SSRG Previous Events - 2000

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Outcomes in Social Care Conference 24th Nov 2000

Outcomes in Social Care Conference 2000 - Social Policy Research Centre, University of York

A one day conference, hosted by the Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, for social services, social care and health professionals concerned about the outcomes of social care in practice and methods of assessment and evaluation.

The conference aimed to:

• explore advances in using outcome ideas in practice
• consider how using an outcome approach can improve care management and commissioning
• demonstrate the use of an outcome focus to collect evaluative information

Of interest to senior managers; front line managers and senior practitioners ; policy and planning officers; Best Value staff; academics

Neighbourhood Statistics and Consumer Surveys: Providing Local Services for Local People? 13th - 14th July 2000

North East Wales Institute (University of Wales), Wrexham

This two-day workshop considered the implications of recent government initiatives which aim to identify the broad range of information that may be required from both service providers and service users in order to improve local services for local people.

These initiatives include:

• Better Information?, published by the Social Exclusion Unit, which recommends an annual collection of Neighbourhood Statistics as part of the Strategy for Social Renewal
• The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) guidance on Best Value User Satisfaction Surveys.
• Department of Health guidance on User Satisfaction Surveys in Personal Social Services

In addition to presentations on the policy agenda, delegates had the opportunity to hear of the ways in which information is being collected, analysed and disseminated locally, for example by the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The strengths and weaknesses of satisfaction surveys were discussed, and the implications for policy and practice.

Annual Workshop: New Millennium - Brave New Word? 12th -14th April 2000

Public services are constantly criticised for seemingly falling on everything. What can be done to improve the image, quality and flexibility of social care and social support? In this climate it is crucial that researchers and planners look forward and discuss the kind of services people want and need in the 21st Centry.

This three day Workshop focused on the directions for social services, with a strong emphasis on user involvement, and collaboration between health, housing, police, social services and the voluntary sector, to name a few of the organisations working together in the community.

Issues covered included:Effective use of information and research in the 21st Century; Monitoring, evaluating, accountability and communication; Best Value and Joint Reviews; Partnership working; Using research findings to improve practice; Primary Care Groups; Quality Protects.

Plenary speakers included:

• Dr Ann Netten (PSSRU, University of Kent) Unit Costs and Performance Indicators
• Raymond Warburton (SSI) Meeting the Challenge
• Saul Becker (University Loughbourgh) Listening to children, meeting their needs
• People First What do you think you're playing at?

Workshop presenters included:

• Sue Ballock (Reader in Health and Social Care, University of Brighton) Needs Analysis for Primary Care Groups
• Ann Bowman (Merton and Sutton Community NHS Trust) Flexible Registers
• Terry Davies (Worcestershire Social Services) Sharing information across Agencies - developing a joint protocol
• Frances Hasler and Gerry Zarb Direct Payments and Older People
• Mark Watson (NISW) The Electronic Library for Social Care

You and Your Services First 11th Feb 2000

Stakis Hotel, Templepatrick, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

The primary aim of this SSRG seminar was to consider the ways in which users, carers and frontline staff can shape services, and what they can expect from the services that are provided.

The seminar drew on work being undertaken by the Cabinet Officer 'Service First' Unit, and discussed issues relating to new 'You and Your Services' Charter Initiative. In addition to policy and planning issues, delegates were able to hear of how research can inform practice.

Speakers included: Mike Bartram, National Consumer Council; Baroness Blood, North & West Belfast Partnership; and Lorraine Campbell, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, North & West Belfast Trust.

Quality Protects: Policy, Research and Management Information 25th Jan 2000

Banqueting Suite, The Council House, Birmingham

The Quality Protects Programme is at the heart of the Governments Agenda for improving the management and delivery of services for children and young people.

This seminar brought together key policy makers, commentators, researchers and practitioners to consider some of the key issues that have emerged during the first year. These include the relationship between Management Action Plans and Children's Services Plans; developments in Information for Management, the role and impact of research, and work being undertaken in specific areas such as adoption, education and consulting young people.

Speakers Included: John Rowland, Department of Health; Dorothy Blatcher, Local Government Association; Debbie Sanders, Department for Education and Employment; Ian Sinclair, University of York; Julie Barnes and Anna Lis (SSI).