Campaigning to make care experience a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 has made significant strides in recent years, including the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care in England recommending this change in 2022. Although this recommendation was not taken up at national level, well over 100 local councils have passed motions recognising care experience as a protected characteristic in their area.
Research in Practice are being funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to study how recognising care experience as a protected characteristic is being implemented and experienced in different local areas. As part of this work, we are inviting professionals from across local government, health, justice, education, VCSE, private sector and other organisations in England to take part in this 10-minute survey.
Your responses will help Research in Practice to better understand how these local commitments are playing out in practical terms, what impacts are being felt by care experienced individuals in local areas, and the challenges and opportunities of meaningful implementation.
This survey has 4 sections:
1. Privacy and consent
2. About you
3. Care experience as a protected characteristic in your local area
4. Next steps and consent for contact
The survey will close on 2 October 2026.