Democracy, governance and the truth
Understanding the past – improving the future
A national conference for local government
Thursday 1st December 2016
Holiday Inn, London, Bloomsbury, WC1N 1HT
Prices from £149 + VAT
Democracy, governance and the truth. Now that is a conference title!
We debated long and hard about this title as the word ‘truth’ can have different meanings and connotations. The search for the truth is however fundamental to scrutiny: uncovering wrongdoings; using insight and data to establish the true facts; and establishing if organisations are delivering on their commitments. You may disagree and have your own interpretation, I hope you will join us to share your views.
The Centre for Governance and Scrutiny has taken some big strides over the last 18 months, changing how we work, working (even) harder to influence policy and raising the profile and importance of good governance and scrutiny in decision making.
A further step along this evolutionary road is an overhaul of our annual conference. We are upping our game this year, using a new venue which gives us greater flexibility and have prepared a programme which we hope you will find appealing and stimulating.
The last few weeks have brought a new raft of national changes to navigate: a new Prime Minister, a new cabinet and a referendum, all of which creates challenges and opportunities. We don’t yet know how these events will affect the process of change, there does however continue to be no blueprints, therefore learning how we go and sharing our experience will be vital.
What is increasingly clear, and reinforced by the referendum result, is that the general public look to elected representatives to use their democratic mandate to proactively represent their interest. The message from the referendum result is that many feel this has not been happening.
There is also a clear role for elected politicians to support and represent people as they seek to challenge public services, leaders and institutions. Our conference will explore how the truth was uncovered, and failings revealed, in Mid Staffordshire, Rotherham and Hillsborough. We will hear from elected officials how they have learnt and recovered from these events to now put in place better scrutiny and oversight or actively campaigned (as was the case with Hillsborough) to uncover the truth.
We will also look at how some of our most innovative local authorities are exploring new ways to connect with local communities and make governance fit for the future. We will also hear from leading thinkers about how politicians and public servants need to adapt their skills, knowledge and culture to become ready for the 21st Century.
With high profile plenary speakers, immersive workshops, an exhibition area, and great opportunities for networking we believe this will be a bigger and better national scrutiny conference than ever before. Spaces are limited so take this early opportunity to secure your place at what promises to be a fascinating conference dealing with the most topical scrutiny and governance issues we currently face. Early bird rates are available until the end of August and prices start from £149 + VAT.
More information about the event and online booking is here.
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