Careers That Care 2026 is a one day event bringing together the people, professions and partnerships at the heart of children's services.

Building Brighter Futures for Every Child

Careers That Care South West is a free one day flagship regional event bringing together the people, professions and partnerships at the heart of children’s services. Located at Bristol’s MShed on September 24th, 2026, it hopes to celebrate the impact of our work, reconnect with purpose, and inspire the future of children’s services across the South West.

Children’s services are changing. Demand is rising, systems are evolving, and the work has never been more complex – or more important.

Careers That Care South West creates space to:

Speak honestly about the realities of the work

Reconnect with the difference we make every day

Strengthen a workforce that is supported, skilled and inspired

Keep children and families at the centre of everything we do

Because building brighter futures for children starts with empowering the people who care for them.

Who is it for?

Whether you’re established in your career or exploring your next step, this event brings together a diverse and values-driven audience across children’s services, including:

Local authorities, universities and sector leaders

Children’s social care professionals

Education and early help practitioners

Foster carers and fostering professionals

Health and support services

Career changers looking for purposeful work

Students, newly qualified and soon-to-qualify professionals

Exhibitors

If you are interested in exhibiting and would like some more information, please register your interest below:

Careers That Care Event: Register Your Interest

What to expect

A dynamic, inspiring programme designed specifically for the children’s services workforce:

Inspiring Speakers & Honest Conversations: hear from high-profile speakers, sector leaders and those with lived experience – offering insight, challenge and inspiration.

Practical, Career-Focused Sessions: explore the evolving landscape of children’s services, with sessions on: practice and innovation, resilience and wellbeing, partnership working, lived experience and co-production.

Exhibition & Networking Space: connect with employers, training providers and sector organisations in a vibrant, collaborative environment.

Professional Development: take part in CPD-aligned sessions designed to add real value to your practice and future career.

Be part of it

Together, we are building brighter futures for every child.

Register your interest

Book your place

Partner with us

This event will be filmed and live-streamed. By attending, you agree to being recorded and understand that images and footage may be used for promotional and communication purposes.

Description supplied by the event organiser.