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

2. 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

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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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.