Geraldine Peacock confirmed as ruralnet|2005 Keynote Speaker

ruralnet|uk can confirm that Geraldine Peacock CBE, Chair of the Charity Commission, will be speaking at their annual conference this year.  The conference, to be held on 12-13 October at Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Bramhope, Yorkshire will look at the theme, 'Expanding Contracting - How to Thrive in the New Contract Culture'. Geraldine will start the event with her view on the emerging contract culture within the sector and her vision for the Charity Commission.

The Charity Commission is the regulator for charities in England and Wales, with the objective of installing public confidence in charities and trust in their effectiveness. Geraldine has experience and understanding of the voluntary and community sector and has cultivated great respect within the sector and Government.

ruralnet|2005, being held for the 5th year running, is developing into a significant event in the rural regeneration calendar. As well as the usual plenary sessions, morning supplement, exhibition and cybercafe, there will be a rural affairs 'anti-panel' with Jim Knight, James Paice and Lord Haskins … and they will be asking the questions!... as well as a debate and choice of 6 workshops.
Workshop topics include: the Multi-Faceted Market (Rural BME Issues), Rural Broadband, thinking strategically about ICT, making contracts work, full cost recovery and a Sustainable Funding Panel Question Time.

The full programme has now been confirmed and published today. It is available to view at http://www.ruralnetuk.org/conference

Notes to editors

1. For more information about the ruralnet|2005 venue and programme and to book online go to www.ruralnetuk.org/conference

2. The principle sponsor of ruralnet|2005 is Yorkshire Forward.

3. The Charity Commission is established by law as the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. Its aim is to provide the best possible regulation of charities in England and Wales in order to increase charities' effectiveness and public confidence and trust. See www.charitycommission.gov.uk