EU Quality Conferences Final report for Directors General Key message: Very strong support for Quality Conferences but improvements needed

Principal Benefits Networking Sharing of best practice Exchange of good ideas Forum for new methods Hear recognised experts Stimulus for driving improvements nationally Adds an edge to national and regional conferences

Principal Benefits Unique European nature Raising awareness and increasing understanding Promoting co-operation Ensuring quality is on the agenda Meeting face-to-face

Service Improvements? Not much evidence: CAF is the exception May be indirect improvements Why? Evidence is not sought Quality of cases variable and are not always transferable Not enough time for discussion between practitioners Evaluation – greater role in future?

Final recommendations Conferences should continue Simplify structure & content Keep theme/s simple and ensure that titles of sessions reflect the content Improve selection & quality of best practice cases through greater involvement of DGs and IPSG members Time and space for proper discussion and learning Focus of cases on learning and transferability Evaluate success Disseminate good practice and innovative ideas more widely

For discussion by Directors General Overall view of final report: findings and recommendations Recommendation that DGs should select the themes for quality conferences and review plans for delivery.