News item
Year Ahead 2015 Conference
The Holiday Inn, Birmingham City Centre was the venue for the sixth annual LRSA Year Ahead Conference held on 10 June 2015.
The annual event has grown in popularity year on year and become a firm fixture on the calendar for many Registration Service Managers, Heads of Service and Registration Officers, as well as attracting regular support from other public service professionals as well as colleagues from the General Register Officer.
150 delegates joined together to hear LRSA Chairman, Mark Rimmer, Head of Registration and Nationality at Brent and Barnet councils welcome attendees to what was anticipated to be an interesting and varied day of debate and discussion, centred around the key theme of ‘The Changing Face of Registration’.
Speakers included Alison Cathcart, Superintendent Registrar from Westminster City Council who spoke with delegates about new ideas applied by her service when finding a solution to sourcing alternative accommodation for marriages, as well as working in partnership to achieve this.
Amy Donovan, Head of Service from Essex County Council spoke about the transformation of her service areas, the centralising of services and the challenge to meet efficiency targets whilst Andrew Foster, Director of Development and Regulatory Services from CAPITA spoke frankly about his organisation’s objective to transform public services, but to achieve this through growth and not cuts.
Leonie Cowen from Leonie Cowan and Associates gave a thought provoking insight into the potential future governance options for Registration Services whilst the General Register Office delivered an interactive session with delegates focusing upon the effective management of data sharing.
LRSA conference regulars, the Home Office, gave an overview of nationality issues and Sue Brown from GRO and Steve Lloyd from Lancashire County Council updated delegates on the Nationally Accredited Programme for Registration Officers.
The day concluded with the LRSA Quality Service Awards. Hearty congratulations go to Patricia Boucher from Warwickshire County Council Registration Service who picked up the award for Outstanding Individual Contribution and East Riding Registration and Celebratory Services who collected the Partnership Award. A big well done to both on their achievements and continuing to deliver excellence in an ever demanding environment.
As well as the specialist category awards mentioned above, a host of 25 Year Long Service awards were issued to 18 Registration professionals who as well as dedication to the service have also demonstrated their stamina.
Last but by no means least, an award for Outstanding Contribution to Registration Services was presented to Gwyn Hughes from the General Register Officer who after over 40 years in service has decided to call in a well-earned retirement. Bon voyage Gwyn and good wishes for a happy and long retirement.
The LRSA Year Ahead 2015 conference photo gallery can be found on the Reference page.
