Presidential Speech 2015
Budget slashing - it is time to speak against the cuts
Speaking out for children – where to now?
A year-by-year pictorial presentation of Sir Al’s work as England’s first Children’s Commissioner
Medical, statistical, ethical and human rights considerations in the assessment of age in children and young people subject to immigration control
Should the nurture of children be everybody’s business?
Who is speaking for children and young people? – a challenge to the children’s sector
‘Savage’ cuts to youth spending could rob a generation of chances
The science of effective advocacy for children and families
Professional
Opinion
You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something sometime in your life! Winston Churchill
Criticism is something we can avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, being nothing
Attributed to Aristotle 384-322 BC
For many, it is the best of times to be a child or young person and we should recognise and celebrate it. There is so much to be pleased about.
Despite this, for too many children and young people in the UK it is the worst of times – we have overall some of the worst outcomes for health, social care, education, youth justice and poverty in the developed world.
My ‘Scientific Advocacy Cascade’ concept was road tested by the Children’s Commission to be effective especially when accompanied by the translation of research into policy and practice.
My work asks why, and what’s to be done about it alongside a positive note with practical suggestions for progress and for hope.
Courage: We need courageous people who can stand up to expose injustices and poor practice
Compassion: The dreadful plight of so many vulnerable and disadvantaged children points to a singular lack of compassion in society.
Commitment: Somehow, we need to brigade the countless people who do care into a ‘movement for children’ not least to get leverage for a long-term vision for the steps that can be taken to improve outcomes.
