The Priestley Lecture 2021, with Dame Rachel de Souza

The Big Answers: building a new deal for England's children

The Children's Commissioner's Big Ask survey has given us some crucial insights into the lives of children, and at a critical moment as we recover from the pandemic. Well over half a million young people responded, making it the largest survey of its kind in history.

Despite the sacrifices they have made, the majority of children say they are happy. Their message is clear: this is not a ‘snowflake’ generation - it is a heroic generation. Despite all the sacrifices they've made, children told us they want to get back to school, get on, and do well. To have fulfilling careers. To make a contribution to a better world – a greener world, rooted in fairness of opportunity for everyone.

Now, we adults - policy-makers, parents and carers, all invested in children's lives – need to show children that they are being heard, and deliver for them, especially for the vulnerable. Dame Rachel will set out her recommendations for support across key areas: families, health and well-being, schools, communities, career pathways and children in care. All of these efforts point us towards the better world this generation want to create. 

About the Speaker

Speaker Dame Rachel de Souza is the Children’s Commissioner for England. The Children’s Commissioner promotes and protects the rights of children, standing up for their views and interests and acting as their ‘eyes and ears’ across government.

Dame Rachel is a nationally recognised educator and advocate for improving the life chances of disadvantaged children. Before her appointment as Children’s Commissioner, she led two schools from failing to outstanding, before founding and leading the Inspiration Trust, a family of fourteen schools in East Anglia. The Trust was twice ranked as the nation’s top group of comprehensive schools based on pupil progress at GCSE. She was made a Dame in 2014 for services to education.

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Cost: Free of Charge but registration essential

A drinks reception follows the lecture.

Venue: Harvard Lecture Theatre, Alan Walters Building (Room 223, second floor). 

Sir Raymond Priestley was the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Birmingham from 1938 to 1952. He was a great supporter of the education of teachers and in 1959 it was decided to name this annual lecture after him.