'Making sense in uncertain times; facing difficulties both creatively and professionally' 

Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre, 22-24 June 2011

Welcome from the chair of the AUCC executive committee - Chris Holt 

I have great pleasure in inviting you to the 2011 AUCC conference entitled "Making sense in uncertain times: facing difficulties both creatively and professionally"

The AUCC conference sub-committee when organising this year's event have recognised that many members are feeling under pressure and concerned in these uncertain times and have prepared an excellent programme which will acknowledge the climate in which we work.

The conference provides members with the opportunity to hear inspirational speakers, meet colleagues, exchange ideas and both offer and receive support from others working in further and higher education. It gives us a chance to take time away from the daily grind and, hopefully, recharge our batteries. It is informative, useful but also fun; so whether you come for just one day or for both I hope you will join us and I look forward to your company.

Chris Holt

Welcome from the chair of the AUCC Conference Committee - Charlotte Snoxall

‘Making sense in uncertain times' reflects the difficult climate we are currently working in and where we felt the focus should be. This year's conference will be opened by keynote speaker Julian Lousada from The Tavistock who will stimulate us into thinking about facing up to some of the challenges of this changing environment.  He will draw upon his own thinking and experience of working with young people, especially within HE settings and the wider organizational context. 

In order to maximize acessibiltiy in the current financial climate we have organized this year's program to be over two days, with one or two nights stay as optional.  There will be a wide range of workshops to cater for a diversity of needs and theoretical backgrounds. For example, you may wish to consider teams and organizations under stress; self-care or creative ways of adapting your current ways of working.

We have chosen the conference centre at Yarnfield, Stone which is set within 80 acres of beautiful grounds in the Staffordshire countryside with very comfortable accommodation and facilities. The decision for a change from staying within our own sector this year was opted for in response to regular feedback over the past few years from our delegates.

We hope that you will enjoy the event this year, and as ever look forward to welcoming you to our exciting program, which will also allow us time to mingle and network, enjoy each others company as well as share our thoughts and ideas.

Charlotte Snoxall