1. University of Bristol Annie Hudson Strategic Director Children, Young People and Skills Bristol City Council

2. Maximising expertise Local government perspectives Political and professional negotiations Changing times: seismic policy + resource changes! Personal journey Developing a shared narrative

3. Local Govt needs Think out of box: challenge status quo: News from ewhere What is to be done: more than critique Cognisant of audiences + languages Speed, flexibility + whats in it for you? Understand territories + political drivers

4. Vehicles for using experts Supporting evidence based policy + practice, Strategic partnerships Formal expert roles – e.g.. Scrutiny commissions, corporate parenting panel Results Adding value, professional capital to projects Enhancing capability + competence Action / research/ action……improvement cycle

5. Managing challenges + tensions ? Colliding diaries + organisational needs Town and gown: stereotypes + realities? Pragmatism vs purity of the issue Making the case: when + why experts ? Good practice to make a difference:

6. An example or two Corporate parenting – adviser + antidote to officer bias, evidence from outside Education transitions research Research in Practice : assessment + early intervention : what works

7. Conclusion All ad hoc? But hard times – priorities? Using expertise in an electronic age? Knowing what expertise is out there Shared success stories : making a difference