In addition to full debates on the conference floor, delegates are offered the opportunity to attend a number of seminars run by the National Policy Forum's six policy commissions.

Away from the glare of the media and the heat of conference floor, these seminars allow delegates to contribute to the second year consulation documents. The seminars give delegates direct access to senior government ministers and the opportunity to share their experiences and to explain the impact of national policy at a local level.

NB on Monday and Wednesday the seminar is billed as starting at 4.15pm, however in reality the seminar will start as soon as conference adjourns for the day. This may mean a slightly earlier of later start.

Monday 24th, 4.15pm-5.30pm
Prosperity and Work, Pubeck room, Highcliff Hotel

This seminar gives delegates the chance to raise issues ranging from the future of pensions, to taxes, to workplace rights and benefits with ministers and members of the Labour Party's Prosperity and Work commission. The seminar will cover all the key economic issues that Labour Party delegates want to discuss including how to strengthen the UK manufacturing sector, how Britain can compete on the world stage, changes to incapacity benefit and the best way to end to child poverty in Britain.

Ministers: Andy Burnham, Peter Hain, John Hutton, Stephen Timms, Pat McFadden.

Sustainable Communities (communities, local government, housing, culture and sport) Dorchester room, Highcliff hotel

This policy seminar will give delegates the chance to discuss several key issues with ministers including the important issue of housing – one of the biggest issues to come out of our recent leadership election. Share your views on local government and culture policy with ministers from the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Department for Culutre, Media and Sport and members of Labour's Sustainable Communities policy commission.

Ministers: Hazel Blears, James Purnell, Yvetter Cooper

Tuesday, 25th 9am – 10.30am
Britain in the World, Bryanston room, Highcliff hotel

Come and meet ministers and policy commission members covering foreign affairs, international development and defence issues. This seminar offers the opportunity to discuss the issues and challenges facing the world today, such as alleviating global poverty, building peace and security and engagement in Europe.
Ministers: Douglas Alexander, Des Browne, David Miliband,

Health, Harold Wilson Marquee, Zafferanos restaurant

Come and quiz senior health ministers and members of the Labour Party health commission on the big issues surrounding health and healthcare. This seminar will offer delegates the opportunity to discuss health reforms, public health, dentistry, mental health and any other health related issue of concern in their communities.

Ministers: Alan Johnson, Ben Bradshaw, Dawn Primarolo, Ivan Lewis, Ann Keen

Education and Skills, Restaurant one, Zafferanos restaurant

How can we ensure that all our children receive the levels of educational support enjoyed by the privileged few? Standards are improving, but there is still more work that needs to be done. Share your views and ideas with commission members, and question ministers on all aspects of education policy from academies to affordable childcare.

Ministers: Ed Balls, John Denham, Jim Knight, Bev Hughes, Bill Rammell

Wednesday 26th, 4.15pm -5.30pm Crime and Justice, Dorchester 2 room, Highcliff hotel

This seminar offers the opportunity to speak to ministers and policy commission members on all matters relating to crime and justice. This will be a good place for delegates to discuss a wide range of topics from anti-social behaviour, through to asylum and immigration; from anti-terrorism legislation to sentencing and rehabilitation of offenders.

Ministers: Jacqui Smith, Liam Byrne, Tony McNulty,

Sustainable Communities (enviroment, rural affairs, transport and energy) Pubeck room, Highcliff hotel

This policy seminar covers the environment, energy, transport and culture. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today, and Labour has put Britain at the forefront of the international debate. This session is an opportunity for delegates to contribute to the ongoing discussion on how best we can ensure that Britain, and the world, can move towards a sustainable future. Ministers and members of the Sustainable Communities Policy Commission will be on hand to answer your questions and share their views.

Ministers: Hilary Benn, Ruth Kelly, Malcolm Wicks

Citizenship & Equalities, Bryanston room, Highcliff hotel
This seminar will allow delegates to have a free ranging debate with policy commssion members and government ministers about important subjects such as political party funding, the Human Rights Act, Equalities, constitutional reform and how to encourage political participation.

Ministers: Harriet Harman, Michael Wills