ESF ITM Thematic Networks 2010
An exciting second round of ESF ITM thematic networks took place during June and July 2010. The networks coincided with the first weeks of the newly elected government, so in policy terms it was still early days.
This presented both a challenge and an opportunity to the level of policy-maker contribution: some government departments were able to deliver news that was 'hot off the press', whereas for others it was still too early to comment.
The network discussion was framed by some key documents, including: the State of the Nation report [1], the Manifesto for a Networked Nation [2] and Europe 2020 [3].
These policy developments have provided the ITM projects with a fresh impetus to draw on their creative energy to demonstrate how they can provide potential solutions to the ideas encapsulated in the policies. During the network sessions, project representatives were asked to consider:
- where their project sits in this new policy context
- the evidence for their innovation
- what has worked or not worked in the delivery of the innovation
- the potential to transfer the innovation to a different context
- the added value of the transnational work
- the development of mainstreaming messages.
The following key themes were identified as having particular resonance for projects:
- a. Big Society - how can ITM projects contribute to an agenda giving citizens, communities and local government the power and information they need to come together and solve problems?
- b. Social return on investment - the recognition that we all must 'do more for less'.
- c. Evidence - mainstream funding and policies can only be informed or influenced with strong evidence to back up fresh ideas.
- d. Evaluation that is both focused and qualitative.
A full report will be made available on ESF-Works shortly.
For the expert and policy-maker attendance list, click here [4]
The final network, Engaging with Employers, is due to take place on 4 October 2010.
A date for your diaries: 28 September 2010. ITM will be hosting an evaluation workshop at the Banqueting Suite in Birmingham City Council for project evaluators and project managers. For further details, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
[1] The State of the Nation report, released on 27 May 2010, sets out the new arrangements and priorities for welfare reform and places poverty and inequality at the heart of the government agenda. This includes issues such as social mobility and worklessness - issues that ESF and ITM projects have a stake in addressing.
[2] The manifesto aims to highlight the problems people are facing because they have no online access. The web site states: 'The 10 million people in the UK who have never been online are already missing out on big consumer savings, access to information and education. They will be even more isolated and disadvantaged as government and industry expand ever faster into digital-only services. We must change our mindset from one that shields people from using the Internet to one that helps empower them to get online and enjoy all the benefits.'
[3] At the European level, the Commission's proposal for Europe 2020, released on 3 March 2010, provides a wider policy framework, including new roles for structural funds. Once again, learning from the network may be projected to the aspirations ensconced in this document.
[4] Attendance List
Climate Change 05.07.10
- Jane Coney, Sustainability and Climate Change Team, DWP
- Madge Moore- LANTRA Sector Skills
- Gretchen Moeser, The Environment Agency
ICT and the Digital Divide 13.07.10
- Felicity Shaw, Race Online 2012
- Ellie Stoneley, representing the DC10 plus network
- Michelle Lofthouse, representing BIS
- Jason Hogarth, BIS
Active Inclusion 29.06.10
- Hugh Allen, DWP
- David Sorsby, DWP
- Andrew Milton,DWP
- Alexander Oliver, MoJ
- Ian Henshaw, MoJ
Social Enterprise 18.06.10
- Steve Wallace, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office
- Sibylle Batten, MoJ
- David Preston, MoJ
