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It's 12 March 2010

Upcoming Events

This is our brand-new events listing page, and we're still tidying it up and making some changes so that it works well for you all.  Please let us know ( at events@w4mp.org ) if you think it can be improved in any way.

  What? Where? Details

11 March 10

Has Obama Learnt from FDR?

A City University London lecture

City University London

City University London

 
 
City University London
The University for business and the professions

 
 
 
 
A City University London lecture
 
Professor Tony Badger, University of Cambridge

Thursday 11 March 2010, 18.00
 
 
Has Obama learnt from FDR?
 
In January 2009 the model of Franklin D Roosevelt’s first hundred days in office loomed large for the incoming President, his advisers and the media. There was a major financial crisis and a major recession had followed. A discredited outgoing President had been succeeded by a charismatic president with an electoral mandate and large congressional majorities. There was even, as in 1933, an upcoming international economic conference to try to engineer and coordinate global economic recovery. Obama expected his financial stimulus package to pass on day one of the congressional session, as FDR’s bill to reopen the banks had done.
 
A year into Obama’s administration, what lessons did the president learn from Roosevelt whose model of dynamic leadership has been the standard by which all modern American presidents, especially Democrats, have been judged?
 
This lecture explores why it has been so difficult for Obama to sustain the popularity of his economic stimulus and why his signature issue of health care reform has been politically intractable. The lecture will examine, firstly, the very real differences between 1933 and 2009 in terms of the economic circumstances of American voters and the constituency pressures exerted on politicians of both parties, secondly, the structural obstacles in the American political system facing any ambitious president and, thirdly, the missteps that resulted from failing properly to understand the Roosevelt model.
 
Professor Tony Badger has been Paul Mellon Professor of American History in Cambridge since 1992 and Master of Clare College since 2003. He is chair of Cambridge Assessment and of the Kennedy Memorial Trust. He has published extensively on the New Deal and on the post-1945 South, most notably The New Deal: The Depression Years, 1933-1940 (1989) and New Deal/New South: The Anthony Badger Reader (2007).  He is currently writing a biography of former vice-president  Al Gore’s father, Albert Gore Sr, the senator from Tennessee from 1952 to 1970.
 
His most recent book FDR: The First Hundred Days (2008) was described by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown as ‘a brilliantly written, compelling and moving portrait…a classic example of how a work of history can illuminate the issues we’re dealing with today.’ The Observer described it in January 2009 as ‘top of the political class's reading list on both sides of the Atlantic.’
 
City University London
 
City University London is committed to quality education, research and knowledge transfer for business and the professions. To find out more visit www.city.ac.uk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Event Detail
 
Location:
Oliver Thompson Lecture Theatre, City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB
 
Timings:
18.00 Registration
18.30 Lecture
19.30 Networking and refreshments
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0DB
 

Visit website for more


11 March 10

Christianity and Public Life: Who do we think we are? Religious and national identities

Gresham College Event

Museum of London

Speaker(s): Rt Rev Lord Harries of Pentregarth

Date/Time: 11/03/2010, 1pm

Venue: Museum of London

In a multi-cultural, multi-religious world identity has become a key issue, one with the potential for tension and conflict. Christians find their identity 'In Christ'. How does this affect and shape the modern debate?

Visit website for more


11 March 10

Town and Crown: Why London never became an imperial captial

Gresham College Event

Museum of London

Speaker(s): Simon Thurley

Date/Time: 11/03/2010, 6pm

Venue: Museum of London

How London developed differently from the other great capitals of Europe, thanks to our constitutional monarchy.

Visit website for more


12 March 10

Jeffrey Archer speaks to the UK Speechwriters' Guild

Talk

The Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch Street, (opposite Leadenhall Market) EC3V 0DR.

Novelist, speaker, playwright and politician, Jeffrey Archer, will give us a talk on his experience as a public speaker and a writer, especially for the Guild.

It will take place from 1-3pm in the lecture theatre at the back of The Crosse Keys.

There will be opportunities for networking over a light buffet lunch.

Cost £25 to non-members, £20 to e-members and £15 to standard members. Places are limited.

Call 01202 551257 to reserve your place.

Visit website for more


12 March 10

Elections

Library Training Session

Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

Time: 11:00 - 12:00

An introduction to elections and their results.

  • Electoral systems in the United Kingdom - Parliament, Devolved Assemblies and local authorities.
  • The 2005 UK General Election.
  • Where to find reliable results of elections; Library products and sources, and those from other bodies.
  • Elections in other countries.
  • Prospects for the next General Election in 2010?

The talk will provide an overview of elections in the UK with particular focus on elections to Parliament, and knowledge of how to find reliable data and secondary analysis in this area.

Visit website for more


15 March 10

Unequal Britain: time for a High Pay Commission?

Progress Lecture

Houses of Parliament

Unequal Britain: time for a High Pay Commission?

Time:18:00 - 19:30
Date: Monday 15 March 2010
Venue: Houses of Parliament, London, SW1
Booking: To register, email info@compassonline.org.uk

Speakers:

  • Jon Cruddas MP
  • Rt Hon John Battle MP
  • Professor Stephen Machin, Low Pay Commission (invited)
  • Ruth Lea, Global Vision (invited)
  • Chair: Polly Toynbee, The Guardian - held in association with The Smith Institute

Visit website for more


15 March 10

Media Sources on the Intranet and Internet

Library Training Session

Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

>A two hour course looking at sources of media information available in the Library Reading Rooms and via the Parliamentary Intranet and Internet.

  • A brief overview of the Library's hard copy media holdings in the reading rooms
  • How to access full text journal articles online
  • A brief introduction to Factiva (a separate course is available for full training on Factiva)
  • How to access historical material in Times Digital Archive
  • A look at some other useful intranet resources (eg Foresight News, BBC Monitoring)
  • Finding links to online media resources (eg news search tools and newspapers)

Visit website for more


15 March 10

Hansard Society Parliamentary Reform Lecture Series - David Howarth MP

Hansard Society Event

Grand Committee Room, Westminster

Grand Committee Room, 6.00pm

Since its inception the Hansard Society has made many influential recommendations for parliamentary reform. In the run up to the general election the Hansard Society has asked the three main parties to lay out their party's plans for parliamentary reform.

David Howarth MP (Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Solicitor General) will set out the Liberal Democrat Party's vision for parliamentary reform.

The lecture will be chaired by Peter Riddell (Chair of the Hansard Society)

This is the second lecture in the Hansard Society Parliamentary Reform Series - other lectures are:

  • March 9 - Rt Hon Jack Straw MP (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
  • March 18 - Sir George Young MP (Shadow Leader of the House of Commons)

    NOTE: When you sign up using the online registration system or by emailing hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk please tell us if you would like to attend all three lectures, or specify which lectures you would like to attend.

    Visit website for more


  • 16 March 10

    Behavioural Economics

    POST seminar

    Members' Dining Room, House of Commons

    Parliamentary seminar, Tuesday March 16th 2010, 4.00 - 6.00pm, Members' Dining Room, House of Commons

    The economy and human psychology are profoundly connected, but what can psychological research tell us about the recession and economic recovery? Research in behavioural economics is helping us understand how cognitive and social factors can determine our short and long-term fiscal behaviour.

    This seminar will feature presentations from leading economists and psychologists who will highlight how policymaking - from tackling consumer debt to incentivising saving for retirement - could take account of the human aspects of financial decision making.

    This event follows recent work on the subject - a POST briefing on Delaying gratification and a podcast on short-term thinking featuring an interview with Dr Vince Cable MP.

    Please note that places for this event are limited and that priority will be given to parliamentarians and their staff.

    To attend please email post@parliament.uk or call Nadine Walters on 020 7219 8377.

    Visit website for more


    16 March 10

    Parliamentary Sources on the Internet

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    Time: 14:30 - 16:30

    A two hour course looking at the sources of information about Parliament that are available on the Internet, particularly on Parliament's website. This includes:

    • Parliamentary proceedings and papers
    • information about parliament and how it works
    • information about Members of Parliament and Peers

    This course is designed to show what sort of parliamentary information is available to those who do not have access to the parliamentary network.

    Visit website for more


    16 March 10

    Independent MPs: what can they bring to Parliament?

    Debate

    Grand Committee Room, House of Commons

    Hansard Society event

    6.30pm - 8pm

    Speakers:

  • Professor Philip Cowley (academic and author of Revolts and Rebellions: Parliamentary Voting Under Blair)
  • Chris Mullin MP (Labour MP for Sunderland South)
  • Cllr Diane Park (Independent PPC for Halifax)
  • Dr Richard Taylor MP (Independent MP for Wyre Forest)

    Chair:

  • Fiona Booth (Chief Executive, Hansard Society)

    This Democracy Forum will debate the effectiveness of Independent MPs, whether it is likely that the forthcoming general election will produce a higher proportion of Independents and what this means for the operation of Parliament and politics in general. Will Independent MPs spend more time in their constituencies at the expense of Parliament? Can a large number of Independent MPs without the influence of whips effect real change? How will Independent MPs with diverging views work cohesively together?

    This event is free to attend, register to attend at www.hansardsociety.org.uk.

    Visit website for more


  • 16 March 10

    APPG Taxation PAYE Report Launch

    Report launch

    Committee Room 6

    All Party Parliamentary Group for Taxation launch of report on PAYE, 16 March 2010: 10am – 11am, Committee Room 6, House of Commons.

    This event will launch the APPG for Taxation's new report, which expects to evaluate current methods and ongoing improvements of PAYE at HMRC, examine innovative ideas for reforms to how the HMRC collects income taxes, and highlight how changes might be implemented. Concepts addressed will include: helping individuals better understand their income tax, improving the IT infrastructure, redesigning the income tax collection process, and learning from international best practice.

    The report follows the APPG for Taxation's 2008 report, which outlined some of the costs to both individuals and businesses from the current PAYE system.

    The report is published at a key stage in the political calendar and the APPG plans to hold further sessions on PAYE reform after the General Election.

    The event will include a short statement by the APPG for Taxation's Chair, Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, and the report’s author, Jonathan Graham. These statements will be followed by a question-and-answer and discussion session.

    Visit website for more


    16 March 10

    PIMS Search and Retrieval

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    PIMS Search and Retrieval
    Library Training Session

    Time: 11:00 - 13:00
    Date: Tuesday 16 March 2010
    Venue: Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate
    Booking/information: x2937

    A 2 hour hands-on course on the Parliamentary Information Management Services (PIMS) system.

    PIMS is a database of parliamentary proceedings, papers, questions, debates, legislation, Early Day Motions and deposited papers. It also contains non-parliamentary material such as research briefings and selected press articles.

    This course covers:

    what material is included in the PIMS system

    Advanced and Type-specific search for more successful searching

    examples showing how to use Boolean and proximity operators

    an introduction to the PIMS report options

    Other PIMS training

    Training on PIMS Enquiries and the PIMS Content Management Application is available for staff who need to use these applications (mainly Commons Library staff but also certain Lords Library staff). Lords Library staff requiring PIMS CMA training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Table Office staff requiring tailored PIMS Search and Retrieval training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Visit website for more


    16 March 10

    Civil partnerships

    Gresham College event

    Museum of London

    Since 2004 two men or two women may enter a legally recognised union that carries many, but not all, of the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage. This is a trend throughout the Western World. How has civil partnership become established, and should it be recognised as marriage?

    Visit website for more


    16 March 10

    Will the internet 'virtually' revolutionise democracy?

    BBC World Service & BBC World News

    IPU Room, Westminster Hall

    BBC World Service and BBC World News invite you to a briefing in Parliament
    Will the internet virtuallyrevolutionise democracy?

    Panel to include:

    • Peter Horrocks (Chair), Director, BBC Global News
    • Rory Cellan-Jones, BBC Digital Election Correspondent
    • Pooneh Ghoddoosi, Presenter, BBC Persian TV
    • Peter Barron, Director of Communications, North and Central Europe, Google
    • Dr Aleks Krotoski, Academic, Journalist and Presenter of the BBC series Virtual Revolution

    6.00pm to 7.15pm: Panel and Q&A
    IPU Room, Westminster Hall, Palace of Westminster, St Stephens Entrance

    To apply for a place please email your name and organisation to globalnews.events@bbc.co.uk

    Visit website for more


    16 March 10

    Civil Partnerships

    Gresham College Event

    Museum of London

    Speaker(s): Baroness Deech of Cumnor DBE

    Date/Time: 16/03/2010, 1pm

    Venue: Museum of London

    Since 2004 two men or two women may enter a legally recognised union that carries many, but not all, of the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage. This is a trend throughout the Western World. How has civil partnership become established, and should it be recognised as marriage?

    This is a part of the lecture series, Family Relationships and the Law since the 1960's.

    Visit website for more


    17 March 10

    Politics 2010: Caroline Lucas MEP on 'Progressive Politics: What Future in the UK?'

    Keynote speech

    Demos, 3rd Floor Magdalen House, 136 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU

    Time: 09:00 - 10:30
    Date: 17 March 2010
    Venue: Demos, 3rd Floor Magdalen House, 136 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU

    Demos is delighted to host a keynote speech by Caroline Lucas MEP, The Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, on 'Progressive Politics: What future in the UK?'

    Details to be confirmed.

    Please contact politics2010@demos.co.uk or call 0207 367 6333 for additional information or to reserve a space.

    Visit website for more


    17 March 10

    Living City Manifesto Launch

    Launch event

    One Whitehall Place

    Westminster City Council and the New Local Government Network invite you to the launch of the Living City Manifesto at 6:30 PM on Wednesday 17th March.

    As the general election approaches, all the major political parties have stressed the importance of ‘localism’. The Communities Secretary himself called recently for councils to be “fully equipped with the powers they need to act decisively and effectively.”

    Meanwhile other parties are adopting similar positions. In his foreword to their “Control Shift” policy paper, Conservative leader David Cameron stated his party’s ambition for “nothing less than radical decentralisation.” And the Liberal Democrats have made a commitment to “give communities the freedom and funding to fix any problems they do have.”

    However, devolving power from the centre is not simply a matter for great constitutional change. As a local authority, we know that there are many small, practical changes that central government could make which would produce a real shift to benefit local communities.

    We have now set out the results of our learning and experience in our Living City Manifesto. The manifesto sets out five bills, based on our experiences of service delivery, to make ‘localism’ a practical reality and not a political aspiration.

    Our proposals cover both the everyday concerns that often matter most to people, such as the quality of local streets, and broad, ambitious proposals to deliver local services more efficiently.

    The manifesto will be launched on 17th March 2010, in partnership with the New Local Government Network. For more information, please contact Ravi Akinlawon on 020 7641 2852; rakinlawon@westminster.gov.uk

    Visit website for more


    17 March 10

    Magna Carta Institute Public Affairs Seminar

    Seminar

    Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

    The Magna Carta Institute is holding a seminar entitled An Introduction to Public Affairs on Wednesday 17 March 2010 at the Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. The event will feature four senior practitioners from the public affairs industry and will be chaired by Professor Justin Fisher, Director of the Institute.

    The seminar is designed for those considering pursuing a career in public affairs. It will appeal to recent graduates, current interns and those considering career change and development. The guest speakers will give practical and expert insights into the key challenges of working in different areas of the public affairs industry.

    Visit website for more


    18 March 10

    Hansard Society Parliamentary Reform Lecture Series - Rt Hon Sir George Young MP

    Hansard Society Event

    Macmillan Room, Portcullis House

    Macmillan Room, Portcullis House, 6.30pm

    Since its inception the Hansard Society has made many influential recommendations for parliamentary reform. In the run up to the general election the Hansard Society has asked the three main parties to lay out their party's plans for parliamentary reform.

    Rt Hon Sir George Young MP (Shadow Leader of the House of Commons) will set out the Conservative Party's vision for parliamentary reform.

    The lecture will be chaired by Peter Riddell (Chair of the Hansard Society)

    This is the final lecture in the Hansard Society Parliamentary Reform Series - other lectures are:

  • March 9 - Rt Hon Jack Straw MP(Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
  • March 15 - David Howarth MP (Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Solicitor General)

    NOTE: When you sign up using the online registration system or by emailing hans_admin@hansard.lse.ac.uk please tell us if you would like to attend all three lectures, or specify which lectures you would like to attend.

    Visit website for more


  • 18 March 10

    D4Deliver: How to get delivery in public policy in an age of austerity

    Debate

    Cass Business School

    Chair: Martin Bright, Founder, New Deal of the Mind; Blogger www.spectator.co.uk and Political Editor, The Jewish Chronicle

    Panel:

    • Octavius Black, Global MD, The Mind Gym
    • Nick Jarman, Interim Director of Children's and Young People's Services, Doncaster Council
    • Chris Melvin, Chief Executive, Reed in Partnership
    • Professor David Sims, Associate Dean & Head of the Faculty of Management, Cass Business School

    An Editorial Intelligence opinion former debate.

    RSVP Essential: events@editorialintelligence.com

    Visit website for more


    23 March 10

    Cousin Marriage

    Gresham College Event

    Museum of London

    Speaker(s): Baroness Deech of Cumnor DBE

    Date/Time: 23/03/2010, 1pm

    Venue: Museum of London

    Prohibited in some states, but very common in the Middle East and Asian communities, cousin marriages result in a small increase in the number of babies with genetic problems. How serious is the problem, and how should it be addressed in the UK? Should our human rights to marry and reproduce be constrained by wider societal considerations?

    This is a part of the lecture series, Family Relationships and the Law since the 1960's.

    Visit website for more


    23 March 10

    The Impact of the Recession on Secondary Shopping Centres

    BCSC Seminar

    The Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BS

    Tuesday 23 March 2010, 17.00 - 19.30 including networking drinks

    The perspectives of the financial sector, landlords, retailers and local authorities will be debated at this critical industry seminar on Tuesday 23 March - in which the findings of the critical BCSC commissioned research will be explored by a panel of industry experts.

    The BCSC report Secondary Centres: The Impact of the Recession on Secondary Shopping Centres explores the impact of economic conditions on secondary retail property, the scale of the banking sector's exposure to retail real estate, the approaches being adopted to manage these depreciating assets and what specific action is required across the whole industry to facilitate improved performance of secondary shopping centres.

    Make sure you are part of this timely discussion.

    Places are open to BCSC members and non-members.

    Members £20 + VAT
    Non-members £40 + VAT

    Visit website for more


    25 March 10

    RADAR Empowerment Forum

    Workshop

    The Resource Centre, London

    RADAR - the Royal Association for Disability Rights – would like to invite you to our next Empowerment Forum in London. Please save the following date: Thursday 25th March 2010, 10am-4pm at The Resource Centre.

    Tired of your voice not being heard and not being included in local decisions that may affect you as a disabled person? Or just want to have more of a say in issues that are important to you? If the answer is yes to either of these, than RADAR's empowerment forum is for you. We kicked off with our first Empowerment Forum - Midlands in Birmingham in September 2009; followed by the second one for the South West region in Plymouth.

    This is an exciting opportunity to learn about how to have real input on local services that matter to you and how to realise your full potential. The purpose this e-mail is to:

    (a) get the date in people’s diaries and (b) to generate interest for giving a speech, doing a workshop or to come along as a delegate.

    With regards to speeches/workshops we are looking for local representatives from Third Sector organisations, Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts who would like to speak or hold a workshop on their experience with involving people with ill health, injury and disability (IID) in decision-making processes, e.g.:

    • how to be able to influence the commissioning of local services (barriers, good practice etc.)
    • a workshop on how to engage with local authorities/Primary Care Trusts (key points of contact, methods of contact e.g. phone, email, letter)
    • someone from a local authority or PCT who can speak from their perspective on how to become involved in local services
    • someone who can run a workshop on how to present yourself and make your voice heard

    For further information about the event, please contact Nisha Patel, Nisha.Patel@radar.org.uk

    Visit website for more


    29 March 10

    PIMS Search and Retrieval

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    PIMS Search and Retrieval
    Library Training Session

    Time: 14:30 - 16:30
    Date: Monday 29 March 2010
    Venue: Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate
    Booking/information: x2937

    A 2 hour hands-on course on the Parliamentary Information Management Services (PIMS) system.

    PIMS is a database of parliamentary proceedings, papers, questions, debates, legislation, Early Day Motions and deposited papers. It also contains non-parliamentary material such as research briefings and selected press articles.

    This course covers:

    what material is included in the PIMS system

    Advanced and Type-specific search for more successful searching

    examples showing how to use Boolean and proximity operators

    an introduction to the PIMS report options

    Other PIMS training

    Training on PIMS Enquiries and the PIMS Content Management Application is available for staff who need to use these applications (mainly Commons Library staff but also certain Lords Library staff). Lords Library staff requiring PIMS CMA training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Table Office staff requiring tailored PIMS Search and Retrieval training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Visit website for more


    14 April 10

    The Politics of William Blake

    JustShare lecture

    St Mary-le-Bow Church, EC2V 6AU

    The Politics of William Blake
    2010 JustShare lecture series on Christian Social and Political Thought.

    Time: 18:05 - 19:05
    Date: 14 April 2010
    Venue: St Mary-le-Bow Church, EC2V 6AU
    Open to: everyone

    Speakers:

    Professor Christopher Rowland, Dean Ireland Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford

    Visit website for more


    22 April 10

    PIMS Search and Retrieval

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    PIMS Search and Retrieval
    Library Training Session

    Time: 11:00 - 13:00
    Date: Thursday 22 April 2010
    Venue: Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate
    Booking/information: x2937

    A 2 hour hands-on course on the Parliamentary Information Management Services (PIMS) system.

    PIMS is a database of parliamentary proceedings, papers, questions, debates, legislation, Early Day Motions and deposited papers. It also contains non-parliamentary material such as research briefings and selected press articles.

    This course covers:

    what material is included in the PIMS system

    Advanced and Type-specific search for more successful searching

    examples showing how to use Boolean and proximity operators

    an introduction to the PIMS report options

    Other PIMS training

    Training on PIMS Enquiries and the PIMS Content Management Application is available for staff who need to use these applications (mainly Commons Library staff but also certain Lords Library staff). Lords Library staff requiring PIMS CMA training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Table Office staff requiring tailored PIMS Search and Retrieval training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Visit website for more


    22 April 10

    Parliamentary Sources on the Internet

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    Time: 14:30 - 16:30

    A two hour course looking at the sources of information about Parliament that are available on the Internet, particularly on Parliament's website. This includes:

    • Parliamentary proceedings and papers
    • information about parliament and how it works
    • information about Members of Parliament and Peers

    This course is designed to show what sort of parliamentary information is available to those who do not have access to the parliamentary network.

    Visit website for more


    22 April 10

    The Future of Services for Children Seeking Asylum: Best practice and reform

    One-day conference

    Central London

    This unique one day conference offers delegates the opportunity to explore the future role all associated professionals will play in ensuring that all children seeking asylum within the UK are provided with the best possible start in life. This will be the first public conference focusing on children in the care system seeking asylum since the Supreme Court decision on age and the new duty on the UKBA through the BCI Act. It will facilitate professionals to develop the expertise they need, ranging from good placement planning through to effective implementation We will hear from trailblazing local authorities, policy makers, frontline practitioners and academic experts who will inform on best practice development and future strategy. The programme is designed to be interactive, encouraging good debate and exchange of ideas.

    Benefits:

    • Explore the current situation and issues facing asylum seeking children
    • Assess how to support asylum seeking children leaving the care system
    • Identify best practice in safeguarding asylum seeking children
    • Develop multi-agency strategies to tackle child trafficking
    • Explore recent developments including Lady Hale’s Judgements
    • Consider how to raise educational attainment of asylum seeking children
    • Learn about good placement planning
    • Consider the mental health needs of asylum seeking children

    Furthermore, Nadine Finch, a Barrister at Garden Court Chambers will be presenting the findings of “Levelling the Playing Field.” This is a cutting-edge joint UNICEF and Garden Court Chambers report into the extent to which the housing, educational, health and social needs of unaccompanied foreign children are being met by three different local authorities in England.

    Who should attend?

    • Professionals working in local authority children’s services departments
    • Professionals working in local authority asylum seeker teams
    • Local education authorities, schools, further education colleges
    • Child protection social workers
    • People working in the Home Office and IND
    • Leaving Care Teams
    • Professionals working in residential units
    • IROs Health professionals
    • Legal/immigration professionals
    • Outreach workers working with children
    • Family support workers
    • Voluntary sector workers
    • Sure Start professionals
    • Housing officers
    • Police

    Visit website for more


    23 April 10

    Short course- volunteering holiday & sustainability learning in Wales

    Otesha UK

    Cardigan, Wales

    Looking for the perfect kick-start to your very own sustainable journey?

    The very first Otesha 10 day tour is rolling out this summer from April 23rd - May 2nd.

    Together with the amazing 10:10 campaign and hosted at Fforest Camps in Cardigan Bay, Wales, we've dreamed up the perfect week for anyone who wants to get more green but doesn't know where to start.

    Expect a jam-packed 10 days, full of interactive learning about sustainability- volunteering on a permaculture farm, visits to other amazing projects, cooking delicious seasonal food together, films, inspiring speakers, games, the great outdoors, tinkering with bikes, music, crafternoons, meeting like-minded people and more.

    Experience sustainability in action - living low-impact and getting involved with projects from growing organic food to making homes more energy efficient. You’ll also learn about how your day-to-day choices impact global issues like climate change and poverty, and learn which lifestyle changes can have the biggest positive impact.

    Check out www.otesha.org.uk/10daytours for more details and information on how to register.

    The registration fee of £500 includes accommodation, meals and snacks, adventure activities, training workshops and all materials. If you need to rent a bicycle, we can arrange this for an additional cost.

    Visit website for more


    27 April 10

    Internet Search Tools & Techniques

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    Internet Search Tools & Techniques
    Library Training Session

    Time: 14:30 - 16:30
    Date: Tuesday 27 April 2010
    Venue: Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate
    Booking/information: x2937

    A two hour course looking at the various techniques of searching the internet. This course is aimed at users who are overwhelmed by the information on the internet and covers:

    • different types of search tools (search engine, directories, meta search engines)
    • effective search techniques
    • guidance on how to make the most use of your Internet browser (eg Internet Explorer)
    • evaluating site authorship
    • keeping up with developments on the internet

    Visit website for more


    28 April 10

    PIMS Search and Retrieval

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    PIMS Search and Retrieval
    Library Training Session

    Time: 14:30 - 16:30
    Date: Wednesday 28 April 2010
    Venue: Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate
    Booking/information: x2937

    A 2 hour hands-on course on the Parliamentary Information Management Services (PIMS) system.

    PIMS is a database of parliamentary proceedings, papers, questions, debates, legislation, Early Day Motions and deposited papers. It also contains non-parliamentary material such as research briefings and selected press articles.

    This course covers:

    what material is included in the PIMS system

    Advanced and Type-specific search for more successful searching

    examples showing how to use Boolean and proximity operators

    an introduction to the PIMS report options

    Other PIMS training

    Training on PIMS Enquiries and the PIMS Content Management Application is available for staff who need to use these applications (mainly Commons Library staff but also certain Lords Library staff). Lords Library staff requiring PIMS CMA training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Table Office staff requiring tailored PIMS Search and Retrieval training should contact Catrin Owens on ext 6110.

    Visit website for more


    28 April 10

    Media Sources on the Intranet and Internet

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    Time: 11:00 - 13:00

    A two hour course looking at sources of media information available in the Library Reading Rooms and via the Parliamentary Intranet and Internet.

    • A brief overview of the Library's hard copy media holdings in the reading rooms
    • How to access full text journal articles online
    • A brief introduction to Factiva (a separate course is available for full training on Factiva)
    • How to access historical material in Times Digital Archive
    • A look at some other useful intranet resources (eg Foresight News, BBC Monitoring)
    • Finding links to online media resources (eg news search tools and newspapers)

    Visit website for more


    29 April 10

    Library Intranet Pages

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    Time: 14:30 - 16:30

    A 2 hour course looking at the material on the Library's Intranet pages. It includes:

    • how to navigate your way around the Library's Intranet pages
    • information available on Library research subject pages, including links to useful websites
    • how to use Adobe's Acrobat software to retrieve PDF documents such as Library research papers and standard notes
    • how to access online reference sources such as KnowUK, BBC World Media Monitor and other electronic data
    • how to use the search engine to the Library pages

    Visit website for more


    29 April 10

    Factiva

    Library Training Session

    Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate

    Factiva 
    Library Training Session

    Time: 11:00 - 12:15
    Date: Thursday 29 April 2010
    Venue: Vardon Room, 1 Derby Gate
    Booking/information: x2937

    Factiva is the Library's online newspaper and trade journal resource on the Intranet.  The customised interface provides:

    • user-friendly searching of electronic newspapers
    • trade press
    • breaking news
    • content access to the full text of the New Statesman, the Spectator and the Economist

    Additional functionality enables users to:

    • save searches
    • set up news alerts for their areas of interest
    • create personal source groups

    The course is a hands-on training session delivered by a trainer from Factiva. At the end of the course the Factiva trainer is happy to stay on to discuss any queries and help course delegates set-up saved searches and alerts.

    Visit website for more


    12 May 10

    The Christian Basis of Democracy

    JustShare lecture

    St Mary-le-Bow Church, EC2V 6AU

    ‘The Christian Basis of Democracy’
    2010 JustShare lecture series on Christian Social and Political Thought.

    Time: 18:05 - 19:05
    Date: 12 May 2010
    Venue: St Mary-le-Bow Church, EC2V 6AU
    Open to: everyone

    Speakers:

    The Rt Revd and Rt Hon the Lord Harries of Pentregarth

    Visit website for more


    01 July 10

    The Future of Services for Bereaved Children: Best Practice and Reform

    One-day conference

    Central London

    Childhood bereavement is an issue of great importance. Not only will the death of a friend or family member leave a child in confusion and despair but young people can, as a result, develop depressive disorders and suffer post traumatic stress. Unfortunately bereaved children have more to deal with than just the initial trauma. A bereaved child is likely to suffer temporary loss of support from other grieving relatives, suffer from financial difficulties, move house and even change school. Therefore support must extend beyond initial grievance counselling.

    This unique one day conference offers the opportunity to explore the roles of front line practitioners in supporting bereaved children. We will hear from our own trailblazing local authorities, schools, educational psychologists, academics and politicians who will inform on best practice development and future strategy. The programme is designed to ensure good debate, exchange of practical ideas and, of course, lots of PARTICIPATION.

    Benefits of Attending

    • Explore the reasons why bereaved children have become the ‘forgotten mourners’
    • Understand the role of bereavement support services from a first-hand and political perspective
    • Identify key areas for improvements by assessing the UK’s bereavement services in an international context
    • Explore the role of non-kinship carers, such as foster parents and residential care workers in supporting a bereaved child
    • Explore the role of the school in supporting a bereaved child
    • Indentify the necessary support kinship care givers require in caring for a bereaved child while, in turn, coming to terms with their own grief
    • Explore the role of hospices in preparing children for bereavement
    • Explore different forms of support needed by a bereaved child dependant on circumstances including suicide, terminal illness and sudden, tragic death
    • Discuss the implications of bereavement for children with learning disabilities
    • Discuss the role of the media
    • Learn how best to access Child and Adolescent Mental Health services to better support a bereaved child
    • Identify how best to restore hope in a bereaved child
    • Understand, from a first hand perspective what it means to be bereaved as a child

    Who Should Attend?

    • School nurses
    • Teachers
    • Children’s home staff
    • Child protection social workers
    • Foster carers
    • IFPs Local authority fostering teams
    • Kinship teams
    • Youth workers
    • Bereavement charities
    • Bereavement councillors
    • Bereavement service officers
    • CAMHS specialists
    • Doctors
    • PCTs
    • SHAs
    • Family liaison officers
    • PALS officers
    • Hospice staff
    • Funeral directors
    • Social workers
    • Children’s services departments in Local Authorities
    • Police
    • Emergency Services

    Visit website for more


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