CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

The 34th ESSC is inviting contributions for presentations which examine how Europe and other parts of the world design, finance, and deliver systems of public social services that contribute to the resilience of our societies in a time of constant crises. 
Under the theme Bridging Boundaries, this year’s conference seeks to explore and compare how key social services, such as child protection and family support, long-term care for people with disabilities and older adults, and social inclusion programmes, are designed, financed, and delivered across Europe.

With a strong focus on policy and operational practice, the event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Gain strategic insights into the organisation and delivery of social services in the host and other European countries;
• Benchmark national systems and international approaches against each other;
• Engage in dialogue that supports the development and alignment of effective, sustainable social services across Europe;
• Contribute to evidence-informed policy processes at both national and international levels.

Designed for decision-makers shaping the future of social services, this conference is a forum for critical reflection, peer exchange, and advancing practice and policy coherence across borders.

How to apply?

Read below to learn more about: 

• The conference topics of interest 
• The session formats 
• Submission languages
• Submission deadlines
• Conference fees

Topics of Interest

You may apply under one of the six topics of interest per application, and each organisation may submit a maximum of two applications. Even if your application is relevant for more than one topic, you are asked to select the topic most relevant to your application. 

For this year’s Conference, we are particularly interested in proposals on the following topics:

1. Comparative models of child protection and family support: Child social welfare and family support programmes focused on prevention and early intervention, family-focused processes and multi-agency cooperation with an emphasis on family and community care models.

2. Innovative long-term services and support for people with disabilities and older adults: Models of integrated person-centred, combined community-based care, housing and support schemes, local integrated care ecosystems, as well as technology solutions that support autonomy, dignity, and quality of life for people in need of long-term care.

3. Social inclusion programmes specifically designed for people in poverty and homelessness: Coordinated service delivery models and innovations that remove systemic barriers and create meaningful opportunities for vulnerable populations to actively participate in their communities, including through housing, employment, and community inclusion.

4. Digital transformation and interoperable service delivery models: Digital solutions, platforms, and case management systems that promote accessibility and coordination between professionals, as well as with service users across various services settings.

5. Social services models in cities and urban areas: Programmes from cities social services departments leading the way in the design and delivery of innovative services to deal with high levels of population density, diversity, and socio-spatial inequalities via decentralised and integrated care and support models.

6. National and cross-national research or evaluations on social service system outcomes: Findings from national and international comparative evaluations or studies that inform decision-making, improve accountability, and support the harmonisation of social services quality standards.

 

Format of Sessions 

A maximum of two proposals per organisation can be submitted for the following session formats. If you submit more than one proposal, please submit each proposal for a different format of session.

 

Interactive Session: Case Study or Training Workshop	Thematic Panel Discussions	Project Forum	Walking Practice Fair
Aim: Case Study - Present the learnings from a practice, service model, project, or new idea (already implemented with some form of evaluation) that the audience can learn from and stimulate discussion. - Must include an interactive component, such as group discussions. Training Workshop - Interactive meeting or educational session designed to create a specialised result, for example a guidance or learning that participants can use afterwards.  - Must include some form of training and/or group work.	Aim: - Discussion on a specific theme or topic with peers from across Europe  - Your proposal is matched with 1 - 3 other similar proposals to form a moderated panel on a theme.	Aim: - Short dynamic presentations that outline the main points of project  - After this session, presenters will have the opportunity to discuss their project with colleagues during the break.	Aim: - Present your project (e.g. tool, research or practice) at your stand in a specially designated exhibition space and directly engage with participants. -The walking practice fair does not involve a formal presentation. It takes place at the exhibition area in the form of a conversation between delegates.
Format: - Total time of session: 60 minutes  - Two presenters on stage  - Maximum time for presentation is 20 minutes - Remaining time should involve an interactive component with delegates - Up to 6 Interactive Sessions will be running in parallel in different streams  - 100 delegates on average per session	Format: - Total time of session: 75 minutes  -1 presenter on stage per organisation -Max. 15-20 minutes presentation per organisation with PowerPoint followed by moderated discussion - Up to 4  sessions running in parallel  -150 delegates on average per session	Format: - Total time of session: 30 - 60 minutes  - 1 presenter on stage per organisation  - 5-minute ‘elevator pitch’ style - 5 slides maximum  - 5-8 projects from different organisations per session - 1 or 2 sessions  - All conference delegates can attend	Format: - Total time of session90 minutes  - At least one presenter per stand - High-table provided and space for your own roll-up, brochures, reports, posters, a laptop to showcase information, merchandise, or other relevant material. - All conference delegates can attend

 

Who can apply? 

The 2026 ESSC will bring together leaders in social services to inspire ideas on the design and delivery of resilient social services systems. Contribute to the Conference and make your work and experience part of this year’s discussions.

Proposals are accepted for all population groups with whom social services work. We encourage proposals from: 
•    Social Services leaders, professionals, practitioners, managers, and directors; 
•    Public authorities (local, regional, national);
•    Researchers and academics;
•    Organisations from civil society;
•    Service user-led projects and service user representatives;
•    International institutions and funding bodies;

 

Application Process

Selection Criteria: 
Applications will be scored by an external panel of judges based on the selection criteria outlined below.

 

Thematic Panel Discussion, Project Forum, Walking Practice Fair:	Essential Criteria	Desirable Criteria
Relevant to the theme of the ESSC	x
Innovative with respect to their context or environment	x
Has been initially evaluated, shows initial results and evidence of positive impact	x
Transferable and could be implemented elsewhere		x
Abstract summary is clear and well-written		x

 

Case Study format: Additional criteria only applicable for those applying for Case Study sessions	Essential Criteria	Desirable Criteria
You can demonstrate clear and achievable learning outcomes	x
Interactive & engaging (e.g. group discussions, use of online interactive tool)	x
Co-presented with a person with lived experience		x
Presenters come from different countries and/or different sectors		x

 

Workshop format: Additional criteria only applicable for those applying for Workshop sessions	Essential Criteria	Desirable Criteria
You can demonstrate a clear and achievable educational or training goal(s)	x
You can demonstrate that it is run by an experienced trainer or facilitator	x
Interactive & engaging (e.g. training, group work, use of online interactive tool)	x
Co-presented with a person with lived experience		x

 

Languages

There is the possibility for interpretation to and from French, German, Italian, and Spanish if you wish to present in these languages.

 

Deadlines

18 November 2025: for proposals submitted in all languages.

Confirmation of acceptance or rejection will be sent by 30 January 2025.

 

Application Form 

To help you prepare your application, you can download a PDF version of the online application form here. 

 

Submit your proposal here

Fees

Thematic Panel Discussion, Project Forum, Practice Fair:
Organisations who are selected to contribute to the ESSC Programme must register one presenter and at least one additional delegate, each paying the full delegate fee for the conference.

Interactive Sessions: Workshop and Case Study:
Organisations who are selected to contribute to the ESSC Programme must register at least two presenters paying the full delegate fee for the conference.
 

ESN MEMBERS	NON-ESN MEMBERS
Standard members €675  Members from EU-14/neighbouring countries €575 Members from Malta €610	Public organisations €790 NGOs/voluntary sector €650 Public and Third Sector Organisations from Malta €650 Organisations from EU-14/neighbouring countries €610 Private companies €1,150
EU-14: Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. EU neighbouring countries: Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye and Ukraine.

 

Discounted fees

• If your organisation registers more than three delegates, your delegation will be entitled to an additional delegate at a discounted rate of 40% over the original fee. 
• If your organisation registers 7 or more, you will be entitled to an additional delegate for free.
• Private companies can become official conference partners to ensure their visibility, be an exhibitor or be part of the programme and secure a number of delegates. Find out about partnership opportunities here. 

Networking Dinner Fee: €43*

Fee covers: 
All plenary and parallel sessions 
Lunch on day 1 and on day 2 
All coffee breaks 
Networking Dinner*
Institutional reception
 
Not included: 
Hotel accommodation 
Travel to venue 

*A nominal fee is charged for attendance at this social event

Please ensure the availability of funds from your organisation for delegate fees, travel, and hotel before submitting your proposal.