Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 8

9 December 2004

Learning Resource Centre Networks

Report of the Director of Social Services

1.

Summary

1.1

The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to:

· A bid to the Training Organisation for Personal Social Services (Topss) England for the County Council to host the Learning Resource Centre Network for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

· the creation of two posts - Project Manager and Support Officer - for a period of 15 months in the first instance.

2.

Reason

2.1

To take advantage of a national scheme for the creation of Learning Resource Centre Networks being taken forward by Topss on behalf of the Department of Health at no cost to the County Council. This is seen as holding notable benefits for the social care workforce in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, for their employers and for service users. As such, it would contribute to aims 5 (Improving Services) and 6 (Developing Councillors and Staff) of the Corporate Strategy.

3.

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

None

4.

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

Not applicable

5.

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

Not applicable.

6.

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable.