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The European Social Services Conference, the largest international forum for social services professionals in Europe, is coming back in 2022. The event, organised by the European Social Network, in cooperation with ESN member, the city-state of Hamburg and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, will take place on 8-10 June next year.

We will explore how public authorities working with third sector and private partners have invested or plan to invest available European and national recovery and social funds to implement innovations and reforms. Key to promoting resilient and future-proof social services, these reforms could include:

  • Strategic organisational investment through digitalising and modernising public administration and promoting advanced tele-care.
  • Workforce investment in new roles, training, bridging the digital gaps, tools for service referral and assessment.
  • Improving the experience of people using social services through innovative community approaches, new apps for social inclusion or addressing digital exclusion.

More than ever, this conference will be an opportunity to open up a debate about the future and, in particular, how we might develop a narrative that talks about inclusive growth and social investment; a narrative that restates key human values while recognising that investment needs a return, and ‘social’ investment needs to deliver improved life chances for all.

“I am excited to see the European Social Services Conference coming back in the aftermath of Covid-19. Our members and colleagues in social services across Europe not only share the same values (and recognise the danger of losing them under the pressure to deliver), but also the benefits of mutual learning in resolving the common challenges for citizens and their communities. Our conference is the forum to help each other to resolve these challenges” said Alfonso Lara Montero, Chief Executive Officer, European Social Network.

The call to apply to contribute or to run one of our interactive sessions will open on 12 October. Watch this space to find out how to get involved.