Public affairs and campaigning

Using members' on-the-ground experience, we engage with Government, MPs, Peers, their staff, the civil service and wider stakeholders to make the case for policies that will improve children and young people's health outcomes

News

�� launches manifesto for Welsh children ahead of 2026 election

20 March 2025

Before the Senedd election in May 2026, paediatricians are setting out what the next Welsh Government should do to improve child health.

News

Join us in Glasgow for Annual Conference, changes at NHSE & your input on website changes - President's update

14 March 2025

The College Conference in Glasgow is just around the corner, with over 1,600 delegates already registered. This update reflects on the history of College meetings, including the 1934 conference, and how things have evolved since then.

Resource

Ending the physical punishment of children in England – joint briefing

In 2025, it cannot be right that children, the youngest and most vulnerable group in society, are the least protected from physical assault. This joint briefing calls on Peers to support an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing bill to give children equal protection from assault.

Safeguarding

Physical abuse

Public affairs and campaigning

News

Reflecting on the last six months of policy progress in child health services

5 March 2025

Last September we published our Blueprint for Child Health Services in England. In this blog we reflect on related national policy progress and share what’s next for our policy and public affairs teams on this advocacy priority.

News

We paediatricians are lifelong learners – President’s update

3 March 2025

When Steve joins events around the country, he’s reminded that coming together as communities of child health professionals is so important – for friendship as well as education. And, the College has been doing lots around public affairs on equal protection for children from assault, supervised toot...

Document

Our campaign to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault

Children in England and Northern Ireland are the only people in the UK not full protected in law from assault. Learn about our campaign to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence from law in England and Northern Ireland to give every child in the UK equal protection from assault.

Public affairs and campaigning

Child protection

Physical abuse

News

Paediatricians welcome the return of Tobacco & Vapes Bill

5 November 2024

The UK Government has re-introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to phase out smoking, restrict youth access to vaping, and expand smoke-free areas.

News

�� responds to Care Quality Commission State of Care Report

25 October 2024

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) State of Care report is its annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England. Today’s report (25 October) outlines major challenges for children’s health and wellbeing across several key areas that the College has itself repeatedly highlighted.

News

�� responds to launch of engagement exercise on 10 Year Health Plan

21 October 2024

The UK government has launched a major public engagement initiative to help shape the NHS 10-year plan. This follows the Darzi Review which laid bare the challenges for child health services and the state of children's health and wellbeing.

News

�� responds to Children’s Commissioner’s report on waiting times for neurodevelopmental conditions

18 October 2024

This report, using the Children’s Commissioner’s legislative powers, provides new insights into waiting times for children with neurodevelopmental conditions in community health and mental health services in England.