I am writing to invite your organisation to take part in a consultation on the future of our network under the shared Age Family brand. The consultation discussion papers:

• Build on the extensive conversations that took place throughout the Age Family network in 2019 and early 2020, about the future strategic direction for the Age Family post-April 2021; 
   
• Outline and summarise the way in which the Network Development Programme Board has, since June 2020, built on those previous discussions by developing the strategic direction, and; 
   
• Provide a structured approach to consulting with the network about these proposals for the future direction of our Age Family. 

The introduction to these papers can be found on The Loop and will be discussed at the AEA Annual Conference next Wednesday, 11th November. If you haven't yet booked on to the virtual conference, you can do so here.

Accompanying the introduction are 14 associated papers on specific topics. These do not need to be read before the conference, but should be considered by your organisation over the coming weeks. They are available to read and download now by clicking here. Some further papers will be added by mid-December.

There are a number of different ways to take part in the consultation which ends on 11 January 2021:

• At the AEA conference on Wednesday 11 November
   
• As a Board meeting discussion item with the option of a member of the AEA Executive Committee/Age Cymru and Age UK regional link joining in
   
• As part of Regional/Wales meeting discussions (planned or additional meetings).

If there is demand, additional national virtual events will be organised. 

How do we provide feedback?

• Group discussions at the AEA conference will be noted and written up
   
• Please download, fill out, and email your Board Feedback Template to networkfuture@ageuk.org.uk by 11 January 2021.
   
• Regional meeting discussions can be noted and shared with your EC member.

What if we have questions?

You can email any questions about the process or the discussion papers to networkfuture@ageuk.org.uk.

Or, you can ask a member of the AEA Executive Committee, Age Cymru or your Age UK regional link. If they cannot answer your question they will pass it on to the Network Development Programme Management Office. 

The overall timeline for the development of the new Network Agreement is as follows:

• November 2020 to January 2021 - Consultation on strategic direction
   
• By 19 March 2021 - Publication of first draft of Network Agreement (to replace existing agreements) and related proposals e.g. governance
   
• March to May 2021 - Consultation on draft Network Agreement
   
• By 30 June 2021 - Issue of Network Agreement for consideration by all boards
   
• 1 October 2021 - Network Agreement commences

I look forward to seeing some of you at the AEA Annual Conference and to receiving your feedback on the discussion papers.

Very best wishes,

Paula Bee, Co-Chair, AEA