Achievement Awards

Founded in 2004 by Socitm in memory of Graham Williamson, former Head of IT Services at Argyll and Bute Council the award represents a great opportunity for someone starting out in ICT to undertake a period of research based work experience at home or abroad.

The purpose of this opportunity is to broaden your understanding and knowledge of what and how ICT can deliver business and citizen benefits and efficiencies in a wider public sector context. All the evidence from previous winners shows how each one has been able to make a positive and valuable contribution to their own organisation and the wider sector as a direct result of the experience gained via the award.

Graham was passionate about ICT, very involved in Socitm at regional and national levels and was particularly interested in mentoring young and aspiring ICT professionals.

The Graham Williamson Research Award affords the winner the opportunity to broaden their horizons, experience and contribute to the different ways by which innovative uses of ICT enables more effective public services.

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What does it offer

This award gives the opportunity to;

• Travel at home or abroad and undertake up to 4 weeks work experience
• Focus on a particular ICT service, sector or technology
• Gain an wider perspective of public services ICT
• Broaden your breath of knowledge and understanding of ICT in a wider public sector context
• Gain invaluable life experiences, develop of your ICT career and strengthen your cv.

Past Winners

2011 winner - Steve Grange, Web project manager of Cambridgeshire County Council went to Vancouver, Canada to investigate how UCD (user-centred design) and UX (user experience) are used to improve the CoVC's (City of Vancouver Council) website.

2010 winner - Jamie Kirk, Knowledge Management Trainee Consultant at Improvement Service, travelled to the US.

2009 winner - Scott Mansfield, involved in Web Design and Sharepoint at Leeds City Council, travelled to Australia and New Zealand