Contact: David Pryke 7342

1. Summary

This report proposes the appointment of representatives to attend the European Social Services Conference on 6-8 June 2001 in Göteborg and the National Social Services Conference 2001 on 17-19 October 2001 in Harrogate

2. European Social Services Conference

2.1. The European Social Services Conference will be held in Göteborg, Sweden, on 6-8 June 2001, its theme being "Meeting the Challenges of a Changing Social Europe". The emphasis being on exchanging practice and innovation and the workshops will provide a wide range of practical experiences from across Europe to be presented to delegates.

2.2. The cost of the conference will be £255 per delegate (excluding hotel and travelling costs).

2.3. In previous years two members have been appointed to attend the Conference together with the Director of Social Services. The Committee is requested to consider appointing two members and the Director of Social Services to attend this conference.

3. National Social Services Conference 2001

3.1. The National Social Services Conference will be held in Harrogate on 17-19 October 2001, its theme being Social and Health Care: Caring through Change. The programme will consist of a mix of Keynote Ministerial addressees and other significant plenary sessions by key players in the social care sector

3.2. The cost of the conference will be £340 per delegate, including the Conference Dinner (excluding hotel and travelling costs).

3.3. In previous years four members together with the Director of Social Services and one other member of his staff have been appointed to attend the conference. The Committee is requested to consider appointing representatives to attend this conference.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That:-

(a) Consideration be given to the appointment of two members to attend the European Social Services Conference in Göteborg on 6-8 June 2001 together with the Director of Social Services.

(b) Consideration be given to the appointment of four members to attend the National Social Services Conference 2001 in Harrogate on 17-19 October 2001 together with the Director of Social Services and one other member of his staff.

4aR300301

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclosure exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.