Modern Children's Social Care in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are developing at pace, creating new opportunities to transform how children’s social care is designed, delivered and experienced. But as these technologies become increasingly embedded in public services, important questions remain about relationships, professional judgement, risks, children’s rights and what must remain fundamentally human.

This one-day forum will bring together senior leaders from children’s social care, care-experienced people, researchers, technology partners, social enterprises and the voluntary sector to explore the central question: If we were designing children’s social care today, knowing what AI and modern technology can now do, what would we build differently to improve outcomes for children, and what must remain fundamentally human?

Through keynote speakers, debates, interactive futures labs and a collaborative future-focused leadership design challenge, participants will examine the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, explore implications for leadership and practice, and contribute to a shared vision for modern children’s social care. The forum will generate practical insights and principles to help shape the future of children’s services over the next decade.

Confirmed speakers

• Linda Briheim-Crookall, Head of Policy, Coram Voice
• Oliver Bruff, Researcher, Ada Lovelace Institute
• Jonny Hoyle, Sector Principle, Simpson Associates
• Luke Newcombe, Programme Manager for Local Public Services, Nations and Regions, TechUK
• Iain Pick, Team Leader, AI Strategy in Children’s Social Care, Department for Education
• Amit Patel, Founder and Principal Consultant, Experience Haus
• Matt Reed, Senior HMI, Ofsted

More to be confirmed.

Ticket pricing

This forum is subsidised by Coram-i. We are asking for a contribution towards the costs of convening senior system leaders. Attendance remains free for Coram‑i subscribers and discounted for CoramBAAF members as part of our commitment to sector collaboration. Paid tickets support full cost recovery and enable Coram-i to continue convening high‑quality, sector‑led system leadership events.

Early bird (deadline 4-6 weeks before event)

• £150 + VAT – Standard ticket
• £105 + VAT – CoramBAAF members
• Free – Coram-i Network subscribers

Standard pricing

• £185 + VAT – Standard ticket
• £135 + VAT – CoramBAAF members
• Free – Coram-i Network subscribers

*Introductory offer*

Subscribe to the Coram-i Network and receive two free tickets in addition to all subscriber benefits. Introductory offer of £495 + VAT until 16th October 2026.

About Coram-i

As the Coram Institute’s innovation and improvement arm, Coram-i helps leaders tackle complex challenges through insights, innovation and cross-sector thinking. We host the Coram-i Network, bringing together senior leaders, innovators and partners to tackle shared challenges collectively, reducing duplication and accelerating learning across the sector.