Dear All

**LAUNCH OF THE SCOTTISH SOCIAL POLICY NETWORK**

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Scottish Social Policy Network.
Here are the details of the launch event and of how to join the network:


Scottish Social Policy Network

Launch Seminar

Is there a Scottish Welfare State?

University of Stirling

Friday October 8 2004


10.30    - 11.00        Registration and Coffee

11.00 - 11.10   Welcome, Christine Hallett, Principal, University of
Stirling 

11.10 - 11.30   The launch of the Scottish Social Policy Network, Sharon
Wright, University of Stirling 

11.30 - 1.00    Plenary Session: Scottish Social Policy Post-devolution:
themes and perspectives

'The Scottish Welfare State post-devolution: continuities and change'
John Stewart, Oxford Brookes University 

'The Limits to Scottish Social Policy'
Richard Parry, University of Edinburgh

'The Distinctiveness of Social Policy in Scotland:  a critical analysis'
Gerry Mooney, The Open University

Discussant:  Gill Scott, Glasgow Caledonian University

1.00 - 2.00     Lunch

2.00 - 3.00     Round Table Discussion: The Future of Social Policy in
Scotland
	
Contributors: 
Philomena de Lima, University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium
Institute
Adrian Sinfield, University of Edinburgh
Peter Kelly, The Poverty Alliance 

3.00 - 3.30     Close - Where Next for the SSPN?
	
Contact [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> to
book a free place at this event.

THE NETWORK
The Scottish Social Policy Network (SSPN) is a newly established network,
which has been funded by the Social Policy Association (as a regional social
policy network), the University of Stirling and The Open University.  It is
jointly co-ordinated by Gerry Mooney (The Open University) and Sharon Wright
(University of Stirling) and is based in the Department of Applied Social
Science at the University of Stirling.

AIMS
The Scottish Social Policy Network exists to bring together those working in
the field of social policy in Scotland.  The aim is to develop, promote and
inform social policy practices and processes in Scotland while seeking to
encourage research on social policy. A key role of the Network is to promote
social policy as an academic discipline in contemporary Scotland.  Among the
main aims are:

        ·     To encourage the development and dissemination of innovative
ideas, expertise and information relating to social policy in the Scottish
context
        ·     To provide a resource for 'active' social policy researchers
and academics
        ·     To encourage the development of partnerships and joint
activities (including teaching and research) between individuals, groups and
departments in ways that will enhance the discipline of social policy in
Scotland
        ·     To provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and
cross-fertilisation of information
        ·     To provide a forum for the development of a distinctive
Scottish social policy identity, within both the UK and internationally
        ·     To encourage comparative research in social policy in the
context of the post-devolutionary UK and Ireland
        ·     To consolidate and further develop the Scottish social
policy community

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is free and open to all.  The Network will exist primarily for
individuals in Scotland who are working in the field of social policy,
particularly those who are active in research and teaching.  To join the
network, please contact Jennifer Gordon, [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 01786 466300, Department of Applied
Social Science, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA.

ACTIVITIES
The core activities of SSPN will be:
        ·     Discussions and information sharing via the electronic
discussion list (see below)
        ·     Regular newsletters/bulletins (primarily though not
exclusively electronic)
        ·     Regular events in the form of seminars and conferences. 

Active participation of members is encouraged and ideas for network
activities are welcomed.  Please contact either of the co-ordinators if
you're keen to get involved:  [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 

Electronic discussion list
One of the main resources of the Scottish Social Policy Network is a
dedicated electronic discussion list:  [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>  To join the list:
        ·     Go to www.jiscmail.ac.uk <http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk>
        ·     Type sspn into the box FIND LISTS by list name 
        ·     Click on Join or leave the list and follow the instructions
Dr Sharon Wright
Lecturer in Social Policy
Department of Applied Social Science
University of Stirling
Stirling
FK9 4LA

Tel:  +44 (0)1786 467688
Fax: +44 (0)1786 467689

e-mail:  [log in to unmask]


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