This one day conference aims to focus upon the challenges facing health and social care. Current Government initiatives aim to ensure that excellence is delivered to all. University of Gloucester with its key role in education, research and practice is well-placed to address this agenda, and engage with issues of diversity in terms of both the service user population and the workforce. This conference will provide opportunities for practitioners, researchers and academics to explore the difficulties and potentially positive outcomes of these processes. Presenters will include leaders in the field, university staff and community partners;