About us
At Action for Children, the difference is what you do. Everyone here is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It’s the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Working together, what we do makes a real difference to vulnerable children’s lives. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has the foundations they need to thrive.
What we do
We help children across the UK to grow up safe and happy. We offer practical and emotional support to families. And we’re working with decision-makers to make sure government policies protect children, now and in the future.
Our support for children began more than 150 years ago in 1869, when Reverend Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson took action to help children living on the streets.
We now operate 342 services across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We have 4,000 staff and 500 volunteers who work tirelessly for children and young people.
When we see problems we take action early to help children, young people and families trapped in poverty, abuse or violence before things get worse. We teach young people important life skills and help build their resilience. And we listen to what children want and take their concerns to government, campaigning for better support and resources.
Our areas of work
We work directly with Children, Young People and Families to deliver services aimed at ensuring that:
- All children and families get the support they need to thrive: Ensuring that young children get the best start in life and families are supported to stay together and thrive
- Every child in care has a stable and loving home: Supporting children and young people when family mechanisms have broken down
- Every vulnerable young person is safe, valued, and able to succeed: Helping young people to work towards the best start in adult life
We also work to influence policy amplifying the voices of children and young people to bring lasting change to their lives through research, working with politicians, and designing public campaigns.
Our People
Our family is diverse, inclusive, and at the heart of everything we do. Meet the people who power us.
Ambassadors
Our Royal Patron is Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales.
The Princess has an interest in many of the areas we work in, including children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
She has visited children at our services and spoken about the importance of key areas of our work.
Leadership Team
The Action for Children leadership team steers the organisation to make sound decisions that benefit the children and families we support. The Chief Executive leads and supports a Senior Team including:
- Locks Farmer – Managing Director of Income and Engagement
- Mike Knight – Chief People Officer
- Brigitte Gater – Managing Director for Children’s Services
- Fiona Adams – Director of Finance
- Richard Bryars – Director of Strategy and Implementation
- Jo French – Chief Operating Officer
Trustees
The expertise of our Board of Trustees helps us deliver our promises to children and young people.
Stephenson Awards
Our awards celebrate the shining stars in the Action for Children family.