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ESN seminar on social planning

 

On the second day of our seminar on social planning, ESN members discussed how services are planned in different countries. They also spoke about the barriers and success factors that determine the development of cohesive local communities. The discussion gave members the opportunity to understand the different approaches to social planning across European countries and to develop key messages for successful and innovative social planning.

 

 

Planning services across Europe

 

 

Demographic change, higher unemployment rates and increased migration within and from outside Europe affect social services in most countries. The financial and economic crisis has also added pressure on public service management and led to declining trust in public institutions. ESN members emphasised that social planning is an instrument to respond to these challenges, as it can increase the efficiency of social policies, contribute to meeting the needs of service users and a better dialogue between publically funded services and citizens.

 

 

Different welfare traditions and legal frameworks in Europe determine the social planning process. In most countries, there are legal and policy frameworks that provide a base for social planning, but the responsibilities of national, regional and local authorities vary. Across Europe, local government may be responsible for data collection, strategic planning, service development and evaluation, in line with financial resources.

 

 

ESN members agreed that social planning should be a holistic process that involves all local agencies and relevant stakeholders. However, the ability to work across sectors still varies. Members underlined that they often do not have available or comparable data from across sectors to plan and develop services accordingly.

 

 

During the discussions, ESN members also stressed the impact of the financial and economic crisis on the planning process. In Greece, the crisis has resulted in a more demand and citizen driven planning process. Moreover, territorial reorganisation processes in some countries such as Finland, the Netherlands or Greece will impact on the planning process of services.

 

 

What is needed for a social planning process that promotes inclusive communities?

 

 

  • Promote an integrated approach involving all relevant stakeholders, including social services, health care, education, employment services, housing, urban planning and workforce planning, as well as service users and citizens to improve service provision and increase transparency.

  • Accept social planning as an efficient tool for service development to address local needs and ensure greater integration with financial mechanisms.

  • Balance between advocating for the interests of vulnerable groups and the complex interplay of social, economic and financial considerations.

  • Encourage a collaborative approach with professionals from a number of sectors working in service development alongside users and families.


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