Marking 40 Years Together at the SCARF Conference 2026
Our two-day Coram SCARF Conference was packed with so much insight, inspiration and connection that it is almost impossible to capture it all in a single blog post. The two days were expertly opened by Donna Hill, Head of Coram SCARF, alongside Dame Carol Homden, CEO of Coram, whose warm welcome set the tone for what followed. What we can say is that it was a truly special gathering - bringing together our incredible network of educators, partners, teachers and experts to learn, reflect, and celebrate an important milestone: 40 years of SCARF.
We were honoured to begin with a powerful and inspiring keynote from Nazir Afzal (Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor and safeguarding expert). His address set a compelling tone, challenging us to continue championing children’s safety, voice, and rights in everything we do. It was a thought-provoking start that resonated strongly across the conference.
Across the conference, delegates benefited from an outstanding line-up of RSHE experts from a range of leading organisations. We heard from Miry Mayer (Anti-Bullying Alliance), who shared important work on building safer school cultures; Peter Dunford King (Diversity Role Models), who explored inclusive, whole-school approaches; and Laura Nott (The Lucy Faithfull Foundation), who provided vital insight into preventing harmful sexual behaviour. Together, these speakers delivered a wealth of expertise, ensuring that delegates left with both strategic insight and practical ideas to take back into their settings.
A particular highlight was the engaging Q&A panel, thoughtfully led by our own Lisa Handy, Head of Education. This lively session gave space for reflection, discussion and honest dialogue - something that attendees consistently value as part of the SCARF conference experience.
We were also joined by Morgane Knapp (Swiss Cottage School), who highlighted inclusive mental health and wellbeing practice, and Damian McBeath (John Wallis Academy), who shared his experience of leading strong whole-school culture and wellbeing strategies. Nicky Waring (Sex Education Forum) offered practical and evidence-informed approaches to building children’s resilience through RSHE.
We also heard from Dr Polly Haste (Ofsted), whose insights into the current inspection landscape and the role of RSHE were both timely and valuable. For schools looking to review their own provision, the SCARF Ofsted audit tool offers a practical way to self-evaluate, prepare for inspection, and strengthen PSHE and RSHE in line with current expectations. Fiona Beresford (Smartphone Free Childhood), who shared insights into the role of technology and its impact on children and young people. Alongside this, delegates took part in creative, hands-on workshops from Alice Hoyle (Sense and Connect), Victoria Vickery (All Star Marketing) and our talented colleague, Maddie from Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation, all of which brought learning to life in practical and engaging ways.
As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we were delighted to welcome Reverend Bill Crews, whose contribution brought a powerful perspective on compassion and community. We were also privileged to hear from Harriet Gill, Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing for Coram, and Jan Forshaw, Head of Research and Policy, both of whom have been pivotal to the journey of Coram Life Education — now Coram SCARF — across the UK, shaping its growth and long-standing impact.
A unique and memorable addition to the conference was the live artwork commissioned to celebrate SCARF’s 40th anniversary. Created in real time across the event, this piece beautifully captured the energy, ideas and shared commitment of the SCARF community, and will soon be displayed on the Coram campus.
Above all, the conference was a chance for our amazing network of educators to come together to connect, share experiences and feel part of something bigger. That sense of community remains at the heart of SCARF.
As we reflect on an unforgettable event, we’re excited for what’s next. We look forward to continuing our 40th anniversary celebrations throughout the year with a fundraising event and a special House of Lords reception and, of course, to welcoming everyone back for the Coram SCARF Conference 2027!