This event, part of the ESRC week-long Festival of Social Science, will discuss policy, evidence and pioneering initiatives on building social capital through civic participation and social connections, and will be held at the NCVO in London on 11th November in London.
The social connections people have and their participation in civic life matters for many reasons. Given its importance as a resource for people, communities and effective public service reforms, ISER’s huge panel study, Understanding Society, will be the focus of this event, working in partnership with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Cooperative Councils Innovation Network who will host this one-day event to debate the state of social capital in Britain today.
It is aimed at social action pioneers, public service reformers, academics, policy advisors and practitioners from across government, voluntary organisations and social enterprises, local authorities, think tanks, universities, business CSR departments and charitable foundations.
Register for The State of Social Capital in Britain event
The benefits of social capital are associated with better health, employment, well-being, tolerance and cohesion, and democratic participation. Whilst people in the UK have a long tradition of civic participation and social action concerns are also growing about deeper social fragmentation in some cases, perceptions of more people leading separate lives and civic inequalities.
Given the combined effects of a deep recession, continued austerity and an ageing society, some are now seeking more radical solutions to encourage an active citizenry, a sharing economy and remodel the relationship between welfare, public services and the role of citizens.
• The 13th annual Festival of Social Science takes place from 7-14 November 2015 with over 200 free events nationwide. Run by the Economic and Social Research Council, the Festival provides an opportunity for anyone to meet with some of the country’s leading social scientists and discover, discuss and debate the role that research plays in everyday life. With a whole range of creative and engaging events there’s something for everyone including businesses, charities, schools and government agencies. A full programme is available at www.esrc.ac.uk/festival. You can also join the discussion on Twitter using #esrcfestival.