The Big Society?

The Big Society?

CRESC Workshop

Arthur Lewis Building, 2nd Floor Boardroom, University of Manchester, 2.016/017 Monday, 6th June 2011 9am – 5pm

What difference does the Big Society make?  What kinds of questions does it raise?  What are its (un)intended consequences?  In this CRESC workshop practitioners responsible for implementing Big Society initiatives will be joined by political commentators and academics to debate its challenges and promises from many positions.

The coalition’s Big Society initiative promises to “empower local people and communities” and make them equal stakeholders.  Does the Big Society manage to rouse political and economic responsibility?  Does it realign power or reinforce the social differentiation that goes along with economic consensus in mainstream British politics?  Is this an overdue rediscovery of civil society and engagement and/or a garnish for regressive cuts?

The promise of the Big Society has inevitably divided those speaking from different positions within national government and the regions, NGOs and universities.  This workshop will debate the answers.

Keynote speakers include: Councillor Gordon Nicolson, Leader of Eden Valley District Council (Big Society vanguard area), and Adam Lent, Director of programme at the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  To reserve a place please complete the registration form and send to: Stacey Vigars (CRESC) (stacey.vigars@manchester.ac.uk)

For more information, please contact: Gemma John (CRESC) (gemma.john@manchester.ac.uk