In 2026, ESN established a new working group for its members to modernise social services. The 2026 meeting will take place in Dublin, Ireland, on 2-3 July. 

The modernisation working group will build managerial capacity through the exchange of best practices and policies, leading to up-to-date service planning and management. It will focus on cross-cutting themes affecting social services independently of their target group.  

We will discuss current societal trends affecting social services, including their leadership, staff and people using services and how service leaders can respond in the best possible ways. At the Working Group, we will discuss how managers can embrace these changes and shape organisations that are responsive and up to date with these developments.  

The main target group is social service directors and managers who promote and plan to promote change and modernisation in their services. Participants will be selected based on their responses to a questionnaire sent to ESN members. 

If you are interested in participating, please contact policy@esn-eu.org before 31.03.2026.