ESN is the independent network for local public social services in Europe.

ESN’s mission is to support our members to change the lives of the most vulnerable in our societies through the delivery of quality social services.

ESN brings together directors of social work and social care services working at the local level. Directors have the senior management role in local authorities for social services: they lead the strategic planning, design and delivery of social services and are accountable to elected local councillors.

Member organisations are national or regional associations of directors of social services, individual regions, provinces, counties and cities and research, development and regulatory bodies working alongside directors of social services in shaping services for the local community.

ESN is registered in the United Kingdom as a not-for-profit charitable company and was established in 1998.

For an introduction to ESN’s mission, members and activities please download our Annual Review 2010, Annual Review 2009 and Members' Review 2008.