In Spain and other European countries, the development of the welfare state and social services has been the subject of debate concerning the best way to manage such services, and concerning changes in public administration intended to improve the service provided.

Our aims are to create a space for reflection on the development of social policy, the provision of social services and their relation with public and private management models. We further intend to propose the adapting of the public system of social services to new realities and necessities, as well as to encourage communication of new ideas and research in the field of social services, always with the goal of improving the organization and quality of such services. Different systems for the management of local services are analyzed, as is the role of the beneficiary. The use of new techniques for social action intended to improve the functioning of social services is also examined.

Course activities include Lectures, Round Tables, Workshops, Presentations of new books and research, and various leisure time pursuits.

Participants in these courses comprise politicians, professionals in the field of social services, psychologists, sociologists, lawyers and teachers. Also involved are trade unions, charities and university students.