Social Policy Conference at Teesside

Over 150 delegates will attend the annual Social Policy Association (SPA) conference at the University of Teesside, from Tuesday 15 - Thursday 17 July, to discuss issues such as pensions, poverty, crime, housing and urban regeneration. It is the second year that the University has hosted the international conference.

Academics from the Social Policy field and practitioners from agencies such as Social Services, NHS and the probation service will be meeting to listen to talks outlining the results of academic research and how it relates to practical experience.

The sessions will share experiences and practices to make real improvements in the work undertaken by those who aim to solve a range of social problems.

Speakers include Professor John Clarke, from the Open University, and Professor Ken Young, from the Economic Social Research Council, and international delegates from countries as diverse as China, Australia, South Korea and Israel.

Karen Morse, Chair of the Organising Committee, said: “It’s great that the University of Teesside is hosting this conference again, as last year we became the first modern university to do so. The conference is a once-a-year opportunity for the best academics and practitioners to meet and share experiences. As well as the lectures and papers being delivered, we’ll also be hosting a book launch, a special Child Poverty Action Group session and launching a new special initiative, called Social Policy On-Line, a web-based register of experts who can be contacted for advice and to discuss further research projects with.

“The delegates were very impressed with the University’s facilities and by Middlesbrough in general last year and we’re sure they’ll enjoy their visit here again.”

For further information about the conference, visit the SPA’s website: www.social-policy.com

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