Place are still available at

North West Employers’ Big Society Conference

at the Reebok Stadium Bolton, 2 November 2010

On 19 July 2010, the Prime Minister set out how the Big Society will be “the biggest, most dramatic re-distribution of power” from the state to individuals. This conference will explore the opportunities that this new policy initiative holds for the local government sector and it will examine how officers, councillors and their local communities can work together in order to build capacity and make the most of the Government’s commitment to devolve power to the local level.

This conference will update delegates on national policy and will provide an overview of a number of local Big Society projects. There will also be live blogging/tweeting taking place throughout the day.

Programme

10.00 Chair – Opening remarks

Francis Davis, Policy Advisor, Communities and Local Government

National policy update following the comprehensive spending review

Big society as a way of turning government upside down

Business opportunities for the public, private and social enterprise sectors – the new Localism Bill

Sarah Longlands, Director of Policy, Centre for Local Economic Strategies

Local economies and the big society

The challenges for the North West

What kind of policy framework will be needed to enable the Big Society to work in practice?

Kevin Douglas, Chief Executive, Eden District Council

Social action- how the community plans to purchase a local pub using a shares initiative

Community empowerment - plans for a community owned anaerobic digester to produce energy

Delivering more affordable housing

Richard Caulfield, Chief Executive, Voluntary Sector North West

The role of the Voluntary Sector in building the Big Society

Graeme Clarke, Project Manager (Citizen Power), Peterborough City Council

How Peterborough City Council are working with the Royal Society of Arts and the Arts Council to encourage civic behaviour

Jessica Crowe, Executive Director, Centre for Public Scrutiny

The councillor as sign-poster, facilitator, champion and arbitrator

How to ensure the Big Society is an open, transparent, inclusive and accountable society

3.00 Close

Cost: to member authorities of North West Employers £125/£163 non members + VAT (on average this cost is 50% cheaper than other national events). This event is being subsidised by NWIEP.

Bookings:to reserve your place CLICK HEREor email .Telephone Stuart 0161 214 7106.