9:30am - 2:00pm, 6th February, 2008
Centre for Educational Leadership
The University of Manchester
There has been a lot of debate recently about the role of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in delivering public services. There are still many big questions about whether VCS groups will be able to step up to the role, whether they have the capacity, and whether central and local government is ready to support it.
To research the issue, IPEG at the University of Manchester has just carried out a survey of VCS organisations in the North West Region, in order to build up a picture of their experience and views. The research takes the form of a questionnaire which has been sent out widely to the VCS, including tenants and residents groups, in the North West.
The main questions that have been asked have been:
- What public services are being delivered by the VCS
- What has been their experience of delivery
- What problems, and what benefits does it bring
- Should the VCS role be expanded
- What are people's attitude to involvement
The purpose of this event is to discuss the early findings from the research and for attendees to reflect on whether the findings 'fit' with their own experience and views. This event gives those involved in tenants and residents group the opportunity to further discuss these questions in view of the specific experiences and contribution of their sector.
Aims of the event
The main aim of the event is to listen carefully to views from tenants, residents and community organisations, an important part of the VCS which may have their own unique perspective on these issues. Feedback from the event will go into the final report, which will be published and distributed to local government in the North West.
At the event we aim to:
- present early findings from the research
- reflect on and debate the issues
- think about whether the issues reflect participants' experience
- develop an input into the research and report
- think about the main messages for central and local government and the VCS
Invited audience
- all tenants, residents and community groups across the North West
- tenant participation support workers, community development workers and local government or RSL policy officers
- policy makers, researchers from local government, and local elected members.
Programme
- 9:30am Arrival and refreshments
- 10:00am Chair's welcome
- Bernard Caine, Chair - North West Tenants & Residents Assembly (NWTRA)
- 10:15am About the research and the policy background
- Liz Richardson, IPEG
Research and policy background - presentation (PDF format)
- Liz Richardson, IPEG
- 10:30am Small group discussion on what roles tenants and residents groups play in their areas
- 10:45am Plenary session
- 11:00am Break
- 11:15am What we found: the main findings
- James Rees, IPEG
The main findings - presentation (PDF format)
- James Rees, IPEG
- 11:30am Small group discussion on the findings: do they ring true? What should be done about it?
- 12:15am Plenary discussion - what more can tenants and residents groups do? What are the limits?
- 12:30pm Round-up and what next?
- 1:00 pm Lunch
If you wish to reserve a place at this event please use our on-line booking form or use the booking form provided in the event flyer.
Directions
The University of Manchester is located close to both Manchester Piccadilly main line and Manchester Oxford Road stations.
A frequent bus service, the 'Oxford Road Link', operates between Manchester Piccadilly station and the universities and hospitals on Oxford Road. If using this service alight at the stop opposite the University of Manchester Students' Union (UMSU) building on Oxford Road.
Services depart from Fairfield Street opposite the low level entrace to the station, further details of which are available via the link below.
The nearest railway station to the Centre for Educational Leadership is Manchester Oxford Road (frequent train services run between Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road). From the exit of Oxford Road Station, go down the station approach towards Oxford Road and turn right. The Centre for Educational Leadership is a 10-15 minute walk and is located in the Ellen Wilkinson Building on Devas Street behind the Manchester Academy.
Alternatively from the bus stop outside the Palace Hotel, catch a 41, 42, 43, 141, 142 or 143 service and alight at the stop opposite the University of Manchester Students' Union (UMSU) building.
Maps of the university campus are available for download - the Ellen Wilkinson Building is No 77 on the main campus map:
If travelling by car, specific directions from various regions can be downloaded from the University website via the link below:
For more information please contact:
- Aubrey Scully
Web, Information and Events Officer
IPEG
Room 1.28, Humanities Building - Bridgeford Street
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
Tel: 0161 275 8080
Fax: 0161 275 0793
Email: aubrey.scully@manchester.ac.uk