Welcome!
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves as the newly elected SPA Postgraduate Representatives. While introducing some of our ideas, we would also like to invite your comments and feedback in order to refine our strategic focus. An update of the most recent postgraduate discussion will also be provided for those who could not attend the conference in Lincoln.
Social Policy Association Conference 2011
Thanks to the efforts of Rachel Dobson - the outgoing Postgraduate Representative - postgraduate attendance and participation at Lincoln reached record levels this year. In addition to the poster presentations, postgraduates presented papers in many sessions, promoting discussions within a wide range of policy areas. The added possibility of presenting a paper in either the main or postgraduate stream provided further participatory flexibility. We would like therefore like to share the sentiments of the postgraduate community and Executive Committee in expressing our gratitude towards Rachel and the conference organisers for these opportunities. The tireless support of the University of Lincoln postgraduates is also kindly acknowledged.
Opportunities for experience
As incoming representatives we had the chance to meet with postgraduates at the conference. Tina Haux chaired a postgraduate discussion group where a variety of topics were covered, thus directing the priority areas for follow up action. The transition into the labour market was found to be of great concern, with opportunities for additional support in this area being welcomed. In particular it was felt that the opportunity to meet and even work for those in posts or organisations of interest would be highly valued. The capacity to secure publications was also a central concern with the SPA support again considered as crucial. As no nominations were received in connection with the last two years best postgraduate conference paper award, a subsequent review of the qualifying criteria has been welcomed. Subsequently, those wanting to be considered for future awards will need to present their paper at the conference, having submitted a full copy by the specified deadline.
In terms of scope, those present at the meeting reflected a wide range of nationalities. This underlined the importance of reinforcing existing international connections such as those with ESPAnet (Europe) and EASP (East Asia). In this respect the next conference - being held jointly in York with the East Asian Social Policy research network - was perceived as an excellent opportunity for increased cohesion between the social policy postgraduate community at a domestic and global level.
Promoting active postgraduate participation
This initial postgraduate conference consultation was highly valuable, and presented an important initial opportunity. However, the inclusion of only a few social policy postgraduates has made it a priority to extend this dialogue further. Subsequently, we have extended active communication opportunities to Facebook and Twitter - where contributions and commentaries relevant to social policy and individual research may be posted, as well as news relating to SPA activities (postgraduate events, SPA Annual Conference and other special offers for SPA members). It is anticipated that social networking could increase the possibility of meeting others, while improving the opportunities to attend such events, gain experiences and secure publications. However, your participation would be critical for the success of such a tool so we urge you to enhance its value through your participation. Moreover, we are planning to organise events for postgraduates so welcome further discussion about topics and subjects of int erest.
Get in touch
We are planning to build the opportunities for postgraduates to participate further at the joint SPA/EASP conference in York on July 16-18th next year - we hope you will be able to attend and look forward to meeting you there. In the meantime, we will be meeting with the SPA Executive Committee in early January and would welcome your valuable input onto the postgraduate agenda. Please contact us by the end of December if you wish to discuss anything for inclusion at: spa.postgraduates@gmail.com. You can join the SPA postgraduate mailing list by signing up to the SPA postgraduate Jicsmail or for general Social Policy news relating to the academic community, the Social policy Jiscmail
To keep in touch with the latest postgraduate opportunities 'Like'SPA Postgraduates Facebook fan page or 'Follow'@spapostgrads on Twitter.
All the best for this Autumn term!
Lorenza and Sarah
Postgraduate Representatives
