Go your own way? Social Policy in an era of fracturing solidarities
Wednesday, 2nd – Friday, 4th July, 2025
University of York, Spring Lane Building, York
In 2025, the Social Policy Association (SPA) and the East Asian Social Policy Research Network (EASP) are delighted to run a joint annual conference, hosted by the University of York, from Wednesday 2nd to Friday 4th July.
For queries, contact: easp-spa2025@social-policy.org.uk.
Follow the official conference social media account on Bluesky: @easp-spa-2025.bsky.social.
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Across the globe, social policy is operating within fraught and increasingly conflictual economic, social, political and environmental contexts, marked by eroding solidarities. This has the potential to accelerate divergences in national policies addressing societal challenges, while growing devolution can create policy divergence within countries. Moreover, trends towards heightened polarisation and division within nation-states and communities risk undermining collectivism. This is placing new pressures on both public institutions and civil society to alleviate social inequalities and divisions, and to institutionalise forms of solidarity that are adapted to current policy conditions.
The organisers of the joint 2025 Social Policy Association and East Asian Social Policy Research Network Annual Conference welcome presentations and symposia that engage with the diversification and evolution of social policy and service delivery in this challenging climate.
Conference Information
The conference will be hosted on the campus of the University of York, in the Spring Lane Building. With all sessions in one building, and accommodation in refurbished halls in close proximity, attendees at the conference will find it easy to navigate and make time for networking.
The historic city of York offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and cultural activities.
There is a frequent, fast train service to York on the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross and from Edinburgh. There is also a direct service between York, Leeds and Manchester Airport. Our main campus is in the south east of York within walking and cycling distance of, or a short bus ride from, the city centre. Parking is limited, so we suggest alternative transport where possible.
Registration to the conference will open at 8am on Wednesday, 2nd July for a conference start at 10am (and a PGR event at 9am). Accommodation will be available from Tuesday, 1st July.
Further information, including FAQs and venue access statements, will be available in due course.
Programme
SPA & EASP Conference Programme (links to the Oxford Abstracts portal)
Accommodation
Conference accommodation will be available at Vanbrugh College, a 4 minute walk from the conference venue. Please see the campus map for more information. You will be able to book this accommodation as part of your registration process.
Social Media
Follow the official conference social media account on Bluesky: @easp-spa-2025.bsky.social.
Postgraduate and Early-Career Pre-Conference Events
The SPA invites postgraduate students and early career researchers to two pre conference events.
We are holding a networking and social event on the evening of Tuesday 1st July in York City Centre, and on the morning of Wednesday 2nd July we would like to invite you to a publishing masterclass.
For details of both events please see the PDF flyer here.
Places are limited, so do sign up now to avoid disappointment!
Fees and Registration
You can register for the conference here: https://cvent.me/N0vklW
Conference registration closes on Monday, 16th June 2025.
The fee categories are below. The early bird rate ended on 29th April 2025.
EASP/SPA Members, Early Bird full conference (offered until 29th April):
- Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £330
- Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
EASP/SPA Members, full conference:
- Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £370
- Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
Postgraduate Research Students/ECRs* (EASP – SPA members) / Non-affiliated ECRs (EASP – SPA members)*, full conference:
- Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £295
- Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £65
Note: only a limited number of reduced-rate PGR/ECR places are available for full conference registration. *The Early Career Transition rate is for two years after a members’ PhD graduation date (i.e. graduated after 1st July 2023).
Non – EASP/SPA Members, full conference:
- Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £520
- Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
EASP/SPA Members, Day delegate packages:
- Wednesday, 2nd July with dinner: £270
- Wednesday, 2nd July (no dinner): £210
- Thursday, 3rd July: £220
- Friday 4th: £165
- Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
Non – EASP/SPA Members, Day delegate packages:
- Wednesday, 2nd July with dinner: £420
- Wednesday, 2nd July (no dinner): £360
- Thursday, 3rd July: £370
- Friday, 4th: £315
- Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
Postgraduate Research Students/ECRs* (EASP – SPA members) / Non-affiliated ECRs (EASP – SPA members)*, Day delegate packages:
- Wednesday, 2nd July with dinner: £240
- Wednesday, 2nd July (no dinner): £180
- Thursday, 3rd July: £190
- Friday 4th: £145
- Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £65
*The Early Career Transition rate is for two years after a members’ PhD graduation date (i.e. graduated after 1st July 2023).
Abstract submission
Abstract submissions closed on 31st March 2025. Please contact the conference organisers with any questions about notifications of acceptance.
Contact
For any questions, please contact the conference organisers via easp-spa2025@social-policy.org.uk.