Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Cabinet

24 February 2003

Annual Report of the Major Achievements of the County Council in 2002

Report of the Chief Executive

Contact : Malcolm Cole Ext 7385 Sue Sylvester Ext 7493

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the achievements of 2002 be welcomed and staff congratulated for their consistent effort and commitment and that the report be circulated to Hampshire MPs.

2. Reason

2.1 To record the major achievements of the County Council in 2002.

3. Other Options considered and rejected:
Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by:

Councillor T K Thornber CBE

Date:

Hampshire County Council

Cabinet

24 February 2003

Annual Report of the Major Achievements of the County Council in 2002

Report of the Chief Executive

Contact : Malcolm Cole Ext 7385 Sue Sylvester Ext 7493

1. Purpose of report

1.1. This is the seventh annual report on major achievements of the County Council.

2. Introduction

2.1. Since 1997 the Council has received a review of progress and achievement across the County Council, as a whole, in the previous calendar year.

2.2. This report to Cabinet follows this pattern and carries out a review for the year 2002.

2.3. This paper accordingly represents the seventh such annual report to the Council and again indicates a considerable volume of achievement across the diverse range of functions undertaken by the County Council.

2.4. It shows continuing achievement in delivering quality services to the community, undertaken against a background of organisational change following a major senior management review of the Social Services Department and the establishment of new Recreation & Heritage and Environment Departments. It also shows how services have been maintained as the agenda of new government initiatives has continued, particularly against the considerable impact corporately of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment. All this has taken considerable toll on the management resources of departments as well as on the time commitment of Members.

3. External Validation

3.1 In previous years, it has particularly been noted how the Council's services have been judged by external agencies and the list of achievements continues to illustrate this fact. In corporate terms particularly, of course, the judgement of the Audit Commission under the Corporate Performance Assessment has been the most significant, confirming Hampshire County Council's position as an `excellent' authority.

3.2. In addition, once again services have been required to respond to, and implement, a range of externally driven initiatives. These include:

- Regional Government Initiatives

- Planning & Compulsory Purchase Bill

- Local Government Bill (Finance)

- Health Service Scrutiny Power

4. Major Achievements in 2002

4.1. Against this background of the need to respond to potential and actual change the County Council has continued to undertake its main tasks of delivering quality services in line with its key corporate aims and has delivered major achievements over the whole range of services. Appendix 1 to this report sets out the key corporate aims while Appendix 2 sets out a range of achievements in 2002 against those aims. While not intended to be exhaustive, the Appendix shows a considerable body of work of which the County can be justifiably satisfied.

5. Conclusion

5.1. Appendix 2 sets out a considerable list of achievements throughout County Council departments - some of the more significant being set out in bold type. Although highlighting, as it does, individual items, it does not recognise the tremendous volume of activity which is the day to day delivery of services. Staff have worked hard to maintain standards and produce service improvements.

Recommendation

That the achievements of 2002 be welcomed and staff congratulated for their consistent effort and commitment and that the report be circulated to Hampshire MPs.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

File Location

None

APPENDIX 1

The Council's Key Corporate Aims are:-

Aim 1 - Maximising life opportunities

Aim 2 - Stewardship of the environment

Aim 3 - Achieving economic prosperity

Aim 4 - Building strong and safe communities

Aim 5 - Improving services

Aim 6 - Developing councillors and staff

APPENDIX 2

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2002 - BY DEPARTMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S DEPARTMENT Corporate Aim

1.	Successfully coordinated the input of all departments to the Corporate Performance Assessment resulting in `Excellent' status for the County Council.	All
2.	Successfully completed a PSA with Government in January 2002	All
3.	Launched the Hampshire Strategic Partnership in September 2002 and continued development of district based Local Strategic Partnerships.	All
4.	Successfully established arrangements, after consultation, for the operation of the Health Scrutiny power.	5
5.	Held the first annual meeting of the Hampshire Compact in November 2002.	1, 4, 5
6.	Responded to Government proposals contained in the `Your Region - Your Choice' white paper.
7.	Produced `Hands off Hampshire' public information campaign, raising the issue of a possible cut in Government grant.	All
8.	The development and roll-out of IT facilities for Councillors to enable them to be on-line from home, improving communications.	6
9.	Concluded the County Council's submission to the Information Commissioner as required by the Data Protection Act 1998.	5
10.	Coordinated and represented the interests of the Council in connection with the Dibden Bay public inquiry.	2, 3
11.	Established the Hampshire National Resources Trust and achieved registration as an Environmental Body, enabling £0.5m of landfill tax money to be attracted for investment by the Trust in local sustainability initiatives.	2
12.	Published a revised Corporate Strategy.	All
13.	Corporate Consultation _ Undertook the second strategic corporate research exercise with 1600 residents across the county _ Used three Citizens' Panels for `ad-hoc' research. _ Undertook the second full census staff survey (excluding teaching and school staff) _ Undertook research amongst Hampshire residents and the south-east population, assessing attitudes and opinions on regional government.	1,4,5
14.	Communications projects - Produced two editions of Safety Zone, an accompanying teachers' resource pack and a web version for all primary school children in Hampshire. - Participated in European wide heritage open days project - Supported announcement of corporate and departmental iiP accreditation.	1, 4, 5, 6
	- Produced three editions of Hampshire Now, including web versions, securing sponsorship and free advertising	1, 4, 5
	- Produced wide coverage of proposals for six term year in conjunction with major consultation exercise. - Promoted Council's 500 new nursing care bed provision in partnership with NHS. _ Ran a series of events during Local Democracy Week with Cabinet Members.
15,	Economic Development Office: - Organised a major property event for developers in Havant. - Completed economic strategies for South Hampshire and North Hampshire - Established a "Community Foundation for Hampshire" - Wired Wessex and Broadband initiatives were launched - Hampshire Ambassador Programme - 12 major companies hosted Company Visits during 2002 - Hampshire Market Towns Project - two new Project Officers were appointed - Whitehill and New Milton - Hampshire Business Directory - 1st edition published and on CD rom - 6,000 companies - Development of External Funding Services - new corporate bidding database underway. - Hampshire Investor Development Manager appointed- funded by SEEDA - to promote business investment - New European Social Fund Project launched - "Supporting Hampshire Rural producers". - Project to develop a database of Voluntary & Community Organisations in Hampshire - completed Stage 1.	3, 4, 5
16.	Emergency Planning: - Launched a Social Services Modular Training Programme. - Provided guidance to Parish Councils on flood planning - now national. - Responded to flooding incidents December 02.	2, 4

COUNTY TREASURER'S DEPARTMENT

1	Co-ordinated the efforts of managers across the County Council which enabled an overall underspend of 0.2% in 2001/02.	3, 5
2	Progressed the replacement of the Council's financial and management information systems as a whole with the second stage (continuation of Payroll, Financials and Human Resources) of a phased implementation intended to run from 2001 to 2004, including successful transfer of boarding out allowances and of payroll for 10,000 monthly-paid staff.	3, 5, 6
3	Retained ISO9000 registration for Audit Services, continued to work in accordance with the Investor in People status achieved in 2000 and the Charter Mark for Pensions Services and Student Support.	5, 6
4	Processed the transactions required by a £920m spend, including payment of 42,000 employees, 28,000 pensioners and 750,000 bills; dealt with 145,000 debtor invoices and supported 23,000 students.	3, 5
5	Progressed the findings of the previous year's Best Value Review of financial services, including the integration of all of Social Services financial administration staff.	5, 6
6	Carried out extensive benchmarking, demonstrating lowest quartile costs.	5
7	Continued to secure positive comments from the District Auditor on financial performance, including an unqualified opinion on the 2001/02 accounts. In line with this, the Council's management of resources was assessed as `good' as part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment process.	3, 5
8	Provided internal audit assurance statements to members as part of final accounts process, in line with the new corporate governance guidelines.	3, 5
9	Co-ordinated production of the Capital Strategy and corporate Asset Management Plan, both of which were commended as `good' (the highest category) by the Government.	2, 5

10	Participated in the successful negotiation of major capital projects notably the £60m scheme to build 500 new nursing care places in the County, and continued to support the £170m Light Rapid Transit project.	3,5
11	Reviewed Pension Fund external managers and their performance targets resulting in the appointment of a new multi-asset manager.	5
12	Produced annual benefit statements for all 40,000 contributors to the Hampshire Pension Fund.	5, 6
13	The Student Support Service continued to play a role in national developments, with two staff seconded to Glasgow to help develop the new national computer system.	5
14	Continued to work to influence and better understand Government policy developments through, for example, the County Treasurer acting as President of the Society of County Treasurers, lead advisor for Counties to the Local Government Association, and the Association's financial advisor for Education - all roles with fundamental impact on the Government's 2002 review of Local Government finance.	3, 5
15	Supported departments on major areas of work over the year, including the development of Public Service Agreements, Best Value and requirements of the CPA process.	1 - 6

IT SERVICES

1 IT2000. The rollout of this service was completed and over 8,000 users are 6

now able to access the full service. Over 6,200 desktops are now connected.

2 The Hampshire Public Service Network - HPSN. There are now 934 sites 6

connected to the network, including over 500 schools and 47 partner

organisations.

3 The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership - secured £2 million Local All Government On Line funds for a mix of projects supporting the eGovernment agenda.

4 The first Hantsweb Awards were given. 500 nominations were received and All

9 winners chosen on the basis of web excellence and good internet practice.

5 IT Services achieved Investors in People. 6

6 VisIT - Visit integrated back office & front office online tourism marketing & 3 management service achieved 85% market penetration in Hampshire and 58% in the Southern Region. The service now supports 1200 small or medium enterprises and has been selected as a national pathfinder.

PROPERTY, BUSINESS AND REGULATORY SERVICES.

	Property Issues

1.	Capital Strategy and Strategic Asset Management Plan were assessed by the GOSE as good, the highest rating contributing to the Council's overall excellent CPA assessment.	5

2.	Awarded £12m for condition repairs at schools as a result of the Education Asset Management Plan.	2

3.	Delivered 700 projects aimed at improving the condition and suitability of school buildings.	2

4.	Achieved 100% buy-back for repair and maintenance services from community schools and gained new business from Foundation Schools.	2, 5

5.	Completed £7.1m programme to upgrade and improve elderly persons' homes.	2

6.	Secured the first ever Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) `team working' award for innovation and partnering with the engineering industry in respect of the engineering term-maintenance contracts.	5

7.	Achieved `good' or `excellent' performance ratings from 88% of customers at the completion of all building projects.	5

8.	Achieved a total of £20m from the sale of surplus land and property as either capital receipts or for reinvestment projects.	5

9.	Completed the new £12 m John Hanson Community school which opened in September 2002.	5

10.	Local plan allocations achieved to enable development of County Council owned land at Popley, Basingstoke for up to 900 homes, District Centre, employment and the relocation of John Hunt of Everest Community school.	3

11.	Approved the policy relating to access across common land, resolving the uncertainties faced by several hundred householders in Hampshire who rely on vehicular access across commons.	4

12.	Completed and approved County Farms Review leading to rationalisation of farm holdings and the granting of 4 new tenancies.	3, 5

13.	Agreement reached with District Council's and Police for improved management guidelines for authorised gypsy and traveller encampments.	4

14.	Nursing Care Investment Strategy - proposals for the development of 500 nursing care bed spaces was approved in principle.	1, 5

15.	Managed the largest single annual capital programme of work on site for many years - around £60m	2, 5

16.	Received a National architectural award from the R.I.B.A. for Whiteley primary school.	5

17.	Launched a new business plan for the Hillier Gardens and Arboretum to coincide with the development and opening of major new visitor facilities.	5

	Business Services:

18.	Internal business units continued to achieve a successful trading position with an overall surplus.	5

19.	Achieved significant savings on Corporate Contracts including £500,000 on photocopiers and £250,000 on electricity.	5

20.	County Supplies successfully completed 8 major furniture and technology projects for schools and colleges with a combined value of £1.2m.	5


21.	Set up the new catering services unit integrating the catering support unit, Hampshire Caterers and Social Services' catering advice and training, renamed as HC3s.		5

22.	Catering services achieved 99% buy-back of services by primary schools following budget delegation.		5

23.	Hampshire Printing Services increased its share of County Council print purchases from 69% to 77%.		5

24.	Re-cycled paper introduced for all County Council pre-printed stationery.		2, 5

	Regulatory Services:

25.	Agreed a protocol with the Police as part of a new duty to enforce the law on under-age sales of alcohol. Sent out 1,200 information packs to off-licences.		4

26.	The services' National Performance Framework Service Plan was identified by the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Regulatory Services (LACORS) as an example of good practice.		5

27.	Helped to launch the Hampshire Tobacco Alliance following a successful bid for DoH funding.		4

28.	`Free' safety tests were carried out on 935 electric blankets.		4

29.	The consumer advice service dealt with over 20,000 consumer and business enquiries and had 200,000 hits on its website. The service maintained its accreditation to the standards of the Community Legal Services Quality Mark.		4, 5

30.	The country's first consumer education programme was integrated into the national curriculum for citizenship education.		1, 4

31.	5,000 school children took part in the Junior Citizen scheme, an interactive safety development exercise for junior school children.		1, 4

32.	Two new projects aimed at protecting the elderly were launched, a doorstep sellers/rogue traders scheme in New Milton and a `safe and sound' booklet for older residents.		4

33.	The `Buy with Confidence' scheme increased to include over 350 businesses.		3, 4

34.		The scientific service maintained its external accreditation to BSI and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and was also one of the first organisations in the UK to be awarded a new European accreditation for asbestos surveying.	5

35.		The laboratory was awarded a contract to provide Public Analyst Services to Essex County Council.	5

PERSONNEL AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT

1. As part of the People Strategy, developed a balanced scorecard of 6

values and behaviours for the Council which will be implemented and

assessed through other parts of the integrated strategy eg leadership

programme, pay and benefits, performance development review,

career progression.

2. Achievement of Investors in People across the whole Council. 6

Personnel and Training Department staff played a major role in the achievement by individual departments of the IiP standard and also

co-ordinated the convergence review which recognised the

achievement of the whole Council

3. Implemented the planned HR phase of SAP involving personnel records, 6

employee relations, training and development.

4. Launch of new leadership programme including the completion of a full 6

tendering exercise to recruit external consultants. The implementation of the

programme which covers several hundred managers is a significant proportion

of the work of the newly reorganised Hampshire Training Solutions.

5. Restructured Hampshire Training Solutions to create a service more focused 6

on promoting performance management and organisation change.

6. Continued implementation of the Pay and Benefits project including the 6

development of new role profiles for all jobs, evaluation of all benchmark roles

and the development of core competencies and a classification matrix.

7. Supported various recruitment initiatives designed to recruit staff in 5, 6

areas of skill shortages eg engineers, teachers. Established a single recruitment service for the Social Services Department substantially changing previous practice. Also, developed a new recruitment strategy for the Council based on an integrated approach to recruitment through a single service centre.

8. Various re-organisations of services following Best Value and other reviews, 6

including support to schools and the Environment Department. Some

reorganisation involved transfers from other organisations under TUPE

regulations. Also the development of support for new services eg Connexions

and the development of the Nursing Care Strategy.

9. Published the Council's response to the requirements of race equality 4,6

legislation. One of the few councils to publish a Race Equality Scheme by

the deadline. Continued to support HIOWLA on equalities issues.

10. Developed, in conjunction with Social Services, an equalities assessment tool 1, 6

which will help departments (and other organisations) review performance against the national equalities standard.

11. Responded to the major difficulties with the Criminal Records Bureau to 4, 6

ensure that the vulnerable adults and children were protected when CRB

system failed. Handled significant additional workload caused by the new

system and inefficiency of the Agency

12. Implementation of 2002 Teacher Pay and Conditions proposals which included 6

the introduction of performance related pay for teachers.

13. Implementing a team briefing pilot in Social Services as part of a review of 6

internal communications being led by the Corporate Communications team.

14. As part of a programme of continuous improvement, participated in a Peer Review 6

of HR services involving the IDeA, Audit Commission and Employers Organisation in

addition of representatives of private sector organisations.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT


1	Achieved the top CPA ranking available to Education: 3*** for performance and 3*** for capacity to improve. This places Hampshire LEA among an elite group of 12 LEAs who achieved this across the country.	1, 5
2	From a high base, well above the national average, *Hampshire results in GCSEs and other national tests performed in line with national trends. GCSE performance of 57% of pupils achieving 5A-C was Hampshire's best ever performance.**	1, 5
3	Successful completion and government/independent approval of various major statutory plans including the Education Development Plan 2002 -2007; the Behaviour Support Plan; the Early Years and Childcare Development Plan; and the School Organisation Plan.	1,5
4	Implementation of Hampshire LEAs new categorisation system for schools in January 2002. A new electronic system for filing and sharing notes of visits to schools has also been established. These two processes enhance very considerably the ability of inspectors and others working with schools to make early assessments of a schools' performance and capacity to improve and thus to provide timely support or intervention.	1,5
5	Successful implementation of the new Pupil Level Annual School Census in Hampshire. This collects data at an individual pupil level and each pupil has a unique pupil number. It offers excellent opportunities to develop the use and interrogation of data and assessment of value added. Work to maximise its use across all pupils, and particularly ethnic minorities, Travellers and Looked After Children will continue in 2003.	1,5
6	HM Inspectors praised the Hampshire SEN service in November. They commented on the effectiveness of the introduction of the new SEN Code of Practice; the quality of documentation; good teamwork; high regard for specialist teachers and good work in sharing best practice.	1,5
7	The new School Organisation Plan (to 2006/07) identified several areas of the County where primary school numbers are forecast to reduce, and where school reorganisations to maximise the value of resource to the community will be needed. In 2002 reorganisation in SW Basingstoke enabled £7m to be channelled into the local community, and some £40m was spent on school capital improvement and extension projects across Hampshire.	1, 5
8	Hampshire Music Service was awarded the Music Diploma from the National Music Council. The Hampshire County Youth Band won the BBC Radio 2 Youth Brass Band of the Year and the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra gained its fifth successive Sainsbury Youth Orchestra award.	1
9	The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership gained a Partnership in Excellence award from the DfES for its work in developing opportunities for older children outside school hours.	1

SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT



1	Social Services received 2 stars in the Government performance ratings in May 2002 and sustained that position in the refreshed ratings in November. 7 areas scored the maximum 5 points "very good service" and a further 13 areas scored 4 points "good service"		5
2	The Department gained the Investors in People Award in September. In commending Social Services, the Learning & Skills Council assessor said the Department had made excellent progress, particularly in internal communication, performance development and support for staff.		5 & 6
3.	In partnership with Hampshire & IOW Strategic Health Authority, Social Services secured Government funding for 500 nursing home beds. The beds are expected to be built at up to 15 sites across the County, with the first ones ready in 2004. This initiative will help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and tackle the twin problems of rising demand for intensive nursing care coupled with dwindling numbers of nursing beds due to home closures.		1 & 5
4.	Social Services Direct went live at the beginning of the year and was officially launched in September. It is one of the country's first out of hours phone services giving people access to Social Services when offices are closed in evenings, weekends and bank holidays. In the first six months of the year, Social Services Direct took over 19,000 calls.		5
5	During 2002/3, the Department prepared for the transfer from central government of responsibility for the funding of housing and support. In partnership with district and borough councils, health and probation, Social Services as lead agency for "Supporting People" will fund and support 23,000 people across 120 services with a budget of c.£20m. All the preparations for this transfer of responsibility had to be completed to tight Government deadlines during the year.		1 & 5
6	FAB (Financial Assessment & Benefits) Teams, which were piloted last year, are now operational across the County, providing financial assessments and benefits advice to service users	1 & 5
7	Social Services continued to be the lead local authority nationally for direct payments. We have increased the number of direct payment users in learning disabilities, Older People and we are a national pilot for mental health. In addition, for the first time this year, direct payments were made available to carers. Parents/carers of children and young people with severe disabilities have been particularly keen to use this service.	1 & 5
8.	During the year, Adult - Mental Health Services began the first part of the process of integrating the management of mental health services with West Hampshire NHS Trust. 3 joint Social Services/NHS Locality Managers have been appointed in the New Forest, Eastleigh/Test Valley and Mid-Hampshire.	5
9.	Around 40 young people in care who achieved at least 5 GCSEs in this year's exams, were given £100 each as a reward for their efforts. Hampshire is one of the first in the country to reward the GCSE achievements of young people in care in this way. At a ceremonies run jointly by Social Services and Education, the personal achievements of nearly 200 children in care were recognised and celebrated.	1 & 5

ENVIRONMENT GROUPING

1.	Cango bus services were launched in various areas of the County, offering flexible, bookable stopping points and wheelchair accessibility. Journey requests are relayed directly to the vehicle through state of the art technology via a designated call centre based in the Winchester HQ.	2, 4, 5
2.	A new contract with a sole contractor, Raynesway Construction Southern Ltd was established, incorporating best practice innovations and the use of performance specifications requiring the network to be maintained to standards specified by the Council.	2, 5
3.	Highway Works Advisory Panels were established to provide clear lines of communication between the Council and the elected representatives of the public at district and county levels. One panel has been established for each district council area.	2, 3, 5

4.	Flooding - in March 2002 a further £243,000 was released for highway repairs following the flooding of winter 2000/01. This included specific drainage repairs and associated flood alleviation measures at 160 locations in Hampshire, with an anticipated 100% completion by the end of this financial year.	2, 3, 4
5.	South Hampshire Rapid Transit (Phase 1) - the procurement delivery programme was achieved under PFI rules, with 2 private sector consortia bids submitted in December 2002, for consideration during 2003, with a target to start operations in 2007.	2, 3, 4, 5
6.	In 2002, the Environment Department successfully concluded an 18 month project `Developing Sustainable Public Transport' in Nizhny Novgorod as part of the EU Tacis Programme. The Department also secured grant funding for a further project with Nizhny Novgorod as part of the EU Institution Building Partnership Programme.	5, 6
7.	A study of Hampshire Business Development Needs on behalf of Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Councils was conducted by the Department. The study results will help shape new planning and transport strategies to be drawn by the three councils..	1, 3, 5
8.	Publication of the first ever comprehensive monitoring report on the Hampshire County Structure Plan. This showed that 25 of the 46 indicators are showing positive progress in steering development and environmental change with only 4 showing a step backwards.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
9.	Development of Action Plans to boost numbers of houses being constructed in line with Regional Planning Guidance. Once implemented these Action Plans will lift construction from under 5,000 to over 6,000 houses per year.	1, 3, 4

10.	Launch of the Hampshire Natural Resources Initiative to 300 people at Southampton Football Club in September 2002. This initiative has already been successful in securing over £500,000 external funding for Natural Resources projects in Hampshire.	1, 2, 3
11.	The Department contributed detailed evidence to the Dibden Bay public inquiry on whether the development is needed, alternative sites, nature conservation, transport impacts on the forest and rights of way.	1, 2, 3

RECREATION & HERITAGE

1. Gained Investor in People status. 5, 6

2. The 5-year review of the Collecting Policy of the Museums Service was 1, 5 adopted by the County Council. This review of the fundamental assets of the

Museums Service is required for Museums Registration in any event, but for

the County Council it establishes how the museums collection will be cared for

and used to support the County Council's corporate aims.

3. Milestones has been awarded `Best Industrial and Social History Museum' 1, 3, 5

in the National Heritage Museum of the Year awards, and was runner up to

the British Museum for the `Museum of the Year' itself.

4. Re:source (the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries) has appointed All

the Museums and Archives services as the Lead Partner in the South East

Regional Museum Hub under the aegis of the Renaissance in the Regions strategy for museum development. This will extend the regional influence and responsibility of the museums service, increase the development and sharing of best practice and attract additional government funding.

5. The Museums and Archives services were nominated by Re:source as piloting 1, 5

organisations for " Inspiring Learning for All" a new national learning and access

framework for museums, archives and libraries. As part of "Inspiring Learning for All"

the services participated in the Learning Impact Research Project that Resource

have commissioned to measure and explore the impact that museums, archives and

libraries have on learning.

6. At Aldershot Military Museum a partnership was created between the Museums 1

and Archives Service and the Adult and Community Learning Unit to develop

resources for supported Family Learning Groups.

7. Hampshire Record Office was successful in renewing its Charter Mark for 1

excellence in public service, in recognition of a further 3 years' continuous improvements in services to customers.

8. Completion and launch of the South East Regional Access to Archives (A2A) 1

Project, led by Hampshire Record Office, to mount catalogues of estate and family

archives from 15 record offices in the South East on the World Wide Web.

9. Hampshire Record Office was successful in attracting over 200 new users 1

(children and parents) to an Open Day which for the first time targeted

young people specifically.

10. Wessex Film and Sound Archive increased public access to its collections 1

through successful completion of the `Wider Access to Historic Film' project. This has placed compilation videos of archive film in Hampshire libraries for loan and reference. WFSA was also successful in attracting £8,000 grant aid from Screen South to further its access work.

11. Through the Hampshire Archives Trust the Record Office was successful in a 1, 4

£78,000 bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Hampshire Photographic Project, a

community partnership project for the digitisation and conservation of photographic

archives. On completion of the project in 2004 the images will be accessible on the

Web.

12. Peoples Network terminals introduced county-wide in libraries 1, 5

13. Wessex Children's Book Fair - largest and best in country. 1

14. New library media collections - DVDs/playstation games/CDRoms for loan. 5

15. New Lymington Library opened. 5

16. Sunday library opening piloted. 5

17. In October 2002 the Countryside Service established the country's first 1, 2, 5 statutory Local Access Forum representing a variety of interests related to

access to the countryside in its widest sense. The Forum was the first to be established in England and has served as a model for other authorities to

follow.

18. In October 2002 the Countryside Service was chosen by the 1, 2, 5

Countryside Agency as the South East's representative as one of eight national pilots to commence work on Rights of Way Improvement Plans. These eight `Exemplar' projects will be funded by the Agency and will be required to demonstrate best practice and differing approaches to local authorities nationwide. Hampshire was selected particularly because of the new approaches to countryside access developed by the Integrated Access Demonstration Programme which is run within the Service and as a result of the work of the Local Access Forum.

19. 2002 was the second full year of the Integrated Access Demonstration 1, 2, 5

Programme in Hampshire (one of six national programmes aiming to pioneer and deliver new, integrated approaches towards improving opportunities to enjoy the countryside). During the year many real improvements to access were made. These included;

· A new bridleway network of paths was opened up near Havant.

· A whole scale review of the access to a large urban fringe farm estate was developed.

· Access issues were incorporated into the review of a number of district Local Plans.

· A new, nationally significant, survey of young people's attitude towards enjoying the countryside was commissioned and published.

· A new bus service way set up, and ran throughout the summer, transferring people from the urban coastal towns into the South Downs. Over 700 people used this twice weekly service. (aims 1, 2 & 5)

20. In March 2002 the Countryside Service established a network to co-ordinate 1

all the work being undertaken through out the county to promote Walking for Health. The network commenced with a full day seminar in Basingstoke bringing together Primary Health Care professionals, the Countryside Agency and leaders of district council Walking the Way to Health schemes. An email network was subsequently established and has helped participants exchange ideas and best practice.

21. Highly successful pilot programme of professional arts performances in 1

residential care homes for older people likely to lead to an expanded programme in 2003.

22. Established a consortium to develop access to information and promote 1, 4

involvement using a broadband network, in partnership with East Hampshire District

Council, Voluntary Action East Hampshire and nine community centres.

23. Ran the most successful Youth Games event yet sponsored by BAA Southampton 1

Airport.

24. Ran the Calshot Jubilee Festival as a forerunner to a countywide scheme 1

to provide opportunities for targeted groups of young people to experience a wide range of creative arts, sports and outdoor adventure activities.

25. Organised the Hampshire `Walking and Local Food Festival' which saw 2, 3

over 600 people walking in Hampshire, 48% of whom were visitors to the

County.

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