On my radar ...

• The "big society" bank. This report by Sky News suggests the government is seeking a social "pact" with the high street banks whereby they promise to ease regulatory pressures in exchange for the banks committing large amount of capital to ministers' planned social investment bank. Sky news reporter Mark Kleinman writes:

"My understanding is that the total amount committed by the five participating banks could be between £1bn and £1.5bn over two years although the numbers have not yet been finalised and could be markedly lower than that. On top of last year's bank payroll tax on bonuses, and the new bank levy, that wouldn't be an insignificant sum."

• Carers. Carers UK is holding its annual summit today and has set up this video cam link to keep up with events. Ministers Paul Burstow and Maria Miller will be taking questions from 2.15pm. Burstow will also launch the government's carers strategy today.

• This different take on the "John Lewis state" from Society's in-house social worker Clare in the Community.

• Steve Moore, who has been named new director of the Big Society Network. The news has been welcomed by David Wilcox on the Social Reporter blog:

"I should declare an interest: I've worked with and for Steve on and off over the years, including a couple of months with the Network, and know he's just the guy to make socio-technological innovation a big part of whatever the network becomes. That's not because Steve is in any sense a geek – but over the past three years or so he's been one of the best convenors and connector of people across different sectors and professions in the field. He knows everyone on this front … inside and outside No 10."

• This joint report, Capable Communities (pdf), from PwC and the IPPR, which has found that people want to get more involved in designing and delivering public services, but the vast majority (90%) want the state to retain prime responsibility for delivering most key services.

• The "inequality gap". The London Voluntary Service Council and Trust for London this week launched a guide to inequality in the capital (pdf). Key findings: one in five Londoners earn less than the £7.85 per hour living wage, and in inner London 20% of the population have 60% of the total income.

• The Care Quality Commission's final annual performance assessment for adult social care, which is published today, and shows that standards have improved for the eighth successive year. The CQC is working with the Department of Health and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services to design a new system to replace the performance assessment.

• This report on childcare from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which highlights the dearth of affordable options for many families. One in five parents who pay for childcare say they struggle to cover the costs, while more than a fifth of non-working parents say their decision to say at home is due to "inadequate" childcare.

• Former newsreader Martyn Lewis, who has been named the new National Council for Voluntary Organisations chairman. Lewis has connections with the voluntary sector dating back 30 years and founded the charity YouthNet.

Guardian Social Enterprise Network

The Guardian's network for social enterprise professionals is hosting a live Q&A today on measuring social impact. Ask a panel of social enterprises and support agencies - including the Social Enterprise Coalition, CAN and Green-works - how and why you should be measuring the social impact of your business.

Guardian and Observer Christmas Charity Appeal 2010

Nominations are now closed for our Christmas appeal 2010, which will support 10 charities working with vulnerable teenagers and young adults. Many thanks to everyone who applied.

The appeal will launch towards the end of November and run until mid-January.

Events

Transforming Blue Light Services Innovating ICT for the emergency services, 24 November, London - Free places available. Discover how the innovative use of technology will improve performance and response in difficult financial times. Speakers include Dr Timothy Brain, former chief constable of Gloucestershire; Andy Marles, chief fire officer from South Wales fire and rescue; Jason Killens, London ambulance service's deputy director of operations; Steve Whatson, director of ICT for the Olympics at the Metropolitan police service and Olympic security directorate.

"Big Society" and its role in local government 7 December, London. This is an essential seminar for managers and leaders looking for a practical definition of big society and how it will work within local government. As well as a keynote speech from the government's adviser on big society, Lord Wei, delegates will also hear first hand accounts of how other local government managers are implementing big society in their councils and the best practice they have developed.

Transforming Social Care through IT Finding your way in a changing service environment 8 December, London.

This conference brings together best practice examples, policy leaders and industry experts to discuss the challenges facing social care providers and IT support teams. Our line-up of expert speakers includes Terry Dafter, service director adult social care, Stockport metropolitan borough council; Jennifer Bernard, consulting director, SCIE; Nick Johnson, chief executive, Social Care Association; and Sian Walker, service director, Adult Care Operations, Wiltshire council.

Public Services Summit 10 & 11 February 2011, St Albans.

New models, new relationships, a new era

Join leading thinkers, practitioners and policy makers for discussion and debate about the future of our public services

15% early bird available at