Councils are facing up to the challenge of adjusting to the new era of financial restraint. Difficult decisions are being made to balance community needs and expectations and manage competing demands. The pressure is on to find new ways of doing things.

The Government has stripped away the old performance regime of inspection and assessment and is looking to councils to be more accountable locally and to take responsibility for their own performance. The morning session will explore some of the practical implications of the transparency agenda and the tools the LG Group is making available - free of charge - to help member councils manage their own performance.

During the afternoon, we will hear about the innovation work that NESTA and Local Government Improvement & Development are leading on, as well as interactive and informative workshops on community budgets, productivity opportunities and Big Society.

This is your opportunity to get to grips with the implications and opportunities of:
- sector self-regulation
- localism and Big Society
- new ways of reshaping local public services
- new productivity opportunities

Speakers include:
- Cllr David Parsons CBE, Deputy Chairman, Local Government Group and Chairman, LG Group Improvement Programme Board
- Daniel Oppenheimer, Interim Chief Executive, NESTA
- Emer Coleman, Director of Digital Projects, London Councils

To book your place, please complete the online booking form by following this link Improvement and Innovation 2011 conference
If you cannot access the link, please go to www.local.gov.uk/events

Who should attend?
Representatives from across local government and the public sector including:
· Councillors
· Chief Executives
· Directors
· Heads of Services
· Policy Officers
· Representatives from fire and police authorities
· Private and voluntary sector partners

**Special discounted rates for member councillors**
A limited number of conference places are available for LGA member councillors at £75 + VAT. To take advantage of this special rate, book online at Improvement and Innovation 2011 conference and ensure to book early to avoid disappointment.

For details of all Local Government Group events, please go to www.local.gov.uk