The network is a partnership between Children in Wales, the Department of Childhood Studies at Swansea University and Trinity College Carmarthen to encourage more men into the workforce working with children and young people.

The first meeting of this network took place in May 2007 at which it was decided that its remit is to:

1. Influence policy in Wales
2. Share experience and good practice
3. Exchange information
4. Encourage more men into the workforce
5. Challenge the mindset of professionals
6. Change public perceptions of male roles in child care and child rearing
7. Encourage male friendly services
8. Promote positive role models for all children and young people
9. Research views and gather statistics about men in childcare.

The network would like to widen its scope to include all male professionals and carers working with young children including - the careers service, children’s information officers, the Probation Service, NSPCC, Barnardo’s, Save the Children, Further & Higher education, Early Years Development & Childcare Partnerships, sports coaches, Wales Sports Council, Red Cross, and Scouts etc.

It is intended that a website with links be established and that regional South Wales and North Wales meetings are held with a view to holding an all Wales conference (possibly in 2007/8).