The project issues
Unlike many local authorities, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea does not have a central pupil database. With a small population and highly competent staff responsible for data management and the Council’s role as an information sharing trailblazer, data on children is managed efficiently through a combination of databases. However, the Council recognised that, with the development of a Children’s Trust and its commitment to integrated and coordinated services, there would be benefits to service users in reviewing its data sharing arrangements. Socitm Consulting was asked to investigate the Council’s existing data management processes for children and to recommend the feasibility of the procurement of a new, centralised pupil database in the context of increased information sharing requirements and potential for service improvement.

The Socitm Consulting solution
Socitm Consulting undertook a structured research process, including desk based research and interviews with key stakeholders and representatives, to review the existing processes and systems for managing data on children across the Council and gather information and opinions on possible alternatives. This included interviews with representatives from 14 other local authorities with a central pupil database, Council staff, the DfES and suppliers. The research process was overseen and monitored by a Project Board.

From this data, Socitm Consulting presented the Council with a series of draft reports containing recommendations for review, feedback and comment.

A final report was then presented to the Council, which detailed the background and purpose of the feasibility study, the research findings and a detailed analysis of the available options within the context of the Council’s overall information management strategy and systems, budget, timetable and management resources.

Full recommendations were made for the Council to procure a central pupil database with specific features, on the basis that this could be most effectively integrated with existing systems including the in-house Integrated Children’s System (ICS) already being developed within the Family and Children’s Services department. The recommendations concluded that this would be the most effective solution for future service improvement opportunities, and they included a structured roadmap for the Council to initiate and manage a new programme, bring the organisation on board and procure and implement an appropriate system within budget and on time.

The benefits to the client
By undertaking a focused study of existing Council resources, likely future requirements and available systems, Socitm Consulting was able to present the Council with recommendations to procure a pupil database that could be integrated with their existing systems, enable them to anticipate future demands on their information management resources and maximise opportunities for service improvement. This represented an efficient and cost effective solution that put the Council in a good strategic position to improve their provision of well co-ordinated and integrated services to families and children and to meet external requirements for greater data sharing.

Project identification
Client organisation: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Client contact: Peter Henderson, ICT Co-ordinator – Education, Libraries and Arts, 020 7361 3305, peter.henderson@rbkc.gov.uk
Lead consultant: peter.hunter@socitm.gov.uk
Project no: 5860