The Wales College

All 22 authorities in Wales are members of the Wales College, a partnership with research in practice which was successfully launched on 8 October (2004) at Llandrindod Wells in mid-Wales. The venture is a significant move towards embedding evidence-informed childcare practice in Wales. The Social Services Improvement Agency, part of the Wales Local Government Association, plays a supporting role for the College and the existing Heads of Children’s Service Forum fulfils the role of a Steering Group for this initiative, giving direction and guidance on the development of the partnership. During the period of the partnership the Wales authorities have had access to a range of services from research in practice. Further information can be obtained by looking at the Events and Publications pages.
Each authority has its own link officer – find other link officers by clicking on the agency name

The Wales College contract with research in practice was renewed on 2nd March 2007. The new contract covers the period from 1 September 2007 to 31 August 2010. research in practice will be working closely with the Wales Social Services Improvement Agency in meeting the services identified in the contract. There will be four distinct and related strands to the services that will be offered to the 22 local authorities as part of this contract. These are:

• Investment in Link Officers
• Engaging front line teams
• Winning senior level support
• Dissemination of accessible research

Further details will be available shortly

The key administrative contact for the Wales College is Meinir Williams -  meinir.williams@WLGA.GOV.UK
Social Services Improvement Agency,
Welsh Local Government Association,
Local Government House,
Drake Walk, Cardiff
CF10-4LG
Tel / Ffôn: 029 20468685
Fax / Ffacs: 029 20468601
Other queries please address to:
Elizabeth Cooke at Elizabeth@rip.org.uk