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Please find attached details of a conference being organised by colleagues in Sunderland.

IT in the Community
The Importance of the Use of Digital Technology and Innovation to Promote Social Inclusion

25th and 26th November 2008
Sunderland, The Stadium of Light
This National Conference will demonstrate the use of digital technology and innovation to promote social inclusion. The conference will also show the importance of the integration of technology, community engagement, empowerment and capacity building programmes.

Who would benefit from attending:
· Central Government Departments

· Local Authorities, particularly Senior Policy Makers and those concerned with community development

· Voluntary & Community Sector Organisations - particularly those interested in working in partnership with local government

· Access and Inclusion related Charities

· Welfare Groups

· Regional & National Digital Inclusion Partnerships

· Engagement Officers / Community Development Officers / Customer Services

· Libraries & Information Services

· Local Strategic Partnerships

· Registered Social Landlords

· Job Centre Plus

· Citizens Advice

· Adult & Community Learning Providers

· UK Online Centres

· Technology Companies

· Regeneration

· IT Consultants & Suppliers

·

Discussion, debate and networking are an important and integral part of the conference programme. There will be a number of oral presentations and workshops. For further programme information please click here.

Delegates will be shown examples of innovative community development approaches, and hear evidence of how putting local people and the community and voluntary sector at the heart of the decision-making process is a key factor in building cohesive and empowered communities.

Delegates will have the opportunity to view social and digital inclusion programmes from the public, private and third sector perspectives. They will hear of the radical interventions for Digital Equality currently championed by DC10plus – the Digital Inclusion Network. It also provides delegates with opportunities to engage, debate and network with like minded practitioners, and subject leaders in the form of workshops.

Conference Programme
The conference programme is still likely to change. Check www.itinthecommunity.com regularly, or contact the conference office.

Tuesday 25th November 2008
Huw Irranca-Davies, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Wales Office will attend and give a speech at the conference – (time slot tbc)

09:00-09:30

Registration & Refreshments

09:30-09:40

Welcome to the Conference
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson - (tbc)

09:40-09:50

Introduction from Day 1
Conference Chair, Stephen Dodson, National Programme Director DC10plus

09:50-10:10

Key Note Session 1
Bert Provan, Deputy Direct Communities & Local Government

10:10-10:30

Key Note Session 2
Stephen Dodson, National Programme Director DC10plus

10:30-10:50

Key Note Session 3
Stephen Gowland, Programme Director Sunderland Digital Challenge

10:50-11:10

Refreshments & Networking

11:15-12:05

Parallel Sessions (1-4) Presentation & Workshop Discussions

12:10-13.10

Networking Lunch – Opportunity to visit Liaze and Black Cats Buses

13:10-14:00

Parallel sessions (5 - 8)

14:00-14:30

Feedback from Parallel Sessions & Panel Q&A

14:30-14:45

Refreshments

14:45-15:30

DC10plus Interactive Workshop

15:35-16:00

Plenary

16:00-16:30

First Day Thanks
Stephen Dodson

16:45-19:00

Conference Networking Event

Parallel Sessions:

1. SAFC Foundation
2. Derwentside District Council Spice Project - Project Manager Darren Howell (tbc)
3. John Fisher Citizens on-line – CLG research project Technology to engage excluded groups
4. Nottingham Homeshoring – Peter Goodwin
5. Digi-TV – Guy Giles
6. EYPP – Con Crawford
7. Newcastle University Mobile Phone Beacon Project – Catherine Purvis
8. Stephen Carey – Software City (further information to follow)

Wednesday 26th November 2008
09:00-09:30

Registration & Refreshments

09:30-09:40

Introduction from Day 2
Conference Chair, Canon Stephen Taylor, Chair Sunderland Partnership

10:00-10:20

Key Note Session 2
John Fisher – Chief Executive, Citizens On-line

10:20-10:40

Key Note Session 3
Helen Milner, CEO UK On-Line

10:40-11:00

Key Note Session 4
Alan Patchett, Director, Age Concern, Sunderland

11:00-11:20

Refreshments & Networking

11:20-12:10

Parallel Sessions (1-4) Presentation & Workshop Discussions

12:10-13.10

Networking Lunch & Opportunity to Visit Liaze & Black Cats Buses

13:10-14:00

Parallel session (5 - 6)

14:00-14:30

Feedback from Parallel Sessions & Panel Q&A

14:30-14:45

Refreshments

14:45-15:15

Plenary

15:15-15:25

Second Day Thanks
Canon Stephen Taylor

15:25-15:35

Conference Close
Councillor Paul Watson (tbc)

Parallel Sessions

1. Communities of Interest Websites as a Community Empowerment & Networking tool
2. BME Network Project – Tim Anderson (TBC)
3. Jane Nesbit – VODA Community IT Support - DC10plus contributions offered
4. Ealing – Carmel Cahill – Consultation with Community & Voluntary Sector
5. Hull – Mark Jones Stream On-line – Digital Switchover and engaging older people
6. Milton Keynes – Steven Jewell (via Lisa Bailey) – Connect MK

Please visit www.itinthecommunity.com for the most up to date programme and to book.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Graham Jordan

Partnership Analyst

Tyne and Wear ICT Partnership

c\o ICT Services,

Gateshead Council,

Civic Centre

Regent Street,

Gateshead NE8 1HH

www.twict.gov.uk

grahamjordan@gateshead.gov.uk