NCHN Autumn Conference 2026

The Northern Children’s Homes Network (NCHN) Autumn Conference 2026 will bring more Ofsted inspection themes and priorities, networking opportunities and important sector updates, and will again host keynote speakers including:

Jacqui McCann

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards; the impact on children

Jacqui is an independent trainer and consultant specialising in residential children’s services, with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of settings. Throughout her career, she has worked in diverse roles within the sector and now provides specialist training, safeguarding consultancy, and independent visits for residential services.

Jacqui is particularly passionate about improving practice for children who are deprived of their liberty. She is currently completing a Professional Doctorate at the University of Lancashire, where her research focuses on this important area.

Session Overview

In this session, Jacqui will explore:

The current national picture regarding the use of deprivation of liberty for children and young people.

Proposed changes to the legal process and available support, including discussion of the recent UK Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Cheshire West judgment and what this means for practice.

How the language we use and the records we create shape the way children are understood and represented.

Practical approaches to improving practice and more effectively meeting the needs of children and young people who are deprived of their liberty.

Join us at the wonderful Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens and enjoy a day of learning, development and shared community with the NCHN.