Join Community First in Discussing The Big Society – 3pm on 27th September
21 September 2010, 14:01PM - 27 September 2010, 14:01PM
The new government’s big idea ‘The Big Society’ offers communities locally some exciting opportunities for self determination and some significant challenges.
Based on the three strands of public service reform, community empowerment and philanthropic action the Big Society concept also includes some fundamental building blocks such as the decentralisation of power to a more local level, the redistribution of money and other assets to communities and a more open access to information and knowledge. Alongside this there is also to be a welcome enhanced role for voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and cooperatives.
Joining the discussion will be John Taylor, Head of the WM regional team at the Big Lottery Fund, Nick Chase, Head of Policy for ACRE and Harriett Baldwin, MP. They will each be giving their view on The Big Society and what this might mean for voluntary organisations and community groups going forward. Come just for the debate at 3pm or join us earlier in the day for one of the various workshop sessions. Attendance at the conference debate and AGM is free of charge.
The day will take place at Bishopswood Environmental Centre, Bishops Wood, Crossway Green, STOURPORT ON SEVERN, Worcestershire DY13 9SE
To book on please call Community First on 01684 312730.
A full agenda of the days events is available. http://www.comfirst.org.uk/community_first_conference_and_agm
The days events include:
Sustainable Communities Workshop - 1030 – 1230
A 2 hour workshop delivered by experienced field workers focusing on ways to keep communities active and engaged at a time where there are so many demands on people’s time and resources are tight.
Sustainable Organisations Workshop - 1030 – 1215
This interactive workshop focuses on supporting thriving and sustainable voluntary organisations.
Delivering services on-line - webinar taster - 1015 – 1300 (4 x 1/2hour sessions)
A brief introduction to using web-based technology to deliver services. The workshop will showcase delivery of online services through your participation in a short webinar on the subject of Social Enterprise for Sustainability.
Hear from a panel of representatives discussing the Big Society before taking questions from the floor – 3-5pm
Harriett Baldwin, MP - John Taylor, Big Lottery - Nick Chase, Head of Policy, ACRE
The formal business proceedings will provide members with an opportunity to influence our governance arrangements for the coming year.