Re-mixing the economy of welfare: what is emerging beyond the market and the state?

A two year ESRC-funded seminar series co-ordinated by Sue Baines (Manchester Metropolitan University) with Irene Hardill (Nottingham Trent University) and Rob Wilson (Newcastle University)

Social and caring services in welfare states depend upon the public sector, the market, the household, and the ‘voluntary and community sector’ (VCS). The contribution of different sectors of the economy varies across time and place. Within the UK - in England and the devolved administrations - expectations of the VCS have risen. Government driven initiatives are in place to ensure that this sector (broadly defined as formal organizations that are not part of the public or private sectors) increasingly shares responsibility with state agencies for delivering services to those in need. Six linked seminars will provide a forum to explore rationales for this change, to assess its implications, and to think about visions for the future.

The series will bring together academic analysts from across the social science traditions. Contributions will be invited from established experts and new researchers. Doctoral students will be encouraged to participate, and they will be offered space to present posters and receive feedback. Each seminar will include practitioners tasked with implementing change, or directly affected by it. Through their structured interaction within the seminars the series will advance reflection on the interface between research and policy.

The six seminars

1. National and regional variations within the UK. 
   February 2009, University of the West of Scotland
2. Communities of ‘difference’ and effects on organisations supporting BME communities. 
   19th May 2009, University of Bristol
3. Roles and relationships between the VCS, communities and the local state. 
   4th June 2009, Newcastle University
4. Implications for the VCS workforce (paid and unpaid) Nottingham Trent University, autumn 2009 (details to be confirmed)
5. Managing trust and information sharing, spring 2010 (details and venue to be confirmed)
6. Understanding and demonstrating the value(s) of VCS participation, Manchester Metropolitan University (details to be confirmed)

If you would like to more information please contact Sue Baines or Eddy Hogg