An innovative conference designed to help local authourities and social housing landlords meet new regulations, by making cost efficiencies as well as be more aware of the social return on their Investments, is scheduled to take place on 9th February 2012.

The conference developed by the Board Development Agency, is aimed at clarifying the requirements of the new regulations being introduced in April 2012, as well as issues arising from the Localism Act and Social Value bills.

Speakers on the day will discuss ways to enable public sector and housing specialists to save money, which they can use to invest in improved services and enhanced community investments.

Keynote speakers will include:

• Chris White MP, who will discuss his Social Value Private Members bill and what it will mean to local authorities and third sector organisations..
• Mick Warner, AD Assurance & Financial Analysis at the TSA, will speak on the new regulatory framework, value for money and what Economic Regulation means in England.
• Ronnie Huss from Enhanced Performance Improvements (EPI) will speak on how to apply the core principles of cost  process and efficiency optimisation to identify, prioritise, and deliver VFM savings.
• Hugh Laird, Director of the Board Development Agency, will discuss developing a methodology for establishing the Social Return on Investment - assessing your social impact and proving your 'Social Dividend'. As well as discussing developing Value for Money (VFM) Clusters - embedding VFM and social impact assessment locally.

Chris White, MP, said: "My bill will be a strong message to commissioners that they should look at measurement tools such as Social Return on Investment (SROI) in order to better appreciate the benefits that can be gained by communities through smarter commissioning of services, goods and works.

"Commissioners are part of our communities too, and there is a lot of work going on around social auditing and SROI which will help give commissioners the tools necessary to absorb the provisions of the bill and innovate appropriately."

Ron Huss from EPI stated: "using techniques such as Continuous Improvement Planning, and Lean in the public sector and social housing will give tools to analyse the organisation and make realistic, and sustainable cost reductions through procurement and efficiency improvements. By eliminating non-value adding activities we are able to develop the best possible outcome of lower costs, whilst maintaining if not improving service levels."

Hugh Laird said: "There is no better time to have this conference, with the current economic situation and changes to regulations in local government and housing, cost efficiencies and social return on investments are essential for future success.

"There will also be a number of powerful workshops at the conference, to help share best practice approaches and encourage discussion on the new approach needed for governance and the quest for value for money."

The TSA statutory consultation makes it clear boards need to act now to protect their organisation's regulatory judgement. VFM changes to regulation mean.

The regulator will also have an expanded role on value for money in housing associations/local authourities. In future, the regulator expects boards to have a clear view of their risk appetite and associated risk management strategies, an informed view of their cost base and the factors affecting it, a strategy for making best use of their assets, and a plan for improving VFM that has been developed in a transparent way with input from stakeholders.

The conference will take place at the Copthorne Hotel in Birmingham on the 9 February 2012 and is aimed at: Board members, Chief Executives, Finance Directors, Governance Officers Procurement Officers or anyone interested in organisational change and transformation and making a financial and social difference to their organisation.

The cost of attendance is £185 + VAT, however there is a 5% discount for SOLACE and the National Association of Governance Officers.

To book your place at the conference email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or for more information on why it's essential visit New Regulations.