About National Children's Bureau

Founded in 1963, the National Children's Bureau (NCB) is a charitable organisation that acts as an umbrella body for organisations working with children and young people in England & Northern Ireland. Through working in partnership, sharing knowledge, resources and services we have created a powerful, authoritative and influential voice to improve the lives of children and young people.

All NCB's work must sit within its aims and organisational principles, which are based upon the long-term desirable outcomes it has identified for children. These aims and organisational principles are as follows:

NCB's aims:

• to reduce inequalities in childhood

• to ensure children and young people have a strong voice in all matters that affect their lives

• to promote positive images of children and young people

• to enhance the health and well-being of all children and young people

• to encourage positive and supportive family, and other environments

Our history

The issues and concerns that led to the founding of NCB nearly 40 years ago are still very much at the heart of our work in this new century: the need to understand and use research, the importance of preventive work with families, the needs of children in care, the link between social deprivation and ill health and disability.

All these years of experience in research, policy, practice and dissemination of information are now consolidated towards achieving our long-term outcomes, where all children and young people:

• have equality of opportunity

• participate in all matters affecting their lives

• are respected by society

• are physically and emotionally well

• are confident, safe and secure

As new issues arise in the children’s sector, our flexibility allows the formation of new forums, councils and networks which operate under the umbrella of our core competencies.