2018 Conference BSG Memorandum of Understanding with Centre for Ageing Better
The British Society of Gerontology and the Centre for Ageing Better have signed a Memorandum of Understanding reflecting and cementing their collaborative relationship. The Society and Ageing Better have common interests in promoting improved knowledge about ageing and later life, ensuring that policy and practice is enhanced by robust research evidence about ageing and later life, improving life for older people, their families and communities and drawing attention to the social, economic and policy implications of an ageing population. They also both wish to raise the profile of ageing research, support sustained investment in ageing research, and facilitate translation of research findings into policy and practice. They hope to foster mutual understanding between the academic and policy and practice sectors, the exchange of ideas, and general leadership in the sector.
The BSG was established as a learned society in 1971 and is a registered charity (no. 264385). It is the professional organisation representing gerontologists in Britain, aiming to advance gerontological research, education, theory and practice. The Society is a member of the Academy of Social Sciences, and was elected as a member of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 1987. The BSG brings together academics, researchers, practitioners, educators, policy-makers, the third sector, students, and those interested in researching ageing and later life. Members are drawn from diverse backgrounds and disciplines including the arts and humanities, social & behavioural sciences, health promotion and public health, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy & allied health professions, social care, social policy, engineering & technology, architecture, built environment & design, and other related fields.
The Centre for Ageing Better is a charity, funded by an endowment from the Big Lottery Fund, working to create a society where everyone enjoys a good later life. They want more people to be in fulfilling work, in good health, living in safe, accessible homes and connected communities. By focusing on those approaching later life and at risk of missing out, they will create lasting change in society. They are bold and innovative in their approach to improving later lives. They work in partnership with a diverse range of organisations. As a part of the What Works network, they are grounded in evidence.
The MoU covers the period from 1st June 2018 to December 31st 2021 and sets out the key aspects of the expected relationship between the BSG and Ageing Better in that time, particularly how to mutually support each other’s priorities and key activities. The parties intend to work together to enable stronger links between research, policy and practice.
The MoU was signed during the 47th Annual Conference of the British Society of Gerontology In Manchester in July 2018 https://www.britishgerontology.org/events-and-courses/past-conferences/2018-manchester. Professor Debora Price, President of the British Society of Gerontology, signed for the Society, and Claire Turner, Director of Evidence, for the Centre for Ageing Better.
Professor Debora Price said: “We are very pleased to have entered into this understanding which more closely connects the world of research to policy, practice and interventions. The BSG and Ageing Better have a shared interest in expanding research focused on older people and ensuring this has a direct impact on improving the quality of life in old age.”
Claire Turner added: ‘We are delighted to cement our relationship with the BSG and look forward to working more closely together in the future. Our shared ambition of improving later life and our shared endeavour of using evidence to inform policy and practice, makes this an exciting partnership.’