6 October 2008

Letter from OGC about re-procurement of a public sector licensing arrangement for Microsoft software (DOC 115KB): The downloadable letter concerns the development of requirements for, and re-procurement of, a public sector licensing arrangement for Microsoft software. Socitm is represented on both the Project Board and in the Project Team set up for this purpose, and our recent survey of members’ use of Microsoft software provided an important input.

3 October 2008

Paul Murphy MP, Minister for Digital Inclusion, is to speak at the Socitm conference (Newport 12-14 October) when he will speak about the Government’s Digital Action Plan to be launched this Autumn. As well as the Minister’s address, the conference programme now includes a workshop on digital inclusion presented by Socitm Consulting, currently engaged on a major project on behalf of the Department of Communities to examine awareness of the topic among local government staff and partner organisations.  The project is currently undertaking a survey of local government officers and suppliers to explore awareness of and activity around the issue. The workshop will provide an opportunity for delegates to explore issues behind digital equality, share their experience, and hear about at best practice from across the UK. Please note that if you cannot attend the whole conference, day tickets are available for Monday or Tuesday of the conference for £240. If you would like to book a stand at the last minute, there are just five left (out of 84) and we can now offer you a substantial saving on the original stand price.  We can help you get your paperwork completed in time, we’ve reserved a set of black-and-chrome furniture for each stand (free of charge) so you don’t need to worry about furniture orders, and we can still include your listing in the ‘Stop Press’ sheet in each delegate pack, as well as on Socitm’s website.  Call Elaine Davis on 0208 123 1294 or email elaine.davis@socitm.gov.uk to get a deal on one of these stands now!

30 September 2008

Support package for councils around GCSx Code of Connection to be announced at Socitm 2008 (12-14 October): Government Connect will be announcing a package of support for councils around GCSx Code of Connection at the Socitm Annual conference taking place in Newport 12-14 October. The move follows a presentation from Socitm to the recent Government Connect Board setting out a series of recommendations arising from a survey of members about their preparedness to achieve the GCSx Code of Connection and engage with Government Connect. Among these were calls for better communication, engagement from the whole of Government in the initiative, a range of support, training and good practice sharing, and creation of an implementation toolkit.

Government Connect will have a significant presence at Socitm 2008 as an exhibitor and be conducting a programme of workshops for delegates. Socitm President Richard Steel comments: I am well aware, from discussions with Socitm members, of some of the concerns and anxieties there are around achieving the CoCo within the stipulated timescales, and also of some apparent barriers. Having previously been one of the most vocal critics Government Connect, I firmly believe, now, that the present approach is the most practical means of addressing pan-Government security, which none of us can deny is a critical requirement in joined-up Government. In this activity, Socitm is determined to act as a "critical friend" to Government Connect - if things are not right, we will say so – but also suggest, or help to identify, solutions.

29 September 2008

Socitm Extraordinary General Meeting, 13 October 2008 at 17.15, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, NP18 1HQ: Further to the electronic notice given  on 24 September, 2008 I now enclose the agenda for the forthcoming EGM of Socitm Limited (Registered Number 04396808) due to be held at 17.15 pm Monday 13 October 2008. The EGM will be held during the Socitm Annual Conference at the same venue and is open to all members whether attending the conference or not. The business of the meeting and all papers relevant to the EGM are available on the Socitm website. We would urge that you download and read the documents prior to the EGM as only a limited number of copies will be available at the meeting. Voting on the resolutions (full members only are entitled to vote) can be in person at the EGM or can be made by downloading a voting form from the Socitm website and sending by email to egm_agenda_voting@socitm.gov.uk
by no later than 10 October 2008 (quoting your full membership number, the resolution number(s) and your vote(s) for or against).

26 September 2008

1. Stands available at Socitm 2008: A handful of stands are still available at Socitm 2008 (at the Celtic Manor Newport, 12-14 October). To secure one of these opportunities you need to contact exhibition organiser Elaine Davis NOW (elaine.davis@socitm.gov.uk or phone 0208 123 1294). The deadline for information about exhibitors going into the delegate pack is TUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, so DON’T DELAY if you want to take advantage. Socitm has just heard that Digital Inclusion minister Paul Murphy will be attending on the opening day of the event to address delegates about the forthcoming digital inclusion action plan.

2. Socitm’s new online jobs service is now available: This is substantial upgrade to the previous service and we hope it will become the leading online resource for public sector IT professionals seeking new positions and for public sector organisations looking to employ them. The service covers jobs at all levels and can be searched regionally and by salary. Job seekers can register to receive automatic mailings about suitable jobs, and employers can add jobs directly.

24 September 2008

1. Application software index 2008..now published: In a recent survey 80% of local authorities identified the Socitm application software index as the most consulted source of information when buying software. The 2008 index with much easier navigation and new 8 page printed executive summary is now available. For more information go to Library additions on home page of www.socitm.gov.uk.

2. Extraordinary General Meeting 2008: An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society of Information Technology Management that is Socitm Limited (Registered Number 04396808) will be held at 17.15 pm Monday 13 October 2008 at the Celtic Manor Resort during the Socitm Annual Conference at the same venue. The agenda and resolutions for the EGM will follow shortly. The meeting is extremely important to the future strategy and direction of your Society and, as such, we would ask for your support in attendance. It would be helpful if you would confirm your intention to attend as soon as possible, but no later than Friday 3rd October 2008 by emailing egm_attendance@socitm.gov.uk.