Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and Children's Rights learning site

The virtual event showcased practical examples of rights-based approaches in action from clinical practice to strategic planning, highlighting how services are embedding the principles of dignity, participation, equity, and accountability into everyday decision-making.

Grounded in the UNCRC and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), the conference supported participants to deepen their understanding of what a rights-based approach means in health and care, and how it can be applied meaningfully across roles and disciplines.

Attendees were invited to reflect on their own practice and consider how they can contribute to a culture that respects and promotes the rights and voices of children and young people.

Principles in Practice - A Children's Rights-Based Approach

The opening session provided the context for the conference by setting out the legal and practical foundations of a children's rights based approach.

Through reflections on NHS Scotland’s collective journey to implement the UNCRC Act, speakers explored how rights are being embedded not just in children’s services, but across governance, planning, and delivery. The session introduced key concepts such as progressive realisation and connects children’s rights to wider policy agendas — laying the groundwork for deeper exploration throughout the day.

Participation in Practice – Listening and Acting on What Babies, Children and Young People Say

Babies, children and young people have a right to be involved in decisions about their health. This session brought that principle to life, showcasing how NHS services are embedding participation in practice. 

Young advisers from Dumfries and Galloway will shared how they were helping to shape service design, while the Scottish Ambulance Service presented a co-designed session that build understanding of emergency care and career pathways. NHS Grampian shared their work on babies’ rights, showing how even the youngest voices can influence healthcare. The session included practical resources to support rights-based engagement.

Upholding Children’s Rights Across Services – Shared Responsibility

Children’s rights don’t stop at the doors of children’s services; they must be upheld across every NHS Scotland service and by everyone in the workforce. This session explored how different services are recognising and acting on their responsibilities under the UNCRC.

Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership shared how they are designing child-friendly materials using Artificial Intelligence tools and graphic design expertise. NHS Grampian highlighted the importance of partnership working, and Healthcare Improvement Scotland showcased collaborative inspection work with Police Scotland, focused on custody suites for young people.

Driving Change – Leadership, Learning & System-Wide Impact

Sustaining a culture of children’s rights in health requires strong leadership, continuous learning, and system-wide commitment. This session explored how organisations were embedding rights-based approaches through practical tools, feedback, and innovation. Case studies highlighted a rights-informed approach to missed appointments (“Was Not Brought” letters), integrating Equality Impact Assessments with Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments, and applying a public health lens to children’s rights.