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Managing your organisation

Public and Patient Empowerment Conference, July 2008

Last modified date:

30 July 2008

photograph of a speaker at the conference

Our first national conference, Taking the lead - engaging people and communities, was held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London on 8 July 2008. The conference highlighted the benefits of engaging people and communities, and the need for strategic leadership to embed organisational culture.

Over 300 delegates, exhibitors and a varied programme of speakers and interactive sessions ensured a highly successful and interesting event. David Nicholson spoke about the need for more 'patient clout' in the NHS and the wider public sector, and how engaging patients and the public as well as the NHS Constitution will play a vital role in delivering more responsive, personalised care.

Other speakers highlighted their own experiences and innovative ways to engage as well as looking at using new approaches, such as the 'e-cycle' to embed engagement to support commissioning.

still from conference film of a delegate using the interactive technology

Joan Saddler, the new National Director of Patient and Public Affairs, spoke on leading change locally and called for providers and commissioners to make sure their strategies ensure they listen and engage local communities more systematically.

Mark Britnell, DH’s Director General of Commissioning and System Management, closed the day by explaining how engagement is central to commissioning and the need to strengthen accountability locally.

Delegates also took part in table discussions using interactive technology, lively debate during the question and answer session and visited the exhibitions stands.

The presentations, slides and short film on the resources page below illustrate the content and activities on the day and will offer a flavour of how the conference went to those who were unable to attend. If you have any questions or comments about the conference please email us at: