Contact: Jos Creese ([email protected]), ext 7436

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

· To endorse the Annual IT Performance Report of the Head of IT Services for 2005/06 and note the performance achieved.

1 Reason(s)

2.1 The performance of IT is central to the running of the County Council and the delivery of services to the public, and the County Council makes a significant investment in IT each year. This report assesses the contribution of IT over the previous 12 months working with the Member e-Champion, Councillor Rod Baulk, It also sets out priority themes for 2006/07.

2.2 The role of IT is now much more than simply providing IT solutions in response to service needs. It includes a leadership role in delivering corporate strategy and policy, especially in the transformation of services through the application of technologies in new and imaginative ways.

2.3 In this respect, the contribution of IT at Hampshire County Council supports the Corporate Strategy as a whole. For example:-

· IT underpins the delivery of the majority of front line service delivery;

· improving and broadening access to services, particularly vulnerable groups;

· supporting new services such as the award winning OT Direct service.

· IT helps the County Council to operate in more environmentally sustainable ways (eg. reducing travel and paper);

· it encourages changes in public use of transport and resources, including the way the County Council works with partner organisations.

· Hantsweb, broadband and email provide electronic communications which help Hampshire businesses function and compete more effectively.

· information services in Hantsweb help communities to be more responsible for issues in their area;

· the specific application of IT in Social Care and Education plays a critical part in supporting community well-being.

· IT is central to many of the changes being undertaken across the organisation, including:

· flexible working, Contact Centre, service availability, delivery of efficiency savings, partnership working, supporting integrated Children's and Adults' services and management of resources through SAP.

· IT is now a core competency both as a management tool and in nearly every job;

· Hantsweb and email support improvement democratic process and Councillors in their role in the community.

2.4 The visibility and transparency of IT performance is therefore an essential part of the overall assessment of the County Council's performance, and the reason why this report is being brought.

3 Other Options Considered and Rejected

N/A

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

N/A

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

N/A

6 Reasons for the matter being dealt with, if urgent

N/A

Approved by: __________________________________________

(Councillor T K Thornber)

Date of decision: __________________________________________