The Graham Williamson Challenge is a travel award which enables a person starting out in ICT to undertake a short (up to a month) period of work experience abroad in order to broaden their understanding and knowledge of ICT in a wider public sector context. Host authorities are identified through the links Socitm has with similar professional associations all over the world.
The award, which was given for the first time in 2004, was established by Socitm in memory of Graham Williamson, former Head of IT Services, Argyll and Bute Council, who was killed in a motorbike accident in August 2000. Graham was passionate about IT, and was heavily involved in Socitm both at a regional and national level. He was particularly interested in mentoring young people in ICT.
Previous winners have visited New Zealand, Australia and America and the winner in 2007, Shey Cobley, a communications Officer from Oxford City Council, visited India in June/July 2008.
On return from the trip the successful applicant is expected to produce a report based on their experience and to deliver a short presentation at Socitm meetings as appropriate. You can view Shey Cobley's presentation here (PPT 550KB).
Applications are invited during the summer, judged in September and the Award is presented at the Socitm conference. This year's presentation will be on Tuesday 14 October 2008.