National Conference for LA Strategic Leaders: 29 - 30 November 2007

This conference is distinctively different, in that it provides an opportunity, through discussion, for those responsible for co-ordination and delivery at the LA level to shape national policies as they emerge. Three key themes, running through current policies and strategies, have been selected: 'Every Child Matters', Personalisation and Strategic Technologies.

Conference format

Each speaker will be invited to present their organisation’s approach to these themes, within the context of their particular responsibility, to build a big picture of how all parties can work together to improve implementation.

Session structure

Input from four policy-makers, 15 minutes each, followed by discussion between policy-makers, strategists and implementers. Group Chairs to record interim findings. Each speaker will be tasked to:

• Share the key messages that they want LAs to understand about their role in relation to the particular theme
• Clarify the impact this will have on learning and teaching
• Identify the information and knowledge they will need to begin the implementation process
• Identify the social processes required, ie what influences would be useful?
• Are there any non-negotiables?
• What do they want LAs to do on their behalf?

Discussion will:

• Identify the key enablers and challenges
• Discuss approaches to implementation (utilising the enablers and addressing the challenges)
• Identify what needs to be done and what (extras) would facilitate the process.

If participants are comfortable, discussions will be recorded (audio only), analysed and summarised by SHP as part of the conference outcomes. In the latter part of the conference findings from these discussions will be taken, and LA perspectives on Institutional Capacity and Preparing for the Future will be fed back. There will be a VLE in support to:

• Carry recommended prior reading
• Allow participants to access presentation materials in real time
• Support discussions at the time and after the event
• Publish outcomes.

Programme

Thursday 29 November

9.30 Registration 10.30 Introduction 10.45 Every Child Matters 13.00 Lunch 14.00 Personalisation 16.15 Coffee and check-in 17.00 Outstanding issues 19.00 Pre-dinner meeting 19.30 Dinner

Friday 30 November

9.00 Strategic Technologies 10.30 Coffee 11.00 Institutional capacity: Preparing for the future, taking account of the ECM agenda and organisation key issues 12.15 Plenary 12.30 Evaluations and close

Speakers

DCFS Keith Holder Becta Niel McLean NAA Mick Walker

Representatives have been invited from

Naace National Strategies TDA SSAT P4S NCSL

Booking details

The target audience is LA ICT Strategy Managers. The cost is £250 + VAT and includes dinner and accommodation on the Thursday night. The venue is the Park Plaza Hotel Leeds, Boar Lane City Square, Leeds, LS1 5NS and the conference runs from 9.30 am Thursday to 1 pm Friday, 29-30 November. A number of rooms are available on the Wednesday night at a cost of £110 B&B; can you let us know as soon as possible if required. Due to current postal issues, could you book your place by emailing admin@shpartners.net