Party conferences this year fall at an interesting time in the political cycle. Following the Cabinet reshuffle and as we approach the mid-term for the Coalition Government, this autumn will begin to shape the terms along which the next election is fought. We will see parties re-evaluate the relative success and challenges stemming from their 2010 manifestos, and a renewed effort to reach out to members through a re-iteration of core values and principles. Whilst last year’s conferences took place in the wake of civil unrest, this year’s are set against a backdrop of renewed focus on successful community-building following the summer Olympic Games.

Previous party conference seasons have led to a pervasive critique that the conferences themselves, which one commentator recently described as ‘festivals for the professional political class’, now pander to the needs of lobbyists rather than party members. Other observers have pondered whether, in times of political coalition and economic hardship, we need to move 'beyond the party' in considering long-term solutions. And so as Westminster begins the exodus to Brighton, Manchester and Birmingham, the key question is what opportunities the conferences themselves present to capture the impetus for social change?

Now is fertile ground in policy-making terms. And the basis for the party conferences themselves remains as a gathering of ideas, innovations and inspiration. It may not seem the case from snapshots from the Commons sometimes, but the main political parties are very much in consensus in highlighting which social and economic issues policy must address. They all paint a similar picture in outlining prerogatives for sustainable economic growth, social renewal and bottom-up participation.

The ResPublica fringe programme, amounting to an unprecedented 27 fringe events this year, demonstrates the potential for meaningful debate and policy innovations which lie in store this party conference season. Our fringe discussions aim therefore to tackle the big issues which face politics and society today, such as restoring association in a climate of low trust in political institutions, cultural integration and British identity, root causes of youth disaffection and the meaning of marriage in modern times. In response to the key challenges for the economy, we also will explore priorities for devolved growth and infrastructure finance, skills for a sustainable labour market, and plural business models – all taking into account the need for mutuality within markets and economic policies which also benefit social goals. And our vision for a social economy will also address a deficit in value and choice within public services, and the solutions which can be reached through personal budgets and personalisation of services rooted in community engagement.

These are themes that ResPublica will continue to explore beyond the party conferences, through our research, publications and events programme throughout the rest of the year. And whilst our fringe events are an important contribution to these debates, we appreciate that not everyone is able or inclined to attend party conferences. This is why we have compiled a collection of articles in order to extend the discussions to a wider audience, and why we continue to make the most of social media to capture the debates.

This article has been published in the ResPublica Fringe magazine, a collection of articles and essays from our party conference partners.

Find further details of the ResPublica fringe events programme here.