Frequently Asked Questions About the Forum

Parent Carer Forums and Campaigning

Is Somerset Parent Carer Forum a campaign group?

Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC feels that undertaking campaign activity is not consistent with our ethos. The forum exists to co-produce with service providers, commissioners and policy makers. Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC strives to have a seat at the decision-making tables and influences in this way. As a forum we believe in constructive, evidence based challenge and use this method to raise the voice of parents when things are not working well.

Since February 2016, there have been limitations placed on the use of funds from government contracts for campaign activity. These have been written into each government contract, including that between the DfE and Parent Carer Forums. Similarly as a Community Interest Company we are prohibited from campaigning by Companies House. Individuals within the forum are free to campaign but do so as individuals representing their views, not as the forum.

This does not stop Somerset Parent Carer Forum supporting campaign activity when it aligns with our objectives – it simply prevents us from actively campaigning ourselves. By working together, Parent Carer Forums and campaign groups can complement each other’s activities. Find out more here. If you are a campaign group we would welcome a conversation on how we can work together and ensure your voice is included in the co-production work we do.