The Social Services Research Group (SSRG) have balloted their members on whether seeking a merger between SSRG and LARIA would be the best way to secure a long-term future for SSRG. You can read the full AGM motion here as well as details of the initial proposal. The AGM motion was carried and the next stage is that we will discuss the approach formally at the LARIA AGM on 19th April 2016 at the University of Birmingham.

The SSRG is a non-profit making organisation, the purpose of which is to provide a network for research, providing a range of research information, planning and evaluation in social care and health services. SSRG members are drawn from a wide range of professional groups and organisations sharing a common interest in the work of the caring services. The following motions will be voted on at the LARIA AGM.

“(a) That LARIA welcomes the SSRG suggestion of a merger between the two organisations and resolves to work with them to design an agreed proposal.

(b) That the LARIA Strategy and Policy group develop the proposals with the following terms of reference:

  • To consider all aspects of the operation of LARIA and the SSRG, including membership fees/structure, finance, governance and communications
  • To gather all relevant information to help inform the proposal including running a survey of members and non-members to help establish the basis on which LARIA and the SSRG could operate
  • To invite members of the SSRG Executive Committee to take part in the development of the proposals
  • To report regularly to the LARIA Council on progress

(c) That any final proposal for a merger will be formally approved by LARIA and the SSRG members before proceeding”

Approval at this stage from both the SSRG and LARIA AGMs simply sets out a path for us to discuss ideas and formulate a firm proposal – if one is possible. We hope that all LARIA members agree that this potential merger is a positive development. It comes at a good time for us to review the progress to date over the last few years and to refresh our offer both to existing members and those we will hopefully welcome in through the SSRG and beyond.

If you have any initial ideas about this proposal please contact us at admin@laria.org.uk. You can also find out more about the SSRG by visiting their website.

LARIA Council

31st March 2016