Timpson praises workforce's achievements at CYP Now Awards

In his keynote address, Timpson thanked the sector for achieving “great things through hard work and dedication” in a time of financial hardship.

“You should be feeling very proud of what you’ve achieved in often very challenging circumstances,” he said.

“I know it’s tough for many of you in the current financial climate, which is why I appreciate your efforts even more.

“I’m under no illusions about the pressures you face, but what I see here today makes me feel hugely optimistic.”

Timpson said that his own experiences growing up in a family that fostered nearly 80 children meant he considered his role as children’s minister to be “a job that couldn’t be any more important in government”.

He spoke of children and youth projects he had visited around the country, and emphasised the government’s commitment to investing in children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“My overriding focus is, and will be, on supporting children and young people so they can fulfil their potential whatever their backgrounds, and ensuring they are safe and well cared for,” he said.

Timpson also thanked CYP Now for its work in highlighting the positive outcomes achieved by the sector.

“As these awards show, and as the CYP Now magazine shows to us every fortnight, it’s equally important to celebrate success in order to spread it, to shine a light on the achievements, which we all seek to emulate.”

He concluded by urging the sector to work together with government, and said he looked forward to working with its members in the future.