VoxCon 2025: Celebrating 10 Years of participation and looking ahead
This year marks a decade since we first set out to help change the way children and young people are heard within services that support them. Over the past ten years, we’ve seen participation evolve from a tick-box exercise to something that’s recognised as essential to quality care, safeguarding, and better outcomes. And this year’s VoxCon is all about celebrating that journey, taking stock of what’s been achieved, and asking: what next?
So, what is VoxCon?
VoxCon is our annual gathering of change-makers, champions, and colleagues from across children’s services. It’s a space to celebrate progress, share practice, and re-energise ideas around participation. Whether you’re working in social care, early help, education, youth justice or the third sector, VoxCon is a chance to come together around a shared commitment: ensuring that children and young people have a voice that is heard, valued and acted upon.
Last year, VoxCon 2024 brought together 100 senior leaders to Manchester from across our community and showcased the innovation and commitment of our incredible partners. This year, we’re in London. With a line-up of inspirational speakers, thought-provoking discussions and practical tools to take away, VoxCon 2025 is about honouring the last decade whilst looking optimistically to the next.
A 10-Year Participation Story
Ten years ago, the idea that a child might use an app to express their views to a social worker was actually fairly radical. Now, it’s second nature in many organisations. We’ve seen huge strides in embedding the voice of the child into casework, planning, inspections and strategy. But progress hasn’t always been linear, and there is still more to do.
Today, digital participation tools, rights-based practice models like Lundy, and increasing expectations from regulators have created a new standard. But real, meaningful participation still requires culture, commitment and courage.
That’s why we’re so proud of our partners and customers. Organisations who lead by example in making participation part of everyday practice – not just the exceptional. From local authorities to independent providers, it’s their work that shows what’s possible when we truly listen to young people.
Why attend VoxCon 2025?
If you care about improving services through the voice of young people – VoxCon is for you. Whether you’re just starting your participation journey or have been leading the way for years, you’ll leave feeling inspired, informed and more connected.
And this year, we’re not just looking at tools and theory. We’re reflecting on the impact of a decade of change, hearing directly from those with lived experience, and shining a light on what it takes to keep momentum going.