PAPER B1

Committee :    SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE

Date :              4 SEPTEMBER 2002

Title :              INFORMATION FOR SOCIAL CARE MODERNISATION AGENDA : UPDATE ON PROGRESS REPORT OF THE DIRECTORATE’S ICT AGENDA

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

1.        SUMMARY/PURPOSE

1.1      To update Members as to the progress of the Communications/ICT Task Group established by the Social Services & Housing Select Committee to assist move forward the ICT Modernisation Agenda Information for Social Care.

2.        BACKGROUND

2.1      The Task Group have met on a regular basis, the purpose to oversee progress with regard to general ICT matters and specifically issues re: the upgrading of the Client Database and telecommunications to meet the Information for Social Care Agenda.

2.2      This reports sets out progress to date, a previous report having been presented to Members on 10 July 2002.

2.3      Infrastructure Issues

2.3.1   It is proposed to transfer the procurement and maintenance of hardware centrally and steps are being taken to draw up a Service Level Agreement and identify transferable assets.

2.4      Client Database

2.4.1   A consultant’s report was produced and both the Task Group and Project Group have received details. The consultants report has recommended the purchase of a new system.

2.4.2   An action plan has been formulated (Appendix 1) and a Project Board established. The membership will be Charles Waddicor, David Price, Dawn Cousins and Ian Stephens.

2.4.3   A Project Manager is to be appointed on a short term contract to progress the Business Case, the post being funded by direct grant monies accrued through the Local Information Plan submission.

2.4.4   The Prince methodology for project management will be used to ensure Members receive a detailed business case, prior to any decision being taken.

2.4.5   Members have received a copy of the Local Information Plan and Information for Social Care Agenda, and details regarding the proposed funding of the project, however no responses have been received regarding definitive funding.

2.4.6   A meeting to establish contributions from partnerships is to be arranged for late October 2002. Work with regional partners is on-going.

2.5      Switchboard/Telecommunications

2.5.1   The Task Group have agreed to defer a decision re: transfer of switchboard/ communications to County Hall until accommodation and technical issues resolved.

3.        FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

3.1      Details of potential cost for new Client Database, plus other related development costs attached (Appendix 2 : Extract Local Information Plan)

4.        RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1      That the Committee endorse the action plan and work of the Task Group, requiring a further progress report in three months.

5.        BACKGROUND PAPERS

Information for Social Care Agenda

           ACCISS Replacement Away Day Action Plan

Local Information Plan ICT Strategy Budget

Department of Health Guidelines re: Communication/ E-Government Strategy

Contact Point : Dawn Cousins, ☎ 520600

                                                                           C WADDICOR

Strategic Director of Social Services and Housing