The Big Society Explained at NTRL Conference

Tamworth, United Kingdom, March 05, 2011 --(PR.com)-- As David Cameron declares the Big Society as his “mission in politics” there is still a lot of confusion over what the Big Society means to the future delivery of public services. All is to be revealed at a one-day conference on March 31st in Birmingham, UK, organised by National Training Resources Ltd, to explain the Big Society to charities, community & voluntary sector organisations, private sector sub contractors, NGOs and other civil sector organisations.

Chaired by Pauline Dye, CEO of The Princess Royal Trust Coventry Carer Centre, the conference has been designed to bring clarity to the confused picture of the emerging Big Society.

Jon Collis, Director of National Training Resources said, “The Big Society is a key set of policies of the new Coalition Government. Set against the current social and economic landscape; it is a new and challenging agenda. The development of Big Society initiatives and projects will require significant changes in government policy and new ways of working in partnership with the community and voluntary sector, social enterprises. Government departments and civil servants will also have to undertake a much more supportive role to develop the ‘new localism’, rather than their more traditional, centralist and directive driven roles."

Conference speaker, Councillor Mark James, from the London Borough of Greenwich commented, "There can be few who disagree with the basic precept of the Big Society, outlined by the Prime Minister that 'the best ideas come from the ground up, not the top down'. The key issue for those involved in the third sector and local commissioning is the funding and capacity to support such sentiments."

The Big Society could offer opportunities for the many young people currently unemployed as event speaker, Jane Whyatt, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Westminster University explained when she recently commented "The Big Society offers opportunities for young people to gain skills and experience by volunteering and to express themselves through new media technologies such as blogging, citizen journalism or community TV and radio."

The Big Society Conference takes place on Thursday 31st March 2011 in Birmingham also includes Yes Minister director, Dr Floyd Millen, and the Big Society Network’s Head of Programmes, Oli Henman.

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Further details on www.national-training.com/events or from Julie Walters on:

0845 130 6152

Notes to Editors

This one-day conference is ‘essential’ for all those organisations looking to be involved in Big Society activities. It builds on the success of our workshops - ‘Introduction to the Big Society’ by introducing plenary speakers who are key players in the practical development of Big Society delivery plus practical workshops covering themes, funding, priorities and needs.

Conference Topics and Speakers

Pauline Dye (Conference Chairperson)
Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust Coventry Carer Centre
Pauline is a very active person in the civil sector, with strong local links in the Coventry/Birmingham area. She is also a former councillor and Conservative Parliamentary candidate.

'What is The Big Society?'
Oli Henman, Head of Programmes - Big Society Network

'The Big Society and the Work Programme - What is the connection?'
Dr Floyd Millen (Keynote Speaker) - Director - Yes Minister
Yes Minister offers regular commentary and articles on the Big Society initiative.

'Developing the Big Society at Local Level - What is happening on the ground?'
Councillor Mark James, London Borough Greenwich
With a background in civil sector development and community transport. He has a long history of working to support partnerships and social enterprises that are delivering the Big Society.

'The Media and Young People - Developing a 'Big Society' Project'
Jane Whyatt, Senior Lecturer in Journalism - School of Media, Arts and Design, Westminster University
As well as being Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Westminster University Jane is also the Director of a Social Enterprise called Angel Media.

About NTRL
Tamworth based National Training Resources Limited (NTRL) have been providing services for the training and learning sector since 1993, with a wide range of advisory, information and support services to training organisations, agencies and corporate training departments in industry, commerce and the public sector throughout the United Kingdom. The team has a special blend of expertise and experience within the training and development business, underpinned by a professional approach focused on service to our clients.