The new shape of public services

[Background] [Aims] [Audience] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions] [Application Form]

Background

This conference considers Local Authorities’ strategic role for adult learning and skills as we move forward into the new age of public services. It will provide the opportunity for elected members, senior officers, adult learning staff and partners to think about the long term strategic options for adult learning and skills in localities as they reshape their areas and service provision.

Adult learning and skills is a key driver in facilitating economic and social well-being in localities. It is crucial to the achievement of objectives in a range of services: the impact of appropriately designed and commissioned adult learning helps local authorities meet their aims in terms of adult social care, health and well-being, crime reduction and community safety, democratic engagement, economic development and addressing the needs of unwaged adults. Adult learning has a critical role in capacity building and supporting local authorities shape local responses to the Big Society. Local Authorities have a range of roles in relation to adult learning and skills including direct delivery, strategic commissioning, shaping the new all age careers service, coordinating with the Work Programme and as key players in Local Enterprise Partnerships.

However adult learning and skills are not a statutory responsibility and there is an urgent need to consider new and different ways of working, not just for short term cost saving but to provide a long term vision to integrate adult learning into the new shape of public services and to respond to the Government’s new vision for skills for sustainable growth. This conference will enable delegates to hear and consider a range of views.

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Aims

By the end of the day delegates will have gained:

• a greater understanding of how adult learning fits into the public service reform agenda
• up to date strategic knowledge on the changes for adult learning and skills
• considered potential new ways of working
• gained a greater understanding of linking with partners and businesses.

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Audience

Elected members, senior local authority officers, adult learning staff, voluntary sector providers, colleges.

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Programme

10:15 Arrival and registration (tea/coffee available)
 
10:45 Bevin Hall
Welcome and introduction from the chair of the day
Cllr David Rogers, Chair of Community Well-Being Board, LG Group
 
11:00 Keynote address
An overview of public sector reform
Adrian Brown, Fellow of the Institute for Government
 
11:20 Questions and comments
 
11:30 A policy scan from an adult learning perspective
Alastair Thomson, Principal Policy and Advocacy Officer, NIACE
 
11:45 Discussion groups

Room 1
A) Big Society and public sector reform: the role of adult learning and skills
Simon Beer, Regional Programme Director, NIACE and Jenny Williams, Head of Policy, LSIS
 
Room 2
B) New shapes of services – Social enterprises, mutuals
Julie Wilkes, Skills Third Sector (invited)
 
Room 3
C) Local Enterprise Partnerships
Philip Mind, LGA
 
Room 4
D) Social care and learning
Fiona Aldridge, Programme Director, NIACE
 
12:40 Bevin Hall
Government Perspective:
The reform of Informal Adult and Community Learning
Stuart Edwards,BIS
 
13:00 Q & A
 
13:10 Sandwich lunch
 
14:00 Introduction to the afternoon session
Cllr David Rogers, Chair of Community Well-Being Board, LG Group
 
14:05 Expert witness panel on current issues –
Chaired by Penny Lamb, Programme Director, NIACE

Local Enterprises Partnerships
Cllr Peter Box, Chair of the Economy Board

Colleges partnerships
Lynne Sedgmore 157 Group

Learning for a Big Society
Cllr Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture

Learning and Community Budgets:
Ian Forward, LEAFEA

All age careers service:
Heather Jackson
 
15:00 So what now?  A vision for the future of adult learning
Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive, NIACE
 
15:20 Questions and Answers
 
15:30 Close

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Event Information

• Arrival and registration is at 10:00am for a 10:30am start. The event will end at 3:30pm
• Event fee per person (includes sandwich lunch, tea/coffee):
  £120 (NIACE Members)
  £160 (Non NIACE Members)
  NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on event fees
• Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed application forms (one form per person)
• Video cameras maybe be in use at this conference. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear on the video outputs please indicate this on the application form and make yourself known at registration
• Participants should be prepared to take their own notes as there will not be handouts for all sessions
• If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact:
  NIACE Events Team
  Tel: 0116 204 2833
  Fax: 0116 254 8368
  E-mail: events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions

Event: Monday 31 January 2011, London
Closing Date: Thursday 20 January 2011

• Cancellations will only be accepted if received in writing before the closing date and will be subject to an administration fee of £50
• The full fee is payable prior to the event
• Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event
• A 10 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille
• Completed and signed application forms must be faxed or posted to NIACE by the closing date. Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
• Places can be reserved online via: www niace.org.uk/events Alternatively completed and signed application forms can be faxed or posted to NIACE by the closing date. Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
• Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event.

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Application Form

(For people not using the online reservation system above)