The European Social Network (ESN) is a network dedicated to local public social services across Europe, located in Brussels. It brings together professionals involved in planning, financing, researching, managing, regulating, and delivering these services, including areas such as health, social welfare, employment, education, and housing.

The network consists of over 160 member organisations across 35 countries. These include national associations of directors, government social welfare departments, regional and municipal authorities, funding and regulatory bodies, as well as universities and other research and development institutions.

ESN is guided by the belief that social services should protect and support vulnerable individuals, uphold their dignity and independence, strive for excellence and innovation in social work, actively listen to service users, respond to their needs, and foster solidarity within communities.

It operates as a non-profit charitable organisation and is supported by the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation “EaSI” (2022–2025).

The German Association is member of ESN and as member of the Council also part of the governance structure of ESN.  

European Social Network (ESN): http://www.esn-eu.org

Practice Library:  https://www.esn-eu.org/practices

European Social Services Conference: http://www.essc-eu.org/

The International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) is a global, non-governmental organization which represents organizations around the world that are actively involved in various activities and programmes aimed at promoting social welfare, social development and social justice. It was founded in 1928 in Paris and acts not only on a global level, but also operates in nine regions. The German Association for Public and Private Welfare (ICSW Germany) takes an active part in the work of ICSW Europe, focussing on international exchange and expert meetings on current topics in social policy and social services.

International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW): http://www.icsw.org/

Regional News: https://www.icsw.org/news/12-regions

Events: https://www.icsw.org/events

Social Platform is the largest European civil society organisation working on social issues at EU level. It brings together a broad network of member organisations that advocate for social justice, equality, and inclusive policymaking across Europe. Its main aim is to ensure that social rights and equality are reflected in European Union policies by amplifying civil society voices and contributing to more inclusive decision-making processes. Social Platform is supported through funding from the European Commission, foundations, and its member organisations.

The German Association for Public and Private Welfare itself is not a member, but is active in some of Social Platform’s working groups, representing its network ICSW Europe.

Social Platform: http://www.socialplatform.org/