The project issues
The Improvement and Development Agency secured funding from the ODPM for capacity support to Bedfordshire's e government programme, including recruitment of an e-government Programme Delivery Manager and recruitment of a consultant to liaise between the County Council and Bedfordshire's e-government Consortium.

They wanted to ensure the two positions were recruited to provide the extra support to the Council but without putting any greater pressure on the existing staff.

Close working with the County Information Systems Officer, Joanna Baxter and the I&DeA  Manager was essential to ensure a rapid response to the requirement.

The Socitm Consulting solution
We worked closely with the two officers from Bedfordshire and the I&DeA to gain understanding of the practical issues and the business requirements. Documentation including advertisements and job descriptions was produced for both positions.

Consultancies were contacted and a shortlist provided for interview for the Liaison post and a successful appointment made. An advert was placed and applicants short-listed for interview for the Customer Services Transformation Manager; again, a successful appointment was made.

The benefits to the client
The added support for the e-government programme was acquired with the minimum effort to the Council, thereby releasing the Information Systems Officer to continue with day to day management with the confidence that the e-government programme is being driven forward within the authority.

Project identification
Council name: Bedfordshire County Council
Client contact name, job title, phone no, email address: Joanna Baxter, County Information Systems Officer, 01234 228848, joanna.baxter@bedscc.gov.uk
Lead consultant: phil.hunt@socitm.gov.uk
Project no: 5039