Applications to attend this event through our EOI are now closed
This event has been organised in response to a request from No. 10, DfE, and DHSC. Policy teams and scientists from across Whitehall will be highlighting Areas of Research Interest for SEND, and flagging areas where evidence can best help policy-making. This provides an outstanding opportunity for the research community across the North of England and beyond to demonstrate its ability and willingness to work with central government to build a country that works for all children and young people.
Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
Location: Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
Audience: Government, local authority, academia, NHS, health and civic data, and service leaders
Hosts: Child of the North, N8 CIR, NHSA
Overview
The workshop will bring together government policymakers and leading researchers, data holders and service experts from across the North of England to explore how northern capability can:
- Improve understanding of SEND and its underlying drivers
- Support better service design and delivery
- Inform national policy priorities through robust, connected evidence
The event will be highly interactive and is designed to foster ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the government and the northern research and data community. Places are limited, so we would like you to fill in an expression of interest form to let us know why you should attend.
Expression of Interest to Attend
We invite expressions of interest from individuals and teams who can contribute relevant expertise, projects, data assets or insights aligned with the workshop themes.
Submitting an EOI does not guarantee a speaking slot or attendance, but will help us:
- Shape the agenda
- Identify impactful work to showcase
- Ensure broad representation across disciplines, regions, and organisations
Indicative Themes
EOIs are welcomed on topics relevant to showing how connected data can address the SEND crisis, and particularly in relation to one or more of the following themes:
- Underlying drivers of SEND: Including (but not limited to) poverty, health, congenital anomalies, neurodevelopmental conditions, and inequalities
- Transitions into adulthood: Improving pathways, access and outcomes
- SEND pathways: Early identification, transitions into primary and secondary school, and intersections across services
- Measuring progress and impact: Using data to assess outcomes against national goals and policy priorities; Evaluation of interventions and services
- How services could potentially be improved: Analytical or translational approaches relevant to SEND
These themes are intentionally broad. If you believe your work is relevant but does not neatly fit one theme, we still encourage you to apply.
We welcome applications that highlight useful data assets, promising approaches, policy-relevant findings, and/or methodologies (including but not limited to ‘AI’ technologies).
Who Should Submit an EOI
We welcome EOIs from:
- Academic researchers and research leaders
- Data scientists, analysts, and infrastructure leads
- NHS, local authority, and service‑based experts
- Cross‑sector collaborations working across health, education, and care
We particularly encourage submissions that demonstrate collaboration, impact, or the ability to inform real‑world decision‑making.
Selection Approach
If EOIs exceed available capacity, selections will be guided by the following principles:
- Alignment with workshop themes
- Ability to showcase impactful or policy‑relevant work
- Representation of key skills, expertise, and data assets
- Balance across geographies and organisations in the North
Cross‑sector collaborations working across health, education and carer, space is limited, and attendance will be curated to ensure a focused and productive discussion.
What we are asking you to provide
Please include the following in your EOI:
- Name, role, and organisation (if you are applying as part of a team, please share their names and contact details).
- Brief description of your work or expertise (max. 300 words)
- Which theme(s) your submission relates to
- What you believe this could contribute to policy or practice
- Whether you would be willing to present or contribute on the day (e.g. short talk, panel, discussion)
- Any relevant data assets or collaborations you wish to highlight
- Dietary or access requirements (if applicable)
- Whether you may require support to attend (e.g. travel costs)
Next Steps and Timing
- Fill in our EOI through the link above by the closing date: Friday, 30th January
- Successful contributors will be contacted shortly after the closing date.
- A draft agenda will be shared in advance of the event.
Further Information
Please note that you may receive this invitation via multiple networks – apologies for any duplication.
If you have queries regarding the EOI or the workshop, please contact:
Emma Finch through the N8 CIR enquiries email