Another year, another chance to breathe in the sea air outside of policy sessions on a whole range of strategic to frontline service issues in children’s and adult services, and an opportunity to catch up with old friends.
Having attended this conference over the past 12 years or so, I was struck by three things.
Firstly, attendance appeared to be down on previous years. I understand a small number of authorities decided to pull their teams due to budget pressures while others sent smaller numbers. In a time when collaboration and sharing of good practice is more crucial than ever, this seems a punitive measure to save money.
Secondly, it was good to see NHS leaders sitting alongside local authority leaders on the platforms. As integration, the Better Care Fund, sustainability and transformation partnerships (and delayed transfers of care) remained key themes then this is a refreshing development. However, the audience did not reflect this same mix. If joint working is to continue in real terms the conference needs to attract attendance from across the broad spectrum of the NHS community from local to national bodies.
Finally, I was heartened by a sense of quiet optimism and resilience. The vacuum left by central government in their current state is leaving space for local leaders to do just that – lead.
The quiz, along with EY sponsors, was a great success, but it will never be the same in Bournemouth as the venue is getting redeveloped – another institution gone forever.
Maggie Hennessy is director, Penna Executive Search,and social care lead