Influencing in Northern Ireland

We use the information and experience from our services, and from the children and young people we work with, to develop our policy positions and influence change on the basis of what works and what matters to the people who use our services.

We work collaboratively across all sectors and political parties to achieve the best outcomes for all children and young people. We do this by:

• working with politicians and civil servants
• providing policy briefings and consultation responses
• producing research and evidence
• campaigning with other organisations on children and young people's issues in Northern Ireland
• contributing to policy work across the four nations to share learnings and best practice

Our current policy priority issues include:

• mental health and wellbeing
• children in and leaving care
• child sexual abuse
• support for refugee children

Contact the Northern Ireland Policy team

Julia Buchanan – Assistant Director, Policy 
Donna Kernaghan – Research and Policy Officer 
Trása Canavan – Policy and Research Officer
Nicki Darnbrook – Information and Admin Officer