ERSA’s Annual Conference 2013 was specifically designed to place a dual spotlight on meeting the performance challenge, while preparing for an ever evolving public service landscape. With a particular focus on learning the lessons from current provision, as well as providing space to discuss the potential shape of future commissioning, the conference helped delegates come away with a far clearer idea of the challenge and opportunities of the welfare to work world. Speakers included:

• Esther McVey, MP, Minister of State for Employment

• Rt Hon Stephen Timms, MP, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions

• Matthew Sinclair, Chief Executive, The TaxPayers’ Alliance

• Liz Sayce, OBE, Chief Executive, Disability Rights UK

• Baroness Stedman-Scott, Chief Executive, Tomorrow’s People

• Tom Gash, Director of Research, The Institute for Government

• Nicola Smith, Head of Economic and Social Affairs, TUC

• Richard Harries, Deputy Director, Reform

• Mark Fisher, Director of Social Justice, Department for Work and Pensions

• Sir Tony Hawkhead, Chief Executive, Groundwork UK

• Paul Raynes, Head of Programmes (Finance and Localism), Local Government Association

• Martyn Oliver, Chief Executive, 3SC

• Jacquie Smallwood, Executive Director of Operations, Shaw Trust

• Lynsey Boother, Senior Employment and Skills Adviser, National Housing Federation

• Teresa Frith, Senior Skills Policy Manager, Association of Colleges

• Iain Salisbury, Group Director of Employability, learndirect

• Victoria Whittle, Head of Work and Enterprise, Affinity Sutton

• Katie Schmuecker, Programme Manager, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

• James Plunkett, Director of Policy and Development, Resolution Foundation