CEBE 2011/12 Event Series

When CEBE began in 2009 it was widely felt that we didn't want it to just be just a 'talking shop', but instead wanted to encourage progress through joint action. In this respect, CEBE is now working as an effective platform where individuals and organisations from a broad range of backgrounds are collaborating on practical projects to improve research use across the sector, such as the Education Media Centre and Evidence for the Frontline projects.

With these initiatives now moving forward, we feel the time is right to engage with a wide spectrum of CEBE stakeholders and try and raise the profile of debate, discussion and analysis of evidence-based approaches in education. We are therefore proposing an event series for CEBE in 2011/12 that will consider some of the opportunities, and challenges, in developing evidence-based policy and practice, particularly in the context of the many structural changes that are taking place across the sector.

The plan is to co-host events throughout the year, working in collaboration with different organisations within areas of their specific interest. Organisations will provide the leadership in organising each event as they see fit, with each event contributing to an ongoing CEBE series, the profile of which builds over the years. Plans are already underway for a number of such events, including two seminars early next year in collaboration with Dartington Social Research Unit and the Institute for Effective Education, that will get to grips with some of the challenges, barriers and opportunities in implementing evidence-based programmes in schools and colleges. Then in early summer, an event with the National Education Trust is proposed that will consider the nature of evidence-based policy in a more decentralised sector.

Of course, your support and contributions at these events will be greatly appreciated, however, that's not enough! In the collaborative spirit of CEBE, we would also welcome any ideas or offers for any other prospective events, seminars or workshops that you feel would add to this series.