Trustee Board meeting29 Jan 2010

Strategic Planning for the next 5 years – meeting 2

The starting points…

4Children

All about children and families

4Children is a child centred organisation dedicated to the care, education and personal development of children. We aspire to ensure that all children, young people, families and communities have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment and activities

We Believe:• That the experiences of childhood have an impact in every aspect of

later life• That families and parents bring up children and want the best for their

children• That we all benefit if children and families flourish• That children and families benefit from high quality opportunities and

support to flourish• That these are best delivered in the community as part of a universal

service• That some children and families especially vulnerable families need

extra help • That services and communities are best when they put children and

families at the core• That family friendly communities lead to strong communities

We Are About:

• All children 0-19 - childhood and adolescence

• Parents and extended families

• Communities

Our Wider StakeholdersTo Achieve This Are:

• Government• Providers• Local delivery agencies (local authorities)• Business• Media

4Children’s Strengths:

• Knowledge about children and families• Connected to real life experiences of children and families• Dynamic, solution focused and ‘can do’• Pragmatic• Experienced in delivery and making things happen• Understanding and connection to wide range of

stakeholders• Credible and connected politically

4Children Grows Out of a Strong Tradition of Community

Development

1979 International Year of the Child

1983 National Out of School Alliance

1991 Kids’ Clubs Network

2004 4Children

2013 4Children 30th Anniversary

4Children has set out to become

The organisation for children and families committed to supporting all children and families in the community

To achieve our goals we set out to:-

• Broaden our programme base and service delivery• Increase, deepen and broaden our policy and information functions• Develop partnerships with key agencies who can support and further

objectives• Develop our regional support base• Develop incrementally – building out from the core base of expertise and

expertise• Broaden our business and delivery base• Strengthen our funding and business mechanisms

4Children and Other Children’s Charities

Universal

Small Large

Vulnerable

Barnados, Children's Society, Action for Children, Save the Children

Fund, NSPCC

Schools

Kids Co

Specialist organisations

Childcare and family organisations

4Children

Children’s Commissioner

4Children’s Strengths

• Knowledge about children and families• Connected to real life experiences of children and

families• Belief and knowledge in value of universal services for

vulnerable children• Dynamic, solution focused and “can do”• Pragmatic• Experienced in delivery and making things happen• Understanding and connections to wide range of

stakeholders• Credible and connected politically

In Practice this now means:

• Wide range of policy and about children and families including vulnerable children

• Dynamic platforms such as the Family Commission• Wide range of programmes 0-19• New delivery of services including 23 children’s centres• Deeper knowledge in how to deliver effective services

that make a difference for children, families and communities

• Broad funding base to support

Annual Turnover

2009/10 Turnover by Source

Corporate and events

Government

Trusts

Consultancy

Fees charged

• At the last meeting we agreed that….

The economic and political context for the next 5 years brings

opportunities and challenges

• Major fiscal restraint on public fund 2011 onwards• Potential change of Government/Administration in

2010• Commitments to key areas such as sure start, families

need to be secured• Commitment to increase community and Third Sector

delivery

That we are ready for many of the changes envisaged?

1. A smaller state 4Children gets 20% of its income from central Government currently. Our main contract runs to 48% of our income comes from local contracts. This places us in a positive position as local authorities begin to commission out their services. Our model places us in a strong position to argue a “more for less” approach

2. A more decentralised state One of 4Childresn key strengths is its community approach and the main growth in activity has been at local level, However our presence is not yet consistent through the country

3. Need for smarter delivery 4Children’s integrated and 0-19 approach places it in a strong position to argue for a smarter approach. Out partnerships also support this.

4. Smarter funding 4Children joined up approach is often hampered by disconnected funding streams and approaches. Bringing funding streams together to follow joined up policy will help overcome this

5.Empowered citizens and stronger communities

Children, families and communities at the heart of all we do

That we need to hold onto our beliefs that

• Services and support must be driven by the needs of families

• 0-19 years – Integrated and seamless support throughout childhood

• There must be strong universal support with targeted help for those that need it most

• Prevention is better than cure

• Community based solutions are better able to meet local need

• Families are positive and resilient, and that is something to celebrate

A good childhood sets you up for life

And that our values translate into practice

Values into practice

• The voice of children and families

• Authoritative

• Insightful

• Forward looking

• Providing answers to pressing questions

A positive partner with a track-record of delivery

There are some golden threads across all our beliefs

There are 5 areas of priority for policies for the next 5 years

How children develop 0-19 and what services are needed in response

Housing, community services, parks and the environment

Poverty, disadvantage and crisis

Public Health, Wellbeing and Mental Health

Parenting, extended families, fathers and childcare and families and work

xx

GROWING UP

The following policy programmes are therefore proposed

BE HEALTHY

TOUGH TIMES

HAPPY FAMILIES

GOOD NEIGHBO-URHOODS

The Be Healthy theme encompasses all 4Children’s activities to improve health and well being. This includes child and teenager health and wellbeing, safeguarding and support for disabled children

The Happy Families theme includes parenting, extended families, fathers and the activities 4Children undertakes, including childcare, to help families flourish

4Children places a particular priority on the needs of vulnerable children and families and this theme brings together all our work in this area including families under stress, families in crisis and reducing poverty. Early intervention is a key aspect of our approach in this area

4Children believes that all children and families deserve good communities to grow up in, This theme includes housing, local community based services, regeneration, places to play and the environment.

Growing upThis theme covers all aspects of our child development centred work around Children and Young People. Highlighting and demonstrating the importance of the child development through the different ages and stages, the theme encompasses our 0 – 19 developments including early years, primary and youth. It also highlights the importance of a good childhood. The integrated 0 – 19 model is key to this area of activity.

•Early Years Support for children in the early years is a key priority for 4Children. This will remain a priority with particular reference to our work around prevention, early intervention and Sure Start Children’s Centre's

•Middle Years The Middle Years (5 – 14) are at the centre of 4Children’s heritage as a crucial stage of development. From 2010 – 2015 4Children will have a key focus on this age range to highlight children and families needs and develop and support services in response. This includes the need for early intervention and family support

•Young People 4Children has an established programme of activity around the needs of young people which will act as a springboard for a next phase of development to include youth participation, good places for young people and youth and crime.

•Childhood A good childhood sets you up for life will be a key message for this area of work

Be healthy

The Be Healthy theme encompasses all 4Children’s activities to improve health and well being. This includes child and teenage health and wellbeing, safeguarding and support for disabled children.

•Healthy lifestyles 4Children knows that healthy lifestyles developed in childhood can set you up for life and that families have a crucial role to play. Helping children and families change their behaviour to improve their health will be a priority

•Teenage health Make Space for Health has developed a strong platform of resources and activity around young peoples health. This will be extended and built upon

•Disabled children 4Children will highlight the needs of disabled children in their community and help develop the support that they need

Happy families The Happy Families theme includes parenting, extended families, fathers and the activities 4Children undertakes, including childcare, to help families flourish. Making public policy go with the grain of family life.

•Parenting Parenting support, advice and information – from pre birth to 19

•Fathers Highlighting the importance of fathers involvement in children’s lives and developing support in response

•Extended families The extended family, including grandparents and the positive role in all aspects of family life. Intergeneration.

•Worklife Working trends and flexible working

•Childcare Childcare for 0 – 14, including flexible childcare and childcare for 5 – 14 year olds

Tough times 4Children places a particular priority on the needs of vulnerable children and families and this theme brings together all our work in this area including families under stress, families in crisis and reducing poverty. Early intervention is a key aspect of our approach in this area.

•Vulnerable families Providing early, local and responsive support for vulnerable children and families will be a priority for 4Children during this period.

•Reducing poverty Reducing poverty and inequalities is a central priority for 4Children and a key component of all our activities. The organisation will develop its activities in this area to highlight the needs of poor families and develop support in response.

•Safeguarding Protecting children from harm is at the heart of all that we do. This work will include the needs of looked after children and those that are at risk of harm

Good neighbourhoods 4Children believes that all children and families deserve good communities to grow up in. This theme includes housing, local community based services, regeneration, places to play and the environment. The involvement of children and families in decision making.

•Community based services Community based provision, including 0 – 19 Centres responding to local children and families needs

•Housing Family friendly housing

•Play Good places to play and develop locally

•Environment A child and family friendly environment, including parks and public space

Next steps

Implementation

The organisation – 2010 - 2015

All about children and families. Delivering a strong advocacy programme and growing local services.

Committed to supporting all children and families in their community.

Celebrating 30 years of supporting children and families and launching a new set of high profile national and local programmes and campaigns to help change lives

The organisation which is well known for helping children and families to flourish with high profile research and campaigns and local services that are opening up opportunities and changing lives in all areas of the country.

The organisation has a growing public support base, actively supporting a more child and family friendly Britain.

Public profile

Well known and respected in the children’s sector and with parliamentarians.Increasing profile in family policy through the Family Commission.Increasingly known in the national policy mediaIncreasingly know in the local areas where services are delivered.Increasingly well known for delivering consultancy and commissions Well known for its work on children’s centres and joined up provision but less for specialist services for vulnerable familiesLimited profile with the general public and with children and families.

30th year programme celebrates achievements and provides a platform to launch a broad and dynamic programme of activities across all aspects of our work to include profile raising events and programmes:•30 days in parliament to change children and families lives•30 Parliamentary champions 4Children•30 ambassadors for children•30 programmes to change children’s lives•30 year public fundraising appeal•3,000 4Children Children and Families panel launched•We have a high profile and influential President

4Children is recognized by the general public as a leading voice for children and families which is effecting major change for children and families in the UK.It has an award winning and rolling programme of major high profile and impactful public facing campaigns We are one of the leading organizations consistently featured in the national and local media in a range of high profile informed and creative waysThe organisation is well known by the general public in its 30 plus delivery areas for the change it makes for children and familiesWell known by all Parliamentarians and local commissioners as a leading, creative, knowledgeable and credible organisation delivering major strategic and valued support for children and families

Policy shaping and influencing

The organisation has grown its policy platform across 5 key policy priority areas.

We have pursued our policy development around growing up 0 – 19 and are now well established and we are established in family policy.

We aim to run a major annual campaign each year from 2013 beginning with a defining campaign to run throughout the 30th year.

Our seminar programme, policy lectures, conferences and pamphlets reflect our policy priorities.

Our policy focus on vulnerable children and families is well established and achieving successful outcomes..

We have a positive working relationship with Government and across parliament with regular communication and events.

Launch of a major research programme

The organisation is actively involved in shaping and developing policy through a series of campaigns, policy pamphlets and seminars, awareness raising and lobbying.We have a particular influence around children’s centres and integrated provision 0-19 as well as a good basis on child poverty and youth. We are increasing our profile on vulnerable children.4Children has good links with parliamentarians and Government as well as with a wide range of policy developers and stakeholders.The Family Commission is offering a platform to undertake important work on family policy with a high profile launch planned.The organisation is well placed across parliamentWe have identified 5 policy priorities for the next 5 years – Growing up 0 – 19, health, communities, families and vulnerable children and families.Our Make Space for Health Campaign focuses on the health of teenagers

4Children is the leading voice on all aspects of the lives of children and families including vulnerable families.We have an established, high profile and impactful campaigning programme with a major high profile campaign on a key policy priority each year alongside two other campaigns.Our views are highly influential in both national and local policy and successfully shape the approach to children and familiesWe are successfully increasing public support for children and families and to make society more children and family friendlyWe are recognised as leading the thinking and successful delivery of programmes and policies to overcome disadvantage.The organisaton has a strong parliamentary programme and is recognized as one of the top 20 most influential organizations.We have a highly developed, consistent and credible policy events programme with seminars, lectures, conferences and publications linked to out policy priorities.The organisation is known as a leading instigator and collaborator of research on children and families with a robust and well respected research programme

Programmes

4children delivers a number of national programmes on areas of core activity. This includes a £1m plus contract with the Dcsf to develop childcare and extended schools and dcsf and dept of health youth contracts.

A number of wider sports and arts programmes have been delivered nationally previously.

Local programmes are increasingly delivered including youth and family support

National programmes have been maintained and built upon to further our support around joined up support for children 0 – 19.

Early intervention programmes and family support are increasingly being delivered.Arts and sports programmes are developed

Our 30th year will offer 30 programmes to change children and families’ lives

The organisation has developed a well recognized model for 0 – 19 services and early intervention

4Children has a highly successful broad portfolio of 30 + programmes that cover a wide range of national strategic development to include key policy priorities such as 0 – 19,/health/ vulnerable families,/poverty reduction as well as practice based roll out programmes such as arts and sports.

These are major, high profile programmes which are delivered nationally and locally and are providing impactful opportunities and support for hundreds of thousands of children and families.

The organisation has a wide range of well known, tried and tested and well regarded models of delivery across a wide range of policy priority areas including early intervention which are evidences as successful and widely referred to by policy makers and deliverers.

Consultancy

Almost 50% of the organization’s turnover comes from children’s trusts, a significant part of which is consultancy.We deliver commissions on our core areas of priority including the delivery of early years, childcare, extended schools, youth, participation and family programmes.Our Fast Track intervention model provides a delivery model to support strategic change developmentWe work in partnership with a number of private sector companies such as Serco, PA consultancy and Logica to deliver large scale consultancy programmes

4Children has built a strong platform of consultancy across all its range of policy priorities including an enhanced profile in poverty reduction, early intervention and strategic review in the ‘more for less’ environment.

4Children has successfully increased its consultancy services to work with 50% of all local authorities.

The consultancy platform is celebrated as part of the 30th year

The organisation has a strong and highly regarded platform of high level and large scale consultancy for children and families which is recognized and commissioned in two thirds of areas throughout the country.

Our consultancy offers highly valued support of choice to the children and family sector including resources, training, information, conferences etc.

We have a large number of partnerships with leading delivery bodies and are delivering a large number of major consultancies.

Direct delivery of services

4Children runs an increasingly robust programme of direct delivery of services in its core areas of early years, childcare, out of school and youth.

Our children’s centres operate in Essex and Leeds

Our flagship 0 – 19 centre is recognized as a leading model of delivery

Our 0 – 19 centres and approach will be delivered in each region of the country.

The impact of the services is regularly measured and disseminated bringing recognition and credibility.

Our 30th year will see our local services promoted and stories of children and families highlighted

We have a robust and successful programme of direct delivery of services in each region on our 0 – 19 model.

This includes the direct delivery of early years, out of school, youth and wider services supporting hundreds of thousands of children and families. This includes intensive family support for vulnerable families.

Our models are evidenced and recognized as delivering high quality support across a wide range of policy areas which influence national policy and delivery.

Internal resources

We have established programmes of quality assuranceOur financial accounting is increasingly developedOur human resource programmes and staff development programmes are increasingly developedOur fundraising focuses on national sources and is largely grant based although we have some experience of corporate giving

Our 30th year is a key opportunity to launch a funding supporters programme (30 4Children) and fundraising appeal

Our trust and corporate funders are increased

Our unallocated income is increased

Our internal processes and programmes are increasingly developed

We are strong financially, have grown our income to support an ambitious expansion programme and achieved our reserve targets.

4Children has a robust programme of fundraising which covers trust, public funds and corporate giving. This will provide 40% of our income.

A strong programme is in place to raise unallocated funds through public facing campaigns, appeals activities and personal giving. This will provide 15% of our income by the end of the first phase.

We have a strong platform on internal quality and management

Our business activities are well developed to offer growing return. This includes resource products, direct delivery, retail and other enterprise. This will provide up to 25% of our income.

20% is raised through consultancy.

Our governance is highly effective

The role of public affairs

Increasingly important if policy and funding

climate becomes more challenging

To improve the lives of children & families …

To improve the lives of children & families …

by influencing…. by influencing….

- Strong influence on Government

- Excellent official and Political relationships

- Under utilised potential for partnerships with think tanks etc

- Not yet recognised as having a strong research / policy base

- Strong influence on Government

- Excellent official and Political relationships

- Under utilised potential for partnerships with think tanks etc

- Not yet recognised as having a strong research / policy base

-Not currently a high public profile

-Well known in sector

-Growing visibility in some local communities as a result of services

-Not currently a high public profile

-Well known in sector

-Growing visibility in some local communities as a result of services

Delivery and Practise Delivery and Practise

Policy and Political Debate Policy and Political Debate

Public DebatePublic Debate

- Strong in recent years as a result of DCSF contract

- Great opportunity presented by using service delivery to model and promote exemplars

- Carousel has a growing reputation

- Strong in recent years as a result of DCSF contract

- Great opportunity presented by using service delivery to model and promote exemplars

- Carousel has a growing reputation

The Family Commission, Sure Start Campaign and General Election provide a good platform in 2010

The Family Commission, Sure Start Campaign and General Election provide a good platform in 2010

- Research and policy strategy under development

- Partnerships with academic institutions and think tanks in place

- Research and policy strategy under development

- Partnerships with academic institutions and think tanks in place

Now

Future -Strengthening co-ordination between consultancy, delivery and policy functions

- flexible childcare model is strong new territory

-Strengthening co-ordination between consultancy, delivery and policy functions

- flexible childcare model is strong new territory

Public affairs platforms Sure Start

Family Comm-

ission

Shout out 4 Children

week

National Family Week

Annual eventsprog

Annual lecture

Enhanced Children’s

Stars

2013 ‘s 30th BirthdayA year of celebration and awareness raising

30 Family Ambassadors announced

30 Family Ambassadors announced

30 days in Parliament to change family life

30 days in Parliament to change family life

30 programmes which change children’s lives

30 programmes which change children’s lives

30 Sponsors who will change the future

30 Sponsors who will change the future

A manifesto for the next 30 years A manifesto for the next 30 years

End of year eventEnd of year event

30th year campaign appeal launch (Jan)

30 lives of children & families (media features)

30 lives of children & families (media features)

30 challenges faced by children & families

30 challenges faced by children & families

30 Parliamentary champions group 30 Parliamentary champions group

30 events to get children heard30 events to get children heard