Spotlight on Social Policy

Over 200 delegates will attend the annual Social Policy Association (SPA) conference at the University of Teesside, which explores the topical area of urban regeneration and renewal. Entitled ‘Localities, Welfare, Regeneration’, the conference will take place at the University from Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 July.

Academics and practitioners in the Social Policy field, including delegates from ten countries and 46 universities, will hear papers that examine the following issues:

• Poverty
• Crime
• Ill-health
• Unemployment
• Urban regeneration.

Speakers include Professor Derek Fraser, University of Teesside Vice-Chancellor, who will deliver a paper entitled 'The British Welfare State: Past and Present', on Tuesday 16 July from 1.30pm-2.30pm, in the Large Lecture Theatre, Centuria Building, Victoria Road, Middlesbrough. John Foster, Chief Executive of Middlesbrough Borough Council, will also chair a session on Thursday 18 July, from 11am-12.30pm in the same venue.

Karen Morse, Chair of the Organising Committee, and a Principal Lecturer at the University, said: "The Tees Valley region has been highly successful in attracting funding for neighbourhood initiatives, and the University is delighted to host a high profile conference to bring together national and international experiences of local regeneration. The conference will bring together researchers, academics and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds to discuss the issues raised in delivering 'joined-up' government policy."

The SPA conference for 2003 will also be held at the University of Teesside.

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