Issue 103 August 2008 (168KB) Download a PDF version of the latest newsletter.
Index
Socitm 2008 — Full Conference Programme Published
Socitm 2008 — Exhibition Showcase
The Empowerment White Paper
What’s the latest News from Socitm HQ?
Government Connect: Revised data access policy for DWP restricted data (HTML format)
The LG CIO Council
The latest advice on NI 14, and “Reducing Avoidable Contact”
CoCo Deadline Looms
Old PCs — an option to reuse them
“Show us a Better Way” competition
Greener ICT — Are rules a real barrier?
Leeds takes holistic approach to greening ICT
The Graham Williamson Challenge
“a frolic of your own” or Cheap software... and the law
The Rough Guide to EuP Directive
Socitm Sponsored MBA update
A Master Class In Common Sense
Web 2.0: What it is and why it matters
The Data Handling Review in Government
News from Socitm Regions and Branches
Socitm Consulting — Update on Training
Editorial
Serving the instant access society
The full programme for this year's Annual Conference and Exhibition is now published on the Socitm Web site. The event will be held at the Celtic Manor, Newport, 12-14 October 2008.
As with recent years the format includes a number of parallel session speakers. There will be a specific guide to these to help you plan your visit published later this month.
The theme this year is very topical and a recent addition to the programme is Steven Noels of Outerthought - who'll be talking about the 'Webification of our ICT World' - and a presentation from Gartner, details of which will be published soon. A session has also been added on Green ICT.
Recognition is a strong feature, too
Following positive feedback from delegates, the IT Excellence Awards will have a greater presence in the programme this year, with case studies from winners in each of the three categories: service transformation, shared services and mobile and flexible working. (If you would like to be making one of these presentations, make sure you get your entry in).
Also new for this year will be a presentation from the winner of Innovate08, a Microsoft initiative that will showcase and develop ground-breaking ideas for tackling issues around social inclusion, place-shaping, community engagement and environment. Again, if you want to be the one presenting, get your entry in at .
The Conference kicks off on Sunday 12th with the conference key note speaker Paul Sloane founder of Destination-Innovation, a consultancy that helps organisations gain competitive advantage through innovation. His latest book aims to promote “lateral leadership” (not to be confused with lying down on the job) and how to inspire people to achieve breakthrough solutions and radical innovations.
Later, after dinner, delegates have a choice of the Quiz, a free ear bashing by Mark Wheatley (see issue 101 for his appeal for volunteers) and a band of enthusiasts known as Rocitm or you may adjourn to the bar.
Monday starts with Harvey Mattinson, Lead Consultant at CESG with primary responsibility for risk management and IA professionalism. His topical keynote session is followed by the first of three batches of parallel sessions with something for everyone.
- Security (1, 2)
- Web2 (e-democracy) (1, 2)
- Green IT (1, 2)
- Mobility and innovation (1, 3)
- Customer access (1, 3)
- Service orientated architecture (1, 3)
- The Public Office (2, 3)
- Lean thinking (2, 3)
- Business Continuity (2, 3)
(Key to Sessions: 1 Monday @ 10:00, 2 Monday @ 12:00, 3 Monday @ 14:55)
The morning continues with sessions in the main auditorium on Information Management: more parallel sessions and time to visit the exhibitions over lunch.
After the third batch of parallel sessions and tea Charles Chang talks on the threat or opportunity posed by India and China. Followed by the EGM, then perhaps a short siesta and time to catch up with your partner, before the Drinks Reception and Gala Dinner with traditional Welsh entertainment.
Gala Evening: The Gala Evening on Monday includes a reception followed by a 4 course dinner with wine. A great programme of after dinner entertainment has been lined up including the Caldicot Male Voice Choir, a 60 strong choir who have gained first prize at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. Further opportunities for dancing and networking over a drink will follow.
Tuesday includes the award ceremonies for IT Excellence, the new Innovate08 presentation and the Graham Williamson Award presentation. There will be increased coverage of the Graham Williamson award in the light of feedback from last year at Belfast.
Socitm EGM: Following the adoption of new articles of association for Socitm at the Annual General Meeting, an Extraordinary General Meeting will be held to enable the membership to consider a proposed new membership model in furtherance of its aim of growing its remit to include all the public and third sectors, and as part of the continuing organisational review. An update on development progress, since the AGM, will also be given.
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Throughout the conference the exhibition will be showcasing a range of Solutions and a chance to meet major players and some smaller organisation under one roof. To plan your visit so you maximise your opportunities see the list of this year's sponsors and exhibitors at following pages:
- Socitm2008 sponsors:
- Socitm2008 exhibitors:
There is still exhibition space available and sponsorship packages starting at £500. For more info, email elaine.davis@socitm.gov.uk or visit the sponsors and exhibitors page.
Elaine Davis,on behalf of Socitm Events
Email: elaine.davis@socitm.gov.uk
And don't forget to book your delegate tickets, we are sorry you've missed the early bird discount! But why not do it now anyway, before you forget.
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The empowerment white paper, Communities in Control, Real People, Real Power was released earlier in July by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The Planning Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 15 July 2008.
At least one pressure group was upset by the lack of teeth, with a press release entitled “No real rights in empowerment white paper”. Friends of the Earth criticised the Government's white paper on community empowerment for not going far enough to restore local democracy. The paper aims to give communities more of a say over their own lives but the environmental campaign group says this is in opposition to proposals in the Planning Bill to remove local people's right to have a say on decisions about major projects such as roads, airports and power stations in their area.
Friends of the Earth's Planning Campaigner, Naomi Luhde-Thompson, said: “Hazel Blears claims this white paper will improve democracy but the Government is undermining the very concept by handing decisions on major projects to an unelected quango, the Infrastructure Planning Commission. The Planning Bill is a significant step backwards for local democracy - it removes accountability, centralises decision making and reduces local people's opportunities to have a say over their own lives.”
According to a recent survey released by Friends of the Earth more than nine out of ten people want to have a say over planning decisions affecting their local area, and so the debate continues...
The DCLG web site states that the White Paper does not signify the end of work in this area. It is intended as a catalyst for change and its success will be measured over the medium term. “Communities in Control” contains an annex which gives an indication of plans for implementation. Some elements of the White Paper will be subject to formal consultation during the summer months. DCLG will publish a full Implementation Plan shortly. Other policies within the White Paper will require legislation. These will feature in the Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic Regeneration Bill, which forms part of the draft 2008/2009 legislative programme.
Terry Street, Editor
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If you missed the recent Socitm Broadcasts here is a quick run down of some highlights:
1 Blog Awards - the president Richard Steel's blog is being nominated for the Computer Weekly blog awards. Mick Phythian's, ICT Manager Ryedale DC and member of the LG CIO Council, blog has been nominated for the same award.
2 President's report - July 2008: Socitm President Richard Steel has published his second President's report. These reports were initiated in June and now appear monthly following Socitm Board meetings, on the Socitm website.
3 Managing Director - Socitm formally confirms Adrian Hancock as Managing Director
The Society of IT Management has confirmed Adrian Hancock as its managing director, a role he has occupied on an interim basis since January. Adrian takes the role at time of significant change for the Society, which agreed changes to its governance and management at its AGM in April, and will consider proposals to widen its membership to embrace IT professionals at levels across the public sector at an EGM in October. The Society is also taking steps to increase its already significant collaboration with central government in areas such as IT professionalism, the CIO council, and data handling, and is developing proactive policies in areas like green ICT, social computing and relationships with the supplier community.
4 Interim Executive Director - At its meeting in July the Socitm Board has also appointed former President David Houston as a second Executive Director on an interim basis. (Under Socitm's constitution the board has two executive directors, one being the managing director, with other board members acting in a non-executive capacity). David will be advising the board on financial and commercial development, firming-up the new membership model and helping recruit a second Executive Director on a permanent basis.
5 Members Services Group (MSG) - MSG in its present form will be discontinued until a review of members needs is undertaken, and Socitm financing is stabilised.
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A circular was issued on 8th July as follows:
- This letter informs local authorities of changes to the provision of restricted data and the receipt of sensitive personal data through means other than a government-approved secure IT. see Government Connect home page
- On 31st March 2009 DWP will cease the provision of RESTRICTED data to local authorities and the receipt of “sensitive personal data” from local authorities through means other than a government approved secure IT communications channel. This essential measure means that we now urge all local authorities to make information security a top priority and to commit to completing the Government Connect implementation process without delay.
- According to the Gov Conects web site all but 50 of the 410 English and Welsh local authorities have either implemented or are actively progressing implementation of Government Connect, probably based on the free use deal!
- Socitm Consulting thinks many authorities will struggle and recently e-mailed ICT managers with an offer of support for connectivity compliance. (see pages 6 and 13).
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The LG CIO council met again, on 3rd July, one of three such meetings a year, to review where local government can support, or if necessary challenge, the broader Government CIO agenda and to discuss other issues and priorities relevant to local government transformation. The existence of this group and its meetings will also enable local government members of the main CIO Council to better represent local government issues across the country at the main CIO Council meetings. You may download the minutes on the Socitm website.
Topics covered included representation on the LG CIO from Wales, Scotland and the East region, who joined this time and a wider debate on the make-up of this group to extend it beyond local government e.g. to include Police, Transport and Health. Here is a selection of extracts illustrating their agenda and portfolio:
2(a) Local Government Delivery Council
Glynn Evans gave an update of the Local Government Delivery Council. This group is chaired by Janet Callender (Tameside) and Vice Chair is Steve Baker (Suffolk Coastal). This is a reasonably high powered group comprising of a mix of CE's from district councils and directors from the counties. It is the only group concentrating on the business side of delivery and liaising with them could provide the LG CIO Council with another route to influence. It was recognised that the LG CIO Council with their links to Local Government may be well placed to deliver some of the priorities of the LGDC. Glyn Evans will act as the conduit to this group and an invitation will be issued to the LGDC chair to brief the next LG CIO Council meeting on the vision and priorities of LGDC and areas where the LG CIO Council could assist.
2(b) Local Government Reference Group (LGRG)
Peter Bole advised this group have the same links to CIO and CTO as the LG CIO Council. It is important to maintain links with the LGRG in order to create further links with local groups. Support for the LGRG will be channelled through Peter Bole and Richard Steel.
3 Government Connect
Simon Norbury gave a presentation on the position of the programme and its importance to Local Government especially in protecting sensitive information. The issues regarding data exchange and implementation schedules were fully outlined in the Government Connect 'Revised Data Access Policy for DWP RESTRICTED data'. The LG CIO Council endorsed the vision and direction strategy but raised a number of concerns to be considered by the programme.
- LG CIO Council involvement and communications
- Authorities will need to feel part of the process (taking ownership and being part of a consultation process).
- Future costs and benefits to be transparent
- The need to develop a broader vision of reach and range of Government Connect to regions and services
- LG CIO Council may need to be part of any exemption process
The Importance of the CIO Council being aware of Local Government initiatives (e.g. Benchmarking) was stressed. The principles of operation to underpin discussion about an IT strategy was to be tabled at the next meeting.
LG CIO Work Programme
It was agreed to split this item into two distinctive parts Business Change and Transformation and ICT enablers (to be led by the Local Government Reference Group).
Priority workstreams were discussed and agreed as follows:
- Framework Delivery Principles (Rose Crozier)
- Information Assurance and Data Quality (Mark Brett & all)
- Self Service, Personalisation and Channel Shift to include 'tell us once' and N14 (Dylan Roberts, Mick Phythian, Helen Finnimore)
- Shared Services (Rose Crozier, Peter Gallon, Vic Freir, Steve Hopson, Steve Sankey)
- Digital Inclusion (Richard Steel, Nicola Ratcliffe, Glyn Evans)
- Green IT (Jos Creese, Steve Hopson, Dylan Roberts)
- IT Professionalism to include roles of the Local Government CIO Council/Local Government IT Professionalism Board (Jos Creese, Nicola Ratcliffe, Mick Phythian, Helen Finnimore, Dylan Roberts)
- Inclusion, Regeneration and Community Involvement (Richard Steele, Nicola Ratcliffe, Glyn Evans)
Secondary priorities (defined as a watching brief) were to include:
- Democracy, Consultation and Decision making
- Collaboration and Partnership working
- Integrated Children's Services
Pam Larsen is to facilitate the setting up of a GovX space with threads for the various tasks, the overall workload to be shared as widely as possible and co-ordinated by the LG CC. Minutes and other papers are to be openly available on the Socitm website.
Source: LG CIO minutes
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This highly controversial National Indicator continues to spark strong debate. The most recent advice seems to fuel the debate rather than douse it down. With statements like “it is not possible to provide any all-encompassing definition or a range of definitions that cover all avoidable contacts. This is because the definition of what is 'avoidable contact' will differ between services, channels, people and authorities. It should also change as service users' and deliverers' experiences transform.”
The advice seemed very hard to find, my usual trust in a Google search was misplaced, but undeterred I found it via the Audit Commission' FAQ's viz:
Q “Is it possible to provide further clarification of the definition of avoidable contacts?
A Additional guidance on the definition of avoidable contacts is included in the further guidance document published jointly by CLG, IDeA and the Cabinet Office”
Published in July “Reducing avoidable contact a guide to NI 14” runs to 66 pages and contents include:
- Part one - how to use this guide
- Part two - defining avoidable contact
- Part three - making the business case
- Part four - putting NI 14 into place setting the context
- Part five - collecting data
...this caught my eye...
using information systems to record avoidable contact (see below)
- Part six - case studies
- Plus Appendices i - v
Using information systems to record avoidable contact
Local authorities have a variety of means available to them to record avoidable contact. Information systems, such as telephone call handling systems and customer relationship management applications, can help to identify and log avoidable contact.
However, relevant information may also be contained in key back-office systems as well as for example in document management systems or queue management applications. At an early stage, therefore, you will need to identify where you will have to focus your efforts.
Ideally, the processes and systems can be designed to identify avoidable contact automatically, with no need for any additional steps required of the customer service agent. The London Borough of Haringey, for instance, is implementing a new CRM system and has built avoidable contact into the design, although the system will not cover all relevant services.
In addition Socitm Website Take-up service will shortly provide automated stats for the web transactions element.
Sampling vs. full measurement.
The guidance gives sample sizes that might be used. A table shows the Population size and corresponding Sample size needed to give +/-3% @ 95% for a population of 3 million it is just over 1067, for 300,000 the sample size is 1063 just few fewer for one tenth the population, Statistics are great aren't they!
Getting the message across to staff
The guidance suggests you try Dudley's approach and you can download it from the IDeA web site... Dudley presentation and staff quiz (PDF, 20 pages, 118KB).
Terry Street
Definition of NI 14: Avoidable contact: The proportion of contacts within key service areas that are a poor use of customer and officer time. Councils are required to report NI 14 data for the first time in April 2009 and are expected to be ready for data collection to begin in October 2008.
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All local authorities must be connected to the Government's Secure Network (GCSx) by 31st March 2009 - now less than eight months away. This is a hard deadline inasmuch as DWP have stated that they will only communicate with local authorities via GCSx after that date. In order to connect to GCSx, as well as arranging the necessary infrastructure changes, a local authority must be able to demonstrate compliance with Government Connect's Code of Connection (CoCo). CoCo comprises a minimum set of security standards based on Information Security Management best practice (e.g. BS ISO/IEC 17799:2005 and BS ISO/IEC 27001:2005). Even if your authority has an Information Security Management System in place, some of the elements of CoCo are likely to require a culture change (e.g. understanding when to apply protective marking to documents). Our experience is that very few councils are fully compliant in all the 26 areas of control assessment for CoCo - and so may have a lot to achieve in a very short timescale.
Socitm Consulting's information security experts understand the issues around CoCo and can rapidly assess your organisation's state of readiness. Where needed, Consulting can design and project manage the action plan needed for you to achieve CoCo compliance by the due date. If you are at all uncertain of your organisation's ability to hit the CoCo deadline, then may I suggest you contact Consulting now, either by email to Consulting@socitm.gov.uk with your contact details or alternatively calling Consulting on 0845 241 2774.
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In March 2008, Computer Aid International launched an ambitious campaign to generate 50,000 donations of end-of-life PCs and laptops, for use in communities in the developing world. Computer Aid can now track any donated PCs across the world providing feedback on their use in healthcare, education and social inclusion projects and can provide this information back to the donor local authority.
Computer Aid's biggest ever appeal reflects the urgent need for access to ICT in developing communities, like those in sub-Saharan Africa where there are still only five or less PCs per 1,000 people. UK businesses and local authorities have already donated 100,000 PCs to Computer Aid, which are being put to good use in a variety of projects, including:
e-learning - over 15,000 PCs have been shipped to teacher training institutions, colleges and universities in Kenya to provide teacher-training
e-inclusion - 1,000 PCs are currently reaching marginalised groups such as women in rural areas and people with disabilities
e-agriculture - weather forecast data compiled and recorded by computers in meteorological offices is helping farmers to maximise yield
e-health - laptops are helping doctors and nurses across Africa to save lives and stem the spread of disease through remote diagnosis in rural areas
Contact Anja on 020 8361 5540 or email anja@computeraid.org. The Project already receives computers from a number of local authorities including: South Oxfordshire District Council, Canterbury Council, Babergh District Council, Sevenoaks District Council,
Aberdeenshire Council, Cambridge City Council,
Broxtowe Borough Council, Brent Council,
Croydon Council, Merton Council,
Enfield Council, Rushmoore Borough Council, and Newham Council.
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This competition was recently launched by The Power of Information (PofI) Taskforce who are running the competition on the Government's behalf, and we have a £20,000 prize fund to develop the best ideas to the next level. You can see the type of thing they are looking for on the Show us a better way website.
The PofI Taskforce is helping government become more open, transparent and effective through better use of published information. This competition is asking for your help in developing better ways to publish the vast swathes of non-personal information that the government collects & creates on citizens' behalf. Tell them what you'd build with it and you could win £20k to develop your idea to the next level.
Plus we're launching the Channel Value Benchmarking Service shortly and there's the Web 2 event on 10 September.
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As part of raising awareness of Greener IT via Socitm's “save the planet workshop” programme we have come across two examples where “the rules” appear to be preventing the deployment of a greener solution that has been deployed elsewhere. Both concern flexible working.
- Can you issue staff with a laptop PC and still comply with the Health and Safety rules on Visual display Units? In some authorities it is being argued that since a laptop screen has limited ability to adjust height and to swivel that it is non compliant for normal use.
- When connected to GSI (GCSx), can you still allow access to your network from staff using their own equipment or does the CoCo demand you control their workstations? This becomes more relevant as use of Government Connects (GCSx) is soon to be mandatory for DWP (see other articles in this issue).
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Leeds City Council has created an environmentally sustainable ICT network by analysing all aspects of procurement, disposal and energy usage. As a result of these measures, the Council has managed to reduce its carbon impact and achieve a 7% reduction in electricity over the last year alone. The project is featured on LGTV.
The Council selected the most efficient devices on the market, virtualised its server environment and achieved 100% recycling rate on old products being removed from the estate, with 0% going to landfill.
To encourage staff to unplug devices outside of working hours, the Council also applied Switch Off! stickers to all computers and established a network of energy guardians to monitor wastage.
This article was submitted by LocalGovTV. If your organisation would be interested in featuring a story on LocalGovTV, do please email Gerry (Geraldine) with a short paragraph outlining your ideas.
Gerry Price, LocalGov.TV geraldine.price@localgov.tv
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Socitm is looking for ICT professionals starting out on a career in ICT, and who are already working in local government ICT, or who aspire to do so, to enter its travel award, the Graham Williamson Challenge. The award provides up to £5000 to fund the travel and associated costs of taking up a short work placement abroad. Host countries are identified through the links Socitm has with similar professional associations all over the world. Entries close on 1st September 2008 and the winner will be announced at Socitm2008 at Celtic Manor, Wales, on Tuesday 14 October 2008.
Members are asked to pass the details to staff in their organisation who they feel may be interested and benefit from this great opportunity.
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Imagine you are a diligent IT manager on a tight budget. A supplier says that s/he has some knock-down priced software sitting neatly in its unopened shrink-wrap. It was originally meant to be loaded on some kit for resale. Do you want to buy before someone else does, and yes there is a great deal of interest in it? The software has its certificate of verification, holograms, etc, intact... and has been on your wish list for ages.
Well, here's the legal analysis that ought to be running through your mind!
In the UK software is sometimes, although quite rarely, protected by patents. More normally it is subject to copyright protection. This protection lasts for a staggering period of the lifetime of the author plus 70 years. Copyright does not need to be registered anywhere and provides a right against copying and knowingly dealing in unauthorised copies.
There will generally be other rights associated with the packages. These might include confidential information in the coding, patents and (more) copyright in the security packaging, copyright (or perhaps a patent or confidential information) in technical anti-copying devices, trade mark rights in the branding, and so forth. But let's stick with the copyright in the software itself.
Whilst you might buy the medium (disc, etc) on which software sits, no-one actually “buys” the software itself. What you do is either take a licence from the copyright owner to use the copyright in the software on set terms (over the internet this is what you are buying into when you hit the “I accept” button!), or if the software is truly bespoke then you might be able to strike a deal where you pay for an outright assignment of the copyright so that the copyright becomes your property.
One more thing. So much as loading a copy of software amounts to “copying” for the purposes of copyright infringement.
So where does this leave you if you “buy” some software at knock down prices that was only allowed (licensed) to be loaded on original equipment? Particularly if you're someone else's IT manager doing their budget a favour!
Remember, a user of software is only allowed to use the software in accordance with the terms of the licence given by the owner of the copyright in that software. The key point is clearly whether the licence just covers the software pre-loaded, or whether it also covers the software distributed independently of the original equipment.
The answer might lie in the small print sitting under the shrink wrap. “Only for distribution pre-loaded on original equipment” would be a bit of a clue.
A far more difficult situation, though, is where the small print is the bog-standard licence terms applicable to all users of the software, but the agreement between the copyright owner and your supplier only allowed your supplier to distribute the software pre-loaded.
How on earth can you know? You could ask to see your supplier's distribution contract with the copyright owner, but it is fairly fanciful to imagine that she would show you this (and there's the small point that, even if s/he did, you'd have to wade through the legal jargon and take a view on its meaning).
There is another way of doing this, and that's to take an “indemnity” from the supplier (if you get sued by the copyright owner as well as or (ouch!) instead of the supplier, then the supplier will bail you out). All well and good, but you had better have something in writing; oh, and hope that the supplier is still in business when and if you do face a claim from the copyright owner!
This is silly, you might reason, I'd never be found out. This is dangerous reasoning. Most responsible employers have some form of policy against software “overuse” built into contracts of employment one way or another. Some employers carry out, or even permit others to carry out software audits. If there is a sue, and you haven't followed the software policy, then you could find that not only does your employer discipline you, but also throws you personally to the copyright owner as infringing in the course of what lawyers quaintly call “a frolic of your own”.
So what happens now? The copyright owner who sues successfully will be entitled to have the software removed from your machines, to compensation, and to reimbursement of its lawyers' costs. Who pays?
If you really were on a frolic of your own, then there's a chance that you do! If your employer knew what you were doing, but didn't stop you, then the employer probably has to pay up. And that will be a fun conversation at your next performance review!
And what about the time honoured “defence” of “I didn't know I'd done anything wrong”? Sorry, this simply doesn't wash in copyright law.
So, should you buy the software or not? Well, it's certainly worth a quick call to the lawyer. If he's nice, and the answer is clear to him, then you never know, he might give you a view off the cuff without even opening a file! Although in those circumstances he is likely to say (as does the current writer about this article) that everything depends on the precise facts of the case!
Dr Michael Servian, is a solicitor specialising in ICT law at KJD, and who supports the legal side of Socitm Consulting projects as required.
Contact: KJD Solicitors, Churchill House, Regent Road, Stoke on Trent ST1 3RQ T: 01782 202020 www.kjd.co.uk
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The Energy Using Products Directive (EuP) adopts a cradle-to-grave approach to electrical equipment in a bid to lessen its environmental impact.
What is the purpose of the Energy Using Products Directive?
- Directive 2005/32/EC on the eco-design of energy using products (EuP), such as electrical and electronic devices or heating equipment, is designed to provide coherent European Union-wide rules for eco-design and ensure that disparities among national regulations do not become obstacles to intra-EU trade.
- The European Commission (EC) says: “The Directive does not introduce directly binding requirements for specific products, but does define conditions and criteria for setting, through subsequent implementing measures, requirements regarding environmentally relevant product characteristics and allows them to be improved quickly and efficiently.”
- The Directive goes beyond simply looking at energy efficiency; it also considers the whole life-cycle cost, including production and disposal, and the related ecological impact of EuP.
- The objective of the Directive is to improve the environmental performance of products throughout the lifecycle by the systematic integration of environmental aspects at a very early stage in the product design.
The Directive aims to:
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions from EuP, including heating and hot water equipment such as boilers and central heating circulators. It establishes a framework for eco-design requirements for EuP in order to ensure their free movement within the internal market.
- Contribute to sustainable development by increasing energy efficiency and protecting the environment while increasing the security of the energy supply.
What does the Directive demand?
- Marking and declaration of conformity: Before an EuP is marketed or put into service, a CE conformity marking must be fixed to it and a declaration of conformity issued. The manufacturer or its authorised representative must make sure that an assessment of the EuP's conformity with all relevant requirements is carried out.
- Free movement: Member States must not prohibit restrict or impede the marketing and/or putting into service, on grounds relating to eco-design requirements, of an EuP which complies with all relevant implementing measurers and bears the CE conformity marking.
- Consumer information: Manufacturers must make sure that consumers of EuP are provided with information on the sustainable use of the product, the ecological Profile of the product and the benefits of eco-design.
- Implementing measures: There are not obligations for all EuP, but only for those meeting certain criteria such as significant environmental impact and volume of trade in the internal market and those that have a clear potential for improvement in terms of environmental impact.
Although the Directive does not introduce directly binding requirements for specific products, it does define conditions and criteria for setting, through subsequent Implementing measures, requirements regarding environmentally relevant product characteristics.
What is eco-design?
- Eco-design means the integration of environmental considerations at the design phase of the product, which is the best way to improve its environmental performance. It is, according to the EC, also a long-lasting contribution to securing energy supply and achieving sustainable development.
- “Businesses and consumers benefit not only from better products and an improved environment, but also economically, because of a more rational use of resources,” says the EC.
- It adds: “Easier access to an enlarged EU single market will help enhance competitiveness in the global market place, where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important.”
Who does the new Directive affect?
- It affects EuP manufacturers and importers. The Directive aims to encourage manufacturers to produce products which are designed to minimise their overall environmental impact, including the resources consumed in their production and disposal. Where the manufacture is not established, and in the absence of an authorised representative, it is the responsibility of the importer to:
- Ensure that the marketed EuP complies with this Directive and the applicable implementing measure.
- Keep the declaration of conformity and the technical documentation available.
What are the benefits of the EuP Directive?
- It aims to:
- Reduce the risk of fragmentation to the Internal Market and possible barriers to trade.
- Reduce the environmental impact from EuP.
- Increase the security of energy supply.
- Integrate environmental aspects into equipment design without compromising competitiveness.
- Accelerate ecological solutions, offering advantages to EU competitiveness in global trade.
- Offer greater availability/exchange of environmental information in the public domain.
What is the timescale for implementation of the Directive?
- The UK Government published a consultation seeking views on the draft regulations which will implement in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland European Directive (2005/32/EC) establishing a framework for the setting of eco-design requirements for energy-using products.
- Formal consultation ended on November 29, 2006, but the consultation documents can still be viewed.
- The EuP Directive had to be transposed into the national laws of every member state by August 11, 2007 and the adoption of first implementing measures creating eco-design obligations for some EuPs are expected later this year.
Terry Street
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The current sponsored MBA students are Craig Wilkins of Sedgemoor, Andy Szuszman of Dudley and Steve Durbin at Bridgend.
Here is an update from Andy Szuszman of Dudley.
To most people that little 3 letter acronym either spells, 'Master of Business Administration', or looks like some sort of pseudo management badge to get on the Apprentice!
Fortunately for me I have decided to take the serious route and leave Mr. Sugar's warm gratitude to others.
My background, primarily in all things world wide web, left me a little short on the business side of skills, particularly with my move into the management of Dudley's corporate Internet, Intranet and Extranet. When the opportunity arose to apply for the Socitm MBA scheme, I saw this as the perfect vehicle to brush up and gain some new skills.
When the letter came through from Socitm telling me 'you're hired!', little did I realise I had to set aside my social life and join the hardened academics of business through the Open University. Time commitment has been intense, although the pool of knowledge from fellow students is immense. Everyone from colonels in the army, to brain surgeons are all going through the same hard slog.
One of the bonuses of doing the MBA is seeing how all business concepts are adaptable and useable in day to day working, even in Local Government IT! Getting to work alongside different job backgrounds to yourself also reinforces that the problems are not just limited to your own job, but are a reality the world over.
By doing the MBA, I hope to achieve not only the badge of honour, but more importantly the skill sets that focusing solely on IT management will not give you. By being an all round manager you can address all internal stakeholders with more empathy and confidence, whilst keeping a holistic view with a focus, in my case, to the web in mind.
With convergence on all aspects of IT, business & finance gathering a pace daily, the MBA gives grounding for one to be taken seriously not only as an IT professional, but hopefully as someone whose judgement is valued in the organisation and not ignored because you happen to 'talk a bit technical' at times!
Andrew Szuszman, Corporate Web Manager, Dudley MBC
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“Gerry was truly memorable.”
Those who came to our third annual event on 16 July (Building a perfect council website) will understand this statement. Our key note presenter, Gerry McGovern, web guru and champion of the customer, talked passionately about what council web managers should focus on in their websites. Imagine, he said, your typical website visitor as busy, impatient and tired after a day at work, and now having to complete a task online in the evening, probably during an advertisement break in a TV programme; in short, imagine your typical visitor as suffering from ADS (attention deficit syndrome).
The website manager's job is to get him (or her) into and out of the website as quickly as possible, having completed that task. The web manager must focus on the top five, or six or eight tasks, which probably cover 90% of all visits, must make sure that visitors see those tasks immediately on the home page and then can carry them out with no hassle or inconvenience.
He went on to say that 'great websites are ugly and functional - they are boring to the people who produce them, not to the customer. Being customer-centric is easy to say but hard to do'. “We are not the centre of the universe! Repeat this frequently - 'The customer is'”, he told the 290 delegates. Far too many web managers, he claimed, are just 'putter-uppers', adding more and more content in response to service manager requests, making sites boated with information and harder to use as a result for those key tasks. This was a master class in common sense.
All this led to much debate during the day, not least among the Better connected team. As we move into the second decade of producing our Better connected reports, this advice has given us a much sharper focus on what we have tried to do in advising web managers and their teams about getting both the content and usability of their sites right. We, too, can focus our survey on helping them to get these top tasks right. For example, we would like to benchmark the speed and quality of response to a series of common tasks by a panel of real users to find out just how quickly and accurately websites allow users to complete defined tasks.
There is a second chance to debate with Gerry the implications of his advice. This time, our partner at the event, e-Government Bulletin has arranged a master class with him about public sector websites on 23 September 2008.
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Web 2.0: What it is and why it matters
Widgets, mash-ups, tag clouds, social networking and user-generated content; all you ever wanted to know about Web 2.0 but were afraid to ask.
Following on from a highly successful workshop in Coventry in June, Socitm Insight has organised an important seminar on 10 September in London with a high profile of speakers with real knowledge and expertise of applying Web 2.0 techniques to online public services. Speakers include Ewan McIntosh, passionate practitioner and adviser on use of new media and Web 2.0 for public services Steve Johnson, the visionary behind the radically different council website Redbridge I and Tom Steinberg, founder and director of mySociety and innovator with sites that build on user generated content. More information and booking on Web 2.0 seminar.
Martin Greenwood, Programme Manager, Socitm Insight
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Much has been said and written recently about the Data Handling Review, recently published after the incident surrounding the HMRC disks going missing.
There are a number of linked reports which support the Data Handling Review (DHR), these include:
- Sir Gus O'Donnell's report and guidelines from the outcomes.
- Kieran Poynter's review of the actual HMRC incident.
- Edmund Burton's review of the MOD laptops going missing.
- Mark Walport's review of Information Sharing for the Information Commissioner.
All four of these reports are aligned to the approach and requirements of the National Information Assurance Strategy (NIAS). The NIAS report has a number of delivery approaches for different sectors. Socitm is continuing to work closely with CESG, the LGA and Solace, to determine the best way forward to implement the National IA Strategy delivery approach.
The underlying principles are to maintain and enhance public trust and confidence in the way in which government manages and processes sensitive personal information.
The DHR has seen the publication of a set of minimum measures for the way in which central government manages and processes sensitive personal information.
These minimum measures cannot be mandated on Local Government. The Local Government Association, Solace and Socitm have been working to produce a set of guidelines to support the DHR, an executive summary will be produced within the next couple of months, and it is being reviewed by solace members at the moment.
The minimum measures for local government have been developed into a framework covering:
- People
- Places
- Processes
- Procedures
The key people issues revolve around organisational roles and responsibilities, where it is strongly recommended that a Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) is appointed. This role having overall responsibility for information risk in the organisation.
Also information asset owners for major systems. So that the business managers in the organisation become responsible for the information risk of that system. These measures apply across the entire supply chain.
The places domain looks at corporate governance and physical security.
Processes covers systems and information sharing, including the encription of mobile devices holding sensitive personal information.
Procedures covers the monitoring, auditing and compliance issues. There are a whole range of measures and good practice which not only cover encrypting portable media and laptops, but secure disposal, forensics, penetration testing and business continuity of key systems. The local authority WARP programme is also recognised as good practice and the approach is supported by the National IA Strategy.
As part of this, the CCTM (CESG Claims Test Mark), scheme products and services are recommended where applicable, for instance in choosing encryption and data destruction products.
The DHR minimum measures will also strongly recommend training for SIRO's, information asset owners, IA practitioners, Business Managers and Systems Users.
All of these measures are good practise, much of what needs doing should already be in place as part of the requirements under the Data Protection Act.
Another catalyst towards transformation and effective Information Assurance is the mandating of Government Connect (GCSx), for the transfer of electronic information between local authorities and DWP form the end of March 2009. (see other items in this issue on the subject). This will encourage all Local authorities to review their security arrangements and to review their Information Governance. The result of all of these incidents, reports and initiatives should be to enhance the trust and confidence citizens have in the way local authorities store, process, manage and dispose (see article in this issue on PC recycling) of their sensitive personal information. Both Socitm and the Local government CIO Councils support the Government Connect initiative.
Mark Brett, Programme Manager, Socitm Performance Management Group
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Socitm London Region
The July meeting of the Socitm London branch was held at The Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden and was themed around the IT Professionalism agenda. The meeting was sponsored by Capita and speakers included Vikki Wide of Socitm on “Aspire”, Mark Brett on “Sfia” and Ian Wathen from LB Lambeth on Remuneration (always close to a Londoner's heart) as well as the sponsor presentation from Capita. Presentations are on the London Connects website.
Shared data centres, business continuity and infrastructure using the LPSN and Government Connect is the theme for the next meeting on 18 September 2008.
Steve Pennant, Chief Executive
Key news items from Socitm North East
Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (RIEP)
The RIEP has £16.8m available to the North East region over the next three years and it has produced a strategy and delivery plan. There are 10 workstreams around the strategy for improving local government and performance. We believe that each Programme will have aspects that will be relevant to us. And, we will have the opportunity as authorities to commission work. We are going to declare a supporting role to the RIEP. Our members are also considering ongoing projects or ideas that will benefit the region and could be considered within the Programme.
Butler Group subscription
Kate Howman of Butler Group gave a presentation of the services Butler Group offer to our June meeting. Following this, we negotiated a set reduced subscription fee for access to the CIO Knowledge Centre for each North East council. This fee allows us to have full, unrestricted access to the CIO Knowledge Centre, free seats at each Strategy Briefing and Symposia, one hard copy of each report published over the subscription term and one analyst access question.
Recruitment retention and succession planning
We are looking at the issues and difficulties around recruitment and selection and retention of staff especially because of Single Status. We are going to invite Sue Ormorod of Nigel Wright Associates (recruitment and management consultants) to our next regional meeting in October. Our members will be asked to fill in a survey before the meeting and the discussion is likely to include the following.
- The perception of recruitment, retention, skills, training, succession planning and talent management issues amongst our members.
- The general picture in the North East and UK and how public sector IT in the North East compares with this.
- If there is a relationship between churn rates (or recruitment difficulties) and pressure to increase salaries.
- What the most valuable things are on IT Curriculum Vitae at the moment.
- If there local examples of best practice we can look to for:
- talent management;
- succession planning;
- job profiles and person specifications;
- continuing professional development; and
- IT career grades.
- How we can challenge executive management over these issues.
- Future meeting dates
10 October 2008 and 12 December 2008
Socitm East Region
Telephony Workshop - 9 June 2008
The powerpoint slides from the Socitm East Region telephony workshop can be downloaded on the Socitm website:
Northern Ireland Region
Next Event 12 Sept 2008 watch website for details.
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Building the transformational IT department - new Socitm training courses in IT professionalism
The IT profession agenda is really gathering momentum now and the pilots are demonstrating the clear benefits for IT people and the organisations they support. We will therefore be running special one-day training courses to help you get to grips with this exciting new development and to understand its likely impact. There are two courses aimed at different levels within your organisation:
IT Profession - Management Overview (London: Thursday 11th September, Wednesday 8th October). Aimed at senior managers, IT service heads and HR professionals, this course provides an overview of the government IT profession and its links to all aspects of IT service management. It will cover professionalism in general and its links to IT strategy and workforce planning, role definition and skills frameworks, skills assessment and audit, service development planning, personal appraisal and development planning, and planning the implementation of the government IT profession.
IT Profession - Techniques for Line Managers (London: Thursday 18th September, Wednesday 15th October). For IT practitioners with line management responsibilities. This is a more practical course, aimed at those who will be involved in detailed implementation of the government IT professionalism agenda. It will be useful for those already identified as implementation and competency leads. It is also designed for section and team leaders in IT units that are considering using Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) to implement the government IT professionalism agenda.
The courses will be led by Mary Wintershausen, who is very well known to Socitm members and who was an Implementation Lead in the IT professionalism pilots. Delegates will receive an e-toolkit, built by the Socitm team and based on the pilot outcomes, which includes business drivers and value propositions to aid the transformation, our LG experience in terms of SFIA and Professionalism to date, as well as our proven implementation framework.
To book places on these courses, please visit the Events section of the Socitm website. Alternatively, or if you would like to discuss which course is best for you, please call 0845 450 0904 or email learning@socitm.gov.uk.
CoCo compliance
Our recent mailer on this produced a significant response. The message has got through that connecting to GCSx is not simply a technical issue and will require a much more serious approach to information security management than most local authorities have taken up till now. Do contact me if your organisation may need assistance in hitting the March 2009 deadline.
Shared Services Legal Issues (Training workshop)
Terry Street's workshop on this topic has surprised many delegates with the need to consider the risk of a challenge when setting up or joining an existing shared services offering. The current legal challenges involving Brent have reinforced the need to be aware of these risks and in particular how to ensure compliance with the EU Public Procurement regulations.
To book a Shared Services workshop for your organisation, to register interest in attending a public course, or if you have a specific concern on which you need advice call 0845 450 0904 or email learning@socitm.gov.uk.
Doug Maclean, Consulting Manager doug.maclean@socitm.gov.uk
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Closing date for items for the next issue is 30 September 2008. Please send your letters and items of interest including interesting case studies, details of promotions, moves, etc to Terry Street, Editor.
Note: Comments published in Socitm News are those of individuals and may not represent Socitm's corporate views.
Terry Street Tel: 07785 916060 Email: terry.street@socitm.gov.uk
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