We will run an Annual Seminar and Academic Network Meetings which we have established with the major rural Universities. We also run free RDPE Liaison Meetings and meetings of Authorities' Rural Officers to encourage information exchange.Rural Seminars
RSN (with support from Knight Frank) has developed a seminar programme which is free of charge to all members. The seminars are intended to help councils and Rural Service Partnership members overcome some of the issues that they face in delivering services.
The full events brochure can be downloaded by clicking here
Rural Courses and Qualifications (Birbeck)
We have established a Rural Governance link with Birkbeck College (University of London) for day and residential courses (Qualifications) on rural issues. It is we feel the only targeted rural governance arrangement working across England. RSN members receive discounted rates. The service is being operated to ensure rural issues and learning are given a wider academic profile.
Meeting rural officers
Twice a yearly we are holding meetings of County and Unitary Economic Development Officers on Rural Issues to ensure there is networking on rural issues. Meetings this year will be concerned with the rural recession and the responsibility to undertake an economic assessment.
Academic Network Linkages
We have an Academic Network involving the six English universities specialising in rural studies. We also plan to link our work to the wider group of universities and colleges who offer rural courses. We feel there is an important knowledge base here which should be a constructive tool in harnessing thoughts and debate (and inform our representation and lobbying roles) about rural service issues
Meetings on European Issues
- RDPE Meetings
We have arranged with the Commission for Rural Communities meetings on at least two occasions a year. This will give rural authorities a continuing interface with the RDPE programme and the Advisory Committee for England, which monitors that programme. - European Officer Funding Market Sessions
We will convene occasional market examination sessions to give members the opportunity to examine European funding opportunities.
