Public affairs

Our public affairs work seeks to establish us as the authority on child health matters in Westminster. Using members' on-the-ground experience, we engage with Government, MPs, Peers, their staff, the civil service and wider stakeholders to make the case for policies that will improve children and young people's health outcomes.

How we influence

Ensuring decision-makers introduce the best public policy for children and young people is an important part of our work. Find out more about our approach to influencing.

Our current and recent campaigns

Giving every child equal protection from assault

Strengthening community child health services

Creating a smokefree generation

Delivering an RSV vaccination programme to protect infants

Parliamentary eBulletin

If you're a member, sign up to our monthly email about what we’ve been doing to advocate for child health and the paediatric workforce in Westminster and how you can get involved.

Briefings for parliamentarians

Access briefings sent to MPs and Peers in advance of debates and question sessions.

See briefings

Responses to parliamentary committees

Access written submissions we have made to Select Committee inquiries.

See responses

UK and devolved nations' elections

Scotland: Holyrood election 2026

Wales: Senedd election 2026

UK: General election 2024

Campaign coalitions

Inequalities in Health Alliance

Obesity Health Alliance

End Child Poverty

UK Health Alliance on Climate Change

Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition

Disabled Children's Partnership

Council for Disabled Children - Health Policy Influencing Group

Maternal Mental Health Alliance

Latest news and blogs on public affairs and campaigning

More news

Two people holding up signs that read 'I support a Smokefree Generation', in front of a banner reading 'smokefree action coalition'

President's update

7 May 2026

Advocating for a better future for every child – President’s update

Steve reflects on the journey to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill receiving Royal Assent, which marks a landmark step towards a smokefree generation. Plus, you can still sign up for next week's conference, virtually or in-person.

Press release

1 May 2026

Colleges engage DHSC on mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse duty

RCPCH leads Royal College letter to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP regarding measures for a mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse (CSA) duty in England.

President's update

20 April 2026

Towards our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well - President's update

In this President's update, Steve discusses the Global team's programmes to improve child health worldwide and welcomes our two new Vice Presidents.