Frances, 25, wins Graham Williamson Challenge (travel award) 2008

Frances was presented with her Award by Socitm President Richard Steel at the Society's annual conference, held in Newport 12-14 October. The award, set up in memory of the former Head of IT at Argyll and Bute Council, Graham Williamson, who was passionate about mentoring people starting out in IT, was sponsored this year by Microsoft.

As part of her job at Cambridgeshire CC, Frances is involved in planning delivery of an open access digital infrastructure for the proposed New Town of Northstowe, and plans to use her award to visit Sweden, the leading fibre nation within the EU, to gain experience of proven digital infrastructure solutions and applications.
'From creating a virtual embassy in the 3D "Second Life" environment, to use of telemedicine to enable equal access to specialist healthcare across a vast, sparsely-populated landscape, Sweden has a wide range of innovative web-based solutions in everyday use' says Frances. 'I would like to look into best practice, investigate solutions in varying stages of development/maturity, and consider how delivering services electronically has improved community development, social cohesion and inclusion, and democratic engagement. This will enable me to draw on personal experience when working on the OpenAccess proposal for Northstowe.'

Noelle Godfrey, Head of IT, Cambridgeshire County Council says: 'I am delighted that Frances has secured this award and I am sure that she will use the opportunity to very good effect.  The Northstowe digital infrastructure project is an exciting but challenging project which has already benefited from Frances' skill and enthusiasm and this award offers the ability for her to gain additional experience and bring new ideas to the project.'
 
Richard Steel President of Socitm adds: 'Graham Williamson was a huge supporter of the initiative and enthusiasm of young people like Frances. He would have been delighted that the Award set up in his name will allow her to have this experience, for her own benefit certainly, but clearly also for the benefit of the projects she is engaged in and the people affected.'

Socitm will be using its international connections to help Frances identify contacts in central and local government bodies to support her visit. She will be mentored throughout her involvement in the scheme by a senior member of Socitm.

Following her return to the UK, Frances will be invited to make a series of presentations to Socitm audiences about her travels and what she has learned. She will also be invited to become an adviser to the Socitm Board focussing on membership matters.

Last year's GWC winner, Shey Cobley of Oxford City Council, has been speaking at Socitm regional meetings about her trip to India. Her presentation is available on the GWC past winners page.

Notes for editors:

You can view a photo of Frances receiving her prize from Socitm President Richard Steel and Helen Gilroy, Head of Local and Regional Government Business for Microsoft, on the Socitm website.

Copies of the photo can be obtained from rob.adams@socitm.gov.uk in the Socitm Press Office.

The GWC was created in 2004 to enable a person starting out in ICT to undertake a short work placement in a local authority abroad, in order to broaden their understanding and knowledge of ICT in a wider public sector context.  The award provides a budget of up to £5000 to cover travel, accommodation, and associated costs, with the expectation that the successful candidate is granted one month's paid leave of absence from work to fulfill the placement. Host authorities are identified through the links Socitm has with similar professional associations all over the world. This year's Award was sponsored by Microsoft.

Further information:

Frances Kettleday, Cambridgeshire County Council
Tel: 01223 718704 Frances.Kettleday@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Vicky Sargent or Rob Adams, Socitm Press Office
Tel: 07726 601 139 vicky.sargent@socitm.gov.uk or rob.adams@socitm.gov.uk