Strengthening the Rural Voice

8th September 2008

Shared Intelligence, 1 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HE

PtP successfully held this event on the 8th September in London. A report from the event will follow shortly.

For more information about the Rural Forum please see here MS Word 103Kb.

Developing a framework for rural LSPs to influence national policy

In the context of mainstreaming rural issues, it is vital to ensure that there is a strong, clear rural voice to articulate the views and experiences of rural communities and the public, private and voluntary and community organisations that provide services in those areas.

Why is PtP holding this event:

To explore the desire for a support network for rural LSPs
To discuss the wider framework being proposed for exerting influence over rural issues in the region
To explore how best to involve LSP partners in this framework
To ensure this framework is peer led

Objectives/Outcomes of the event:

Consensus on how best to develop a network
An initial steer on the role and purpose of the network
Ideas for involving LSP partners in the Rural Forum

Who should attend?

LSP practitioners
Partners in LSPs representing rural communities

To book your place on this event please complete and return a booking form

10:20: Registration and Refreshments

11:00: Welcome and introductions

Dougal Driver, Head of Rural And Environment (GOSE)

11:10: Presentations

Why the rural voice is important?
The developing ideas for ensuring the rural voice is heard and background to the rural board and rural forum

Jacinta Thorley

11:50: Plenary discussion - Questions from audience

12:00: Workshop session one:

Does the proposed framework make sense?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed framework to strengthen the rural voice?
What can be done to engage individual LSPs in this framework?

Peter Johnson

Jacinta Thorley

Hannah Bussey

13:00: Lunch and networking

14:00: Rural partnerships

The current key issues

Ian Chisnall

Gill Cameron-Waller

14:30: Workshop session two:

What rural issues should be on an LSP agenda?
Which LSP partners ought to be represented on the rural forum – what would their role be?
Which LSP partners have the capacity to join the forum?
What would encourage LSP partners to join the forum?
What would the role of a Practitioners network be?
Benefits / Drawbacks / Risks
Would you join a rural LSP practitioner network?

Peter Johnson

Jacinta Thorley

Hannah Bussey

15:30: Next Steps

Peter Johnson

Feedback from the audience

15:50: Closing remarks

Ian Chisnall

16:00: Close

Dougal Driver, Head of Rural And Environment (GOSE)

Jacinta Thorley

Peter Johnson