Where next for localism and co-production event

Where next for localism and co-production- an event by Consumer Focus and Involve

“Consumer focus and Involve held an event in March 2012 that brought together a range of individuals from national government, local government, the voluntary and community sector, the social innovation field, academia and think tanks to explore some of the challenges and opportunities for localism and co-production in the coming years.

The event drew upon two pieces of research that were launched at the event Hands Up and Hands On and Pathways through Participation’ by NCVO, IVR and Involve.” ( Tim Hughes, http://wherenextlocalism.posterous.com/ March 15, 2012)

There is a really interesting write up of the event here http://wherenextlocalism.posterous.com/ the post includes a series of co-production case studies as well as a summary of the key discussions from the event, this includes some of the critical issues that prevent participation.

All well worth a read!

An invitation from the Transition Institute – Spin out camp – Free admission – Thursday, 29 March 2012

We are delighted to invite you to our first Transition Institute Spin-out Camp (North West). This is the first of a series of three that will be held throughout the year. Come along to an inspiring and informative day, a neutral space to explore some of the most current debates and issues in public service reform. The event is aimed at both practitioners and commissioners who are delivering and procuring public services respectively.

The event is taking place on Thursday the 29th March, 9:30 – 15:00 at the lovely offices of Hempsons Solicitors in Manchester, at Portland Tower, Portland Street, M1 3LF (venue map can be found here)

The programme consists of an interactive, action-packed day of three practical workshops that are being delivered by experts in the field:

• Building a viable Business: lead by Ernst & Young
• Innovation in delivery models: lead by the Young Foundation
• Legal issues (covering issues such as governance and TUPE): lead by Hempsons Solicitors.

In addition to the practical workshops and networking opportunities, after lunch we will be presenting and discussing our second Transition Institute Starting Point Paper on the theme of Commissioning and procurement with social value.

This paper is intended to set up the basis for a debate to build up a collaborative piece of research. In keeping with this joint approach, we will be hosting a focus group at the event (open to all attendees) to capture thoughts and comments so that we can ensure that this document contains practical guidance for all the relevant issues and concerns. Every person attending the event will receive a copy of the publication beforehand.

Places are limited so please sign up soon. If you wish to register for this event, please go to http://spinoutcampmanchester-eorg.eventbrite.co.uk/

If you require further details, please email us at hello@transitioninstitute.org.uk

Also if you want to know more about the spin-out camps please refer to: http://www.transitioninstitute.org.uk/2012/01/31/introducing-transition-institute-spin-out-camps/

Mutuals and the Leadership Network

In July 2011 Lambeth Council managers (the Leadership Network) were invited to take part in a workshop to explore some of the challenges and opportunities of becoming a mutual. Managers were joined by a number of Council partners and a range of ‘Mutual and Cooperative Experts’ that included: Mutuo, Employee Ownership Association, Mutual Ventures, PAConsulting and Baxi Partnership.

Delegates took part in a series of open space conversations to explore some of the challenges and opportunities of becoming a Cooperative Council. Delegates were asked to come up with the conversation topics and the experts in the room were on hand to help answer questions and disperse their knowledge.

The topics that were discussed included:

To find out about all of the conversations, tweets and notes from the event please see the event page at Storify here: http://storify.com/skinner_m/lambeth-leadership-network

Mutual Experiences and Issues on Twitter

Over the next couple of days Phil Copestake Head of Communications at the Office for Public Sector Management(OPM) will be tweeting about European examples and the issues facing employee owned mutuals. You can follow him @philblogs  or by keeping an eye on the hashtag #mutuals.