Quality and Performance in
social services in Europe
- better outcomes for people

Theme of the conference

Developing social services of the highest quality and performance is the ambition of all those responsible for meeting the needs of citizens, especially those most at risk, vulnerable and disadvantaged. This task is all the more important at a time when there is pressure on public finances.

‘Quality and performance’ can include a range of issues including the setting and measuring of service standards, commissioning and contracting local services, ensuring value for money, establishing sensitive complaints procedures, evaluating service effectiveness and monitoring outcomes for people. Overall quality is about designing and managing services that people want and need and involving them, and other stakeholders, in this important process.

With considerable current debate as to what constitutes a quality social service, the European Social Network has responded by organising, probably, its most comprehensive event on Quality and Performance in social services in Europe to date. The event will involve the widest range of experts and interests from the public, voluntary and commercial sectors and from central and local government; from commissioners, planners and inspectors to providers and user groups.

The conference will pose a number of key questions including: what systems of quality exist today in different parts of Europe and how can we evaluate their outcomes? In an increasingly mobile Europe, should we move towards common standards or principles? How can those who use social services be involved in monitoring their quality? What should be the balance between cost, performance and quality and how can contracting or ‘commissioning’ act as a lever to raise standards and deliver better services for people?

This important and timely event is part of the Official Programme of the Czech Presidency of the European Union and is supported by the Czech Government as well as the Committee of the Regions and the Council for European Municipalities and Regions.

It will provide a unique learning opportunity for those with a commitment to the future of social services, whether at the local, regional, national or European level, to improve their understanding and improve social policy and practice in this important domain.

We welcome your participation and contribution.

When and where?

Often called the 'City of a Hundred Spires' because of its many churches and towers, Prague is a famously beautiful and historic city with a rich collection of gothic, baroque and renaissance buildings, winding alleys, cobblestones and a bustling cafe scene. It is also a modern European city facing, like others, unprecedented demographic and economic change.

As such, Prague provides a fitting backdrop for our 17th annual conference.

Click here to read more about social care in the Czech Republic

Conference delegates will enjoy two prestigious evening events: a formal welcome reception jointly hosted by the City of Prague, the National Museum and the Union of Towns and Municipalites in the Czech Republic at the prestigious National Museum in Prague on Monday 22 June and a Gala Dinner at the splendid Žofín Palace on Tuesday 23 June 2009.

View conference schedule >>

Who is it for?

"This event sends a signal that the social dimension of European unity is an important issue which must be given a high profile."

Vladimir Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

The annual European Social Services Conference is an important event for all those concerned with planning and delivering European social care and health to the highest standard. With over 30 multi-lingual plenary and workshop presentations, the conference provides a unique opportunity to understand the changes taking place and for the exchange of ideas, experience and ‘best practice’.

It offers strategic and practical learning and networking opportunities to all those responsible for planning and implementing services in different European regions: planners, politicians, managers and professionals.

The 2009 conference will be held in English, Czech, French, German, Italian and Spanish and attracts approximately 400 delegates from around 25 different countries.

Click here to view the presentations made at our previous conference >>

Organisers

The conference is organised annually by the European Social Network (ESN), a forum of directors of social, health, education and employment services and associate members.

The 2009 conference is presented in cooperation with the Czech Presidency of the European Union; the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs; the City of Prague; the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic, the Committee of the Regions; the Council of European Municipalities and Regions; and NOPUS, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.