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ICT PARTNERSHIP BOARD – 23rd January 2007 at Chester City Council

Present:

Councillors Paul Roberts, John Price, Paul Cheetham, John Hatfield and Graham Fenton.  

 

Representing Chester City Council:

J Cassin           Strategic Director of Resources

M Houlker         E-Government and IT Manager

K Sproston       ICT Partnership Manager

S Simpson       Members and Services Support

 

Representing Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council:

J Cross              Executive Director Treasury & Corporate Support

K Sutton           Head of ICT

K Sproston       ICT Partnership Manager

 

10   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor John Price declared a personal interest in respect of any item relating to CWHIC. 

11     MINUTES

Decision:  Subject to the following amendments, the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2006 were agreed as a correct record.

12    WORK PROGRAMME UPDATE

The Partnership Board received the report of the ICT Partnership Manager which updated the Board on progress of the various joint initiatives being progressed and to seek support to proceed further.

Ø               Document Image Processing, Workflow and Records Management

The joint purchase of this system has now been agreed by Chester City Council and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council. The cost of external expenditure would be reduced by £65,000 for each partner compared with the costs of purchasing separately.

Decision

(1)           Corporate Agreement to go Management Team at both Chester City Council and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.

(2)           Members to discuss the workings of this system at Connecting Chester Group.

(3)           Members Briefing notes to be distributed at Chester and Crewe

              and Nantwich to identify savings.

Ø            Joint ICT Strategy Development

The ICT Strategy sets out the priorities for Chester City and Crewe and Nantwich Councils using technology to transform both organisations and improve customer service and efficiency.  It shows the strength of good working relationships between the ICT sections.

The key points of the strategy are to:

·         focus the planning and delivery of transformational change supported by technology.

·         Document decisions and strategic choices and ease future decision making.

·         Provide leadership and a framework for achieving agreed objectives.

·         Ensure resources are focused on corporate needs and objectives.

·         Pave the way for a fully resourced forward plan for information and technology.

·         Improve efficiencies through appropriate investment of resources.

·         Promote skill development that is used to the best purpose

·         Provide guidance, understanding, direction and focus for Members, staff and citizens regarding information, e-Government and Technology.

The development of this Strategy was now complete although the funding allocation is still to be confirmed.

A commitment was given to continuing the joint working relationship between Chester City and Crewe and Nantwich despite the possibility of Unitary working.

Decision

(1)           Members considered and approved the Strategy as a prime driver for the partnership in the next 3 – 5 years.

(2)                     Members to discuss at the next meeting on 12 April.

13    DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 12 April 2007 at 10.30am at Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.