The aim of the Cardiff policy café is to bring together researchers, policy-makers and practitioners to encourage reflection and debate about research, policy and practice in diverse fields of social and public policy activity. The events are monthly, and the next one will take place on Tuesday 23rd April, 5.30 – 7.00, on ‘What and who needs funding in Wales?’. The venue is the Committee Rooms in the Glamorgan Building at Cardiff University. Cheese and wine will be provided.

Rob Roffe, Senior Policy & Learning Manager for the Big Lottery Fund Wales will discuss “Planning the funding priorities for Wales beyond 2015”. The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) currently distributes between £40-£50 million each year in Wales and its programmes reflect Welsh strategic priorities. It is keen to draw upon a greater pool of knowledge and expertise to inform its own programmes and priorities, as well as improve its ability to distribute the learning that it acquires through its funding programmes.  With its current planning period coming to an end, BIG has one eye on its funding priorities beyond 2015 and is beginning to shape its vision for the future.

So, the key discussion points are: What, How, Where, Who and Why should they fund? 

What are the social issues in Wales in need of funding? Should BIG fund a ‘cause’, fund research, fund infrastructure? Should they fund for the majority or the minority? Should programme design be based on evidence? If so, what evidence? Whose evidence? What outcomes do people want for Wales? What are ‘outcomes’ anyway? Should BIG contribute to collaborative working or to ‘healthy’ competition? What should they do with all their data? The opportunity for round-table discussions and group feedback will be an essential part of the event.

This event is free to all, but you must register to attend online. For any queries or to sign up to the Cardiff policy café mailing list, please email policycafe@cardiff.ac.uk. The policy café team are Sophie Hallett, Sara Knight, Liv Pearson, Dr. Nick Johns.