The Children and Young People's Research Network

The Children and Young People's Research Network provides a forum to develop research, evaluation, monitoring and related activities and drive these forward within the agenda for the Children and Young People Partnerships (and the implications contained within the Children Act), both nationally and locally.

The Network promotes and informs evidence-based policy and decision making at national and local levels. It provides members with an opportunity to exchange information, advice and good practice, and provides support in relation to monitoring and evaluation.

Membership

The Network is open to officers and partners of all 22 Children and Young People Partnerships, in Wales, who have responsibilities for research, monitoring and evaluation related activities in relation to children and young people. The Network consists of around 30 members from local government, the voluntary sector and the WLGA.

Role & work

Besides providing an information sharing and support structure in relation to research, monitoring and evaluation, the Network also:

• responds to national consultations relevant to the agenda for children and young people from a research and evaluation perspective
• arranges training and events for the Network and partners
• has representation on WAG led meetings, e.g. Cymorth Evaluation, Flying Start, Demonstrating Success

Frequency of Meetings

Meetings are held quarterly using video conferencing allowing members to attend the meeting in Cardiff or in Colwyn Bay.

A South Wales group has been in existence since 2003; video link-up began in 2007.

Contact Details

For information about future meetings or the Network, please contact one of the Network Coordinators:

Joanne Portwood

Research & Evaluation Officer
Swansea Children and Young People Partnership
Phone: 01792 636326
Email: joanne.portwood@swansea.gov.uk

Vikki Butler

Research & Policy Officer
Barnardo's Cymru
Phone: 01639 620945
Email: vikki.butler@barnardos.org.uk