News & Views

Last week, the SCiP Alliance hosted its annual conference, Whole Person, Whole Journey, marking a significant milestone as the event took place in Scotland for the first time. Held at the Voco Grand Central in Glasgow, the conference welcomed more than 100 delegates — many joining us for the first time — and created an energising space to spotlight the unique Scottish landscape. The new venue offered a fresh backdrop for discussion, sparked new relationships, and broadened the Alliance’s mission to inspire work that enables Service children to flourish throughout their journeys.

A memorable moment from the opening session came from Wing Commander Andrea Dowds MBE, whose reflections on relocating with her own children and navigating life as part of a dual-serving family brought powerful lived experience to the room.

Philip Dent, Director of the SCiP Alliance, expanded on this year’s theme and shared headline messages from the State of the Sector report. He closed his address with an invitation to the community: “Reach out, welcome in” — a call to strengthen connection and collaboration across the sector.

Delegates also heard a video message from Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Veterans and People, before an insightful Q&A session featuring:

• Nick Pett, Head of Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding, Ministry of Defence
• Russell Collier, Head of the Education Policy Team – Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding, Ministry of Defence

Across the day, participants selected from 11 varied workshops delivered by organisations and practitioners committed to improving outcomes for Service children. These hands-on sessions, shaped by the Whole Person, Whole Journey theme, equipped attendees with practical ideas, resources, and approaches they could take back into their own settings.

A panel discussion later in the programme offered another chance for dialogue with leaders across sectors. Panellists included John McKendrick, Commissioner for Fair Access; Wing Commander Andrea Dowds MBE; Rachel Wolford, Head Teacher at St. Gerardine Primary School; and Ed Harris, Senior Education Officer for Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding. Together, they shared perspectives from policy, military life, education, and local practice, with particular attention to the Scottish context.

This year’s conference stood out as a truly inspiring gathering, leaving delegates with renewed motivation, a stronger network, and a wealth of new learning to draw on. As the SCiP Alliance continues to grow its reach and deepen its impact, the success of Whole Person, Whole Journey highlights what can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to supporting the lives of Armed Forces children.

Workshop slides are now available on the individual workshop pages here.