Socitm Insight subscribers have rated the annual Better connected report the best of its publications, according to the latest subscriber satisfaction survey, details of which were published on May 14.

Although Better connected (which reviews the quality of council websites) achieved a satisfaction score of just under 80%, it was not far ahead of other publications, which had an average satisfaction score of 74%. Satisfaction with other services offered by Socitm Insight was also high, with its benchmarking service scoring just under 83%.

Socitm Insight is a subscription service that is part of the Society of Information Technology Management, the professional association for ICT management in the public sector.  Socitm Insight exists to identify and promote good practice in the management of ICT in organisations delivering public services locally, to provide information and advice in the form of publications, and to influence decision makers locally and nationally.  524 organisations subscribe, including 92% of local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. Over fifteen years, Socitm Insight has produced over 100 guides and reports.

The subscriber satisfaction survey is carried out regularly to make sure that the service continues to meet subscribers’ expectations, and also to identify future needs.  Information is gathered on how Socitm Insight services are used and what new topics subscribers would like to see covered in the next 12 to 18 months.

This year, 103 organisations (over 20% of the total) responded to the survey and 15 individuals were interviewed by an independent reviewer to gather qualitative feedback. Other key findings of the survey were that:

• Subscribers rate the service as 5.22 on a scale of 1 to 7 for value for money. This compares with 5.06 when the question was last asked in the Socitm members’ survey in 2006.
• The service has a net improvement rating of 48%, ie the percentage of those who see the service improving minus those who do not. This compares with 38% in 2006.
• Overall satisfaction outweighs dissatisfaction by as much as 12:1.
• Gap analysis shows no major area for improvement. The result shows subscribers support the focus on identifying current best practice about the application of ICT in the public sector; analysing approaches to transforming services through the use of ICT; and describing what a high performing ICT service is capable of achieving.

Although Socitm Insight material is used primarily to inform Heads of ICT and their staff, its use to influence elected members, chief executives, and other managers is also very important. 

According to Martin Greenwood, Programme Manager for Socitm Insight, ‘Influencing and informing colleagues whose support in transforming local public services is critical, is increasingly important. Based on information from the survey we will now look for ways to help subscribers reach all these audiences with material specific to their needs’.

Further information:

Vicky Sargent or Peter Coates, Socitm Press Office
Tel: 0845 094 5641 email:  vicky.sargent@socitm.gov.uk or peter.coates@socitm.gov.uk

Martin Greenwood, Programme Manager, Socitm Insight 
Tel: 01926 498703 email: martin.greenwood@socitm.gov.uk