Monica Persson, FSS Chair and Social Services Director, Karlstad Municipality, Sweden. (Photo: © Frozentime)
It is not often that you have access to several hundred leaders of social services from different European countries, and even further afield, in one place. And now the European Social Services Conference is being held on our home turf, from 14-16 June in Malmö. Actually the whole event kicks off a day earlier with the much appreciated Nordic Day, focusing on services and development associated to the Nordic Model. If you are an FSS member, you also get a discount on the conference fee. Can it get any better? Welcome to Malmö this summer!
FSS (the Association of Directors of Social Welfare Services in Sweden) is proud to be one of the member organizations of the European Social Network, being involved in initially forming the network. For over 25 years FSS has been a member of the ESN Board of Trustees helping to steer the organisation towards the important role it plays in advancing social services in Europe. The network gives social services in Sweden and other countries the opportunity to inspire and enrich each other and direct opportunities to influence at policy level.
Just a few words about ourselves. FSS is an independent social policy association that, based on our profession and available knowledge, works for the development of the Swedish welfare system. All members, more than 400, are leaders in social services and related activities.
“As a social manager, you need to have access to an external network of colleagues. If such a network can be of an international nature, it is all the better. Of course, it may be that as a new social manager, you are so busy with the day-to-day that networking can feel peripheral. But I would argue that in the role of social manager, you must have external contacts that allow you to gain perspective on the job. It is not least important for users that the activities offered by social services are also built up from a broad societal perspective.”
“Through the years I have seen how attending the ESSC provides a unique opportunity to take part in the development work that is going on in Europe and here at home. It gives the perfect opportunity to increase your knowledge and get an insight into other people’s ways of producing solutions in social work.”
The benefits of being part of ESN and in particular attending the annual conference and the Nordic Day are invaluable.
Find out more and register here