SECYP Group

2026 SECYP GROUP CONFERENCE

Expanding Horizons Conference 2026

We are delighted to announce our second annual conference for South East Children and Young People’s Group ‘Expanding Horizons’ Conference, taking place on Wednesday 20th May 2026 – The Claire Tiltman Centre, Greenhithe, DA9 9FA

Each of our guest speakers brings valuable insight and expertise, addressing different current and highly relevant aspects of leading in children and young people’s homes. This promises to be an inspiring and informative event that is not to be missed.
join us for a day of learning, networking, and bringing professionals from across the children and young people’s sector together.

Tickets available to purchase now:

SECYP CONFERENCE

Our Key Speakers

Andy Thompson

Children & Young People First – Safeguarding young people in a desensitised world.

Children & Young People First bring you decades of frontline knowledge and practice in safeguarding with expertise from Andy Thompson, an outstanding children’s home manager with 26 years’ experience.

Andy is a national trainer in CSE, County Lines, Safeguarding, Contextual Safeguarding, Transitional Safeguarding, Modern Day Slavery, Trafficking, Trauma & Attachment, Behaviour, Self-Harm, Missing from Care and Radicalisation.

Andy’s latest CSE home received OUTSTANDING in all areas, and the report is now being used as a Best Practice Model Report for both Ofsted and the Department for Education.

Carla Keyte

Empowering safe, stable and loving homes

What began as a personal mission for Carla has evolved into a trusted support system for care providers, sharing knowledge and helping providers to create homes filled with compassion, stability, and quality care.

With over two decades of hands-on experience in residential care, the model has been formed from direct work with children, witnessing both their struggles and incredible resilience.

The presentation will explore how in leadership roles we identify gaps, challenges, and unmet needs but also how the profound, life-changing impact that skilled compassionate professionals can have on children’s lives.

Sabrina Hewitt

Trapline Legacy – Breaking cycles of exploitation through lived-experience leadership, mentoring, and community support.

Sabrina is the founder of SH Consultancy CIC and the creator of Trapline Legacy, a specialist programme focused on preventing and responding to child criminal exploitation.

Drawing on lived experience and over nine years of frontline work with vulnerable children and young people, Sabrina delivers trauma informed training, mentoring, and education across school, children’s homes, local authorities, and community settings.

Luke Rodgers

NVR – Connection before correction

Residential children’s homes and supported accommodation are places of care and support, safety and healing. Yet staff often face situations that are emotionally demanding, risky, and unpredictable.

NVR gives residential teams a clear, practical approach to respond to verbal and physical aggression without escalating, without withdrawing, and without compromising on safety. This programme will help your homes reduce restraint, improve staff wellbeing, rebuild a sense of safety and belonging for young people.

Luke has won recognition for his work that includes ‘Entrepreneur of Excellence’ and ‘Children’s Achievement Award’. His commitment to improving outcomes for young people and families was recognised through the award of the ‘British Empire Medal in 2018’.

Mary-Anne Hodd

More Than Words: Turning files and into foundations for belonging

Mary-Anne shares a journey through the language of care, exploring the words found in records, files and everyday conversations that shape how children and young people understand themselves.

This reflective, story-led keynote explores how language influences internal narratives, professional culture, and relational dynamics.

Mary-Anne is the founder of ‘Journeys That Care’ and a nationally recognised lived experience keynote speaker, trainer, and consultant. She brings together her own experience of care and a background in psychology and teaching, offering a perspective that bridges personal insight and professional understanding.

Sponsorship

SECYP Headline SPONSOR

Have a question or interested in sponsoring our event? Contact our friendly team by phone, email, or through our online form, we’re here to help.

Clearcare

Clearcare provides all the tools you need to manage your children’s setting in one complete software solution, without the hassle of multiple and expensive licenses.

Sponsorship