Government Social Research
Report on the GSR New Recruits' Conference, December 2004 By Steven Taylor, Research Officer, DTI.
The GSR New Recruits Conference was a thoroughly enjoyable and invaluable experience. It provided an opportunity to see how our work as researchers fits into wider government.
Sue Duncan, Government Chief Social Researcher, welcomed the delegates and talked about how GSR came into existence, where we are now and the future of GSR.
This was followed by talks from representatives of the GORS, GES and GSS. It was interesting learning about their roles and the following debate raised some interesting issues about the feasibility and desirability of breaking down the distinctions between different types of analysts, and whether we should be grouped together as one analysts' network instead of the present four.
The day also provided a really useful opportunity to meet people. HoPs were present so you could meet your own if you hadn't already, as well as having the chance to meet HoPs from other departments. Other sessions were held to discuss how the GSR committees work, and how the 'Professional Skills in Government' proposals affect us.
Overall, the day provided a great opportunity to learn more about GSR, and how GSR relates to our day to day work as researchers. It was also really useful just meeting fellow researchers in other departments and to be able to put a face to the person you've been emailing and never met. A must for all new GSR people.