In early July, Dr Katharina Sarter gave two presentations at the annual conference of the Social Policy Association, held at the University of Nottingham, one focusing on the meaning and definition of 'equality' in public procurement and the other one on challenges for public services with a focus on their implication for resilience and vulnerability.

Successfully integrating social and equality aspects that can help address social inequities into procurement requires dedicated knowledge. Yet, while crucial for effective practices, this knowledge is not always easily available.

A new book chapter written by Dr Katharina Sarter considers different ways of gathering and distributing knowledge.

Dr Katharina Sarter was part of a panel discussion on public services organised by and held at the University of York. The event, which was part of the launch of the new book 'Understanding Public Services: A Contemporary Introduction', explored current challenges and opportunities relating to public services.

A recently published book chapter (in German) by IER's Dr Katharina Sarter explores the role of public procurement as a policy tool for promoting gender equality. Book details are available via the publisher's website.

Together with Dr Elizabeth Cookingham Bailey from the University of York, IER's Dr Katharina Sarter published a blog contribution that examines the changing environment that public services face and the approaches public services take to adapt to a changing environment.