As a result of the local government workers strike on 16 and 17 July and its effect on the attendance of both speakers and delegates the Policy Network decided to postpone the Annual Conference due to take place on 17-18 July at Weetwood Hall, Leeds.

The conference will now take place on 18 and 19 November 2008.

• Seminars on a wide range of current topics, skills, techniques and personal development, including a number of presentations from Beacon Councils on improving service delivery.

• Presentations on:

o climate change
o sustainable communities
o well-being and happiness
o financial inclusion
o the credit crunch
o community empowerment
o Comprehensive Area Assessment
o Future directions of local government

The Policy Network’s 2008 Annual Conference will address many of the issues which we face as policy professionals throughout the UK (and beyond) in our constantly evolving roles. This two-day event offers unique opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development and provides an unrivalled setting to meet fellow policy professionals and the chance to explore and debate current thinking and practice in promoting public service improvement.

The conference will explore and illuminate the range of issues facing local authorities in the coming years. There are overviews of the local government scene from experienced and entertaining speakers such as Michael Burton, editor of the Municipal Journal. Councils’ ability to empower and engage with their communities is a crucial ingredient of their success and this theme runs through a number of the sessions, including Fiona Narburgh from council of the year Wychavon and the ever entertaining and informative Ben Page from Ipsos-Mori. Partnership working is increasingly central to delivering complex outcomes and there are sessions specifically on delivering through partnership as well as a chance to hear from partners such as Andrew Harrop from Age Concern. Shared services is a continuing issue for many and Paul Dowie will report on the Scottish experience. In addition to the top flight plenary speakers we have an exciting range of seminars covering topics such as LAAs, the new duty to involve, help for those new to policy, and of course, the not-to-be-missed ‘sloppy slippers’!

Running throughout the programme the theme is ‘learn from the best’. Come to learn about the excellent and innovative services which have proved themselves through the Beacon scheme. As last year’s conference richly illustrated, they bring lessons and inspiration which extends far beyond their particular service areas. A further opportunity to learn from excellence will be Joyce Redfearn, Chief Executive of 4-star Wigan, and also chair of the Chief Executives' Task Group which has an oversight of the English Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships which are tasked with a major role, and funding to match, in driving improvement in the coming years.

A topical addition to the programme will consider the consequences of the economic downturn currently gripping the world. Nick Bell from Essex County Council will lead a discussion on the credit crunch and its effect on local government finance and service planning. Also, Alastair Gordon and Rosie O'Leary will present the very innovative work Essex County Council is doing to help protect post office services.

The venue for the conference is Weetwood Hall in Leeds. Set within 9 acres of parkland estate, Weetwood Hall is a four-star conference centre combining the original features of a 17th century manor house with state of the art facilities. The setting enhances further the reputation of the conference for offering a unique combination of intensive learning and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

This annual event is open to all. It is ideal for experienced policy officers as well as those new to policy, whether you are in the corporate centre or a service department, and participants normally include many first timers together with regular attendees. It consistently gets excellent feedback from participants who like its friendly networking environment as well as the relevant content.

Who should attend
Aimed typically at local government and other public sector organisations, this conference will also be of value to all with an interest in such areas as:

• corporate and service policy
• performance management and improvement
• LSPs , LAAs and partnerships
• equalities and diversity
• community development and cohesion