2. Planning the Routes

The second phase of Socitm's strategy for ICT-enabled local public services reform 'Planning the Route', will focus on developing detailed plans for how our shared vision can be delivered at a local level by involving cross-sectoral collaboration.

The Local CIO Council has agreed the provision (FOC) of a Programme Office capability by Deloitte.  Our Policy Director, Martin Ferguson, is acting as Programme Manager and, will be supported by a number of principal owners, drawn largely from Local CIO Council and Socitm Futures, who will oversee the 12 capabilities and ICT issues identified in Planting the Flag and also all sectors (emergency services, transport, third sector, etc.) and regions.

A marketing communications plan is in preparation and engagement with key partners (other professional groups, national and local bodies) is underway to maximise the reach, impact and contribution for this next phase.  Various forms of enablement, including Socitm Insight guides, Consulting and Benchmarking services are under development and, regional workshops have already begun.

In the current climate, our resources are limited. However, by adopting a 'crowdsourcing' approach, we aim to weave and navigate routes to reform, using the pooled talents, knowledge and capabilities of our members, their organisations and partners in a way that chimes with the growing shift towards 'Localism'.

Be sure to keep an eye out further announcements about this strategy and also the opportunity to participate in workshops in your region.

As Head of the HM Government Skunkworks I am pleased to welcome "Planting the Flag" as a key contribution to encouraging community-led strategies for digital local public services, which will help maximise the benefits of localism and support Big Society outcomes. I am sure that "Planning the Route" will prove an invaluable guide to the ever-changing digital landscape and our collective responsibility to drive maximum benefit from limited public funds. Together these strategic tools will provide an added impetus to the existing work of local councils and their partners around shared priorities such as the personalisation of local services, and creating stronger and safer communities.

Mark O'Neill, Chief Information Officer, DCLG and DCMS

With technology improving at an increasing rate, the opportunity to drive innovation and change while saving money has never been greater. So it is timely that the launch of Planting the flag: a strategy for ICT-enabled local public services reform at the Socitm Spring Conference.  Our very own Mick Phythian help drafted this document. ..... I will be working with Management Team on this and how we can transform our communications with other public bodies.

CEO of Ryedale DC in a staff bulletin

Who needs to know?

All CIOs & Heads of ICT, ICT specialist, CEOs, senior management teams in local public services and private sector businesses.

Socitm's 'Planting the Flag' report forms a great foundation for our focus and activities throughout the year, which will culminate in Socitm 2011 where, 'Planning the Route' will be the main focus and also how we move to the final phase of 'Driving the Route'; making the vision a practical reality!

Book your place at Socitm 2011 now

Have your say...
If you would like to join in the conversation or add to the debate:

• Join our Linkedin group
• Email us at enquiries@socitm.net
  
• Connect with other public sector members through CoP to learn and share information.

Supporting material

Further reference material and resources relating to the following subjects can been downloaded for free at: Documentation and Resources - Socitm policy documents

1. Leadership
2. Governance
3. Organisational Change
4. Strategic commissioning and supplier management
5. Shared services
6. Professionalism.

If you experience any problems in accessing any of these documents please contact Socitm on 01604 497774 or email us at enquiries@socitm.net