The European Social Network (ESN) is hosting its annual seminar in cooperation with the Slovak Presidency of the European Union on 15-16 November in Bratislava, Slovakia. The seminar, on the social services workforce, combines European expertise and practice presentations from, policy-makers and local, national and regional levels alongside input from panel members on planning and managing those working for social services in Europe.

ESN’s work on the social service workforce

Based on background research and the questionnaire on the social service workforce that ESN launched in June 2016, ESN and experts in the field will address common challenges and present potential solutions and opportunities regarding recruitment, retention, training, workforce mobility within the EU (and beyond), regulation, and workforce planning. Considering EU initiatives and frameworks, national policies and local practices, we will explore how activities at these different governance levels can be aligned to form an effective workforce strategy for social services.

Participants will be able to discuss with researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and advocacy organisations the key issues facing the social service workforce in Europe. The seminar is an opportunity for about 100 participants and speakers to influence our research and the analytical report ESN will be publishing on this topic in early 2017.

How to participate?

The seminar is open to those who are managing, planning, training or researching the social service workforce in public authorities and the not-for-profit/ for profit sectors.

Presentations and discussion will take place in English and Slovak.