Local Government Research Conference

The MRS will be holding a one day conference for local government researchers, supported by LARIA (The Local Authorities Research & Intelligence Association), on 18th September at the IPA in London. The central theme is 'The Modernisation Agenda'.

The conference is entitled 'Delivering Good Practice Research in Local Government' and is designed to advise local authority researchers on best practice in research, public consultation and evidence-based planning to support enhanced delivery of plans and services.

The conference will run between 09.00 - 17.30 on 18 September at the IPA, London, SW1. The day will consist of four sessions covering a range of topics, including:

• The Case for Research in Local Government
• Defining Good Practice
• Exploring Deviations from Good Practice
• How to Raise Standards and Achieve Good Practice

Speakers include Ann Atkinson, Head of Research Unit at Newcastle County Council and Chair of the LARIA Member Development Group; Stephen Hilton, Corporate Consultation Manager, Bristol City Council; Roger Sykes, Head of Research, Local Government Association; and Paul Vittles, Chairman and Managing Director, RBA Research, and Chair of the LARIA External Relations Group. The conference will be chaired by David Karfoot, Environment Department Head of Research and Communications at Hampshire County Council, and Chair of LARIA.

With the Modernisation Agenda requiring local authorities to carry out more research and consultation with users and potential users of public services in order to encourage continuous improvement in service delivery, the conference is expected to attract interest from experienced researchers as well as those new to the field, plus Chief Officers of local authorities and representatives of local authority partners, such as the health services and police.

David Karfoot, Chair of LARIA and of the conference, commented, 'Effective research and consultation is critical to local authorities under the Modernisation Agenda, yet many local authorities are unsure of the best way to go about it. This conference is designed to provide delegates with constructive advice on how to achieve best practice in this field and demonstrate to them the real value that well-conducted research can offer'.

For information about attending please contact Michelle Cecil at The MRS on +44 (0)20 7566 1873 or by email at training@mrs.org.uk

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.