Social Exclusion Conference 2008 - Combating Exclusion Through Partnership: The Action Plan and Beyond

Over the last two and a half years the Government’s Social Exclusion Action Plan has attempted to address some of the key factors contributing to social exclusion in the UK. Yet there remains much more to do, as highlighted by the commitment of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review to establishing a Socially Excluded Adults Public Service Agreement, as well as the recent Government commitment to renew its social mobility crusade and reinforce its assault on child poverty. The fight against social exclusion is brought into even sharper focus by the real and potential impacts of recession on the most vulnerable in our society, as well as those for whom new financial hardships may cause a slide into financial and social exclusion.

This Westminster Briefing all day Conference will give delegates the opportunity to discuss and be informed on the legacy of the Social Exclusion Action Plan as it reaches the end of its life span, as well as investigate new Government initiatives and strategies.

I am pleased to confirm that speakers will include:

Naomi Eisenstadt - Director, Social Exclusion Taskforce, Cabinet Office

Ann Watt – Deputy Director, Social Exclusion Taskforce, Cabinet Office

Cllr Gareth Barnard - Deputy Chair, LGA Community Board

Jonathan Douglas - Director, Literacy Trust

Dave Simmonds - Director, Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion

Julian Walker - UK Director of Policy and Research, Barnardos

Kayte Lawton - Social Policy, IPPR

Lindsay Watt - Leading Financial Inclusion Champions Initiative, DWP

Nick O’Shea - Head, Adult Facing Chronic Exclusion Programme, DCLG