"Big society" and its role in local government

7th December 2010 Time – 9.30am to 1pm Venue – The Guardian Office - Scott Room – Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU Price - £149 To book a place contact: [email protected] This is an essential seminar for managers and leaders looking for a practical definition of "big society" and how it will work within local government. As the intellectual foundation of the coalition government, it is imperative that local authority executives understand big society and are aware of the potential opportunities and pitfalls ahead. This practical half day seminar offers those working in, or with, local government an excellent opportunity to further develop their thinking on big society and discuss with colleagues and experts how it will work within their organisation. As well as a keynote speech from the government's advisor on big society, Lord Wei, the seminar will also include first hand accounts of how other local government managers are implementing big society in their councils and the best practice they have developed. The learning outcomes of this seminar will be: • A practical understanding of how the big society affects local government • Guidance in shaping the strategic direction for your council over the next three to five years • Guidance in developing new local government services, partnerships and pilots to launch over the next few years • Allow you to discover how other local government bodies are taking a lead on big society and how you can learn from their experiences Agenda 9.30am Registration and morning refreshments 9.45am Introduction and objectives for the day - Chair (TBC) 10.00am Keynote speech - Lord Wei 10.30am Panel discussion - How big society relates to local government Allison Ogden-Newton - chief executive of Social Enterprise London and deputy chair of ACEVO Sara Williams - strategic advisor, Local Government Improvement & Development This interactive discussion will be interspersed with Q&A 11.30am Morning coffees 11.45am Local government trailblazers panel Ian Birnbaum, acting chief executive at the London Borough of Sutton Robin Tuddenham, director of stronger and safer communities, Calderdale Council This discussion will be followed by a Q&A session 1pm Close This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Join the local government network to receive more events direct to your inbox.