FOSS 2008

Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP
Minister of State for Employment & Welfare Reform

Sir David Varney
Senior Government Advisor on Transformational Government

Alexis Cleveland
Director General, Transformational Government and Head of Cabinet Office Management

Janet Callender
Chief Executive,Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Ben Page
Chairman, Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute

Ros Gardner
Specialist in Customer Care Excellence

Welcome to the second annual Front Office Shared Services (FOSS) national conference. This two-day high-status event is specifically designed to showcase excellent practice where local public sector organisations are working together to commission and deliver more effective and efficient services for citizens and businesses.

In the workshop sessions, the conference will explore key aspects of transformation as per Varney's work streams, relating to the provision of more joined up, multi-agency “front office” services for local citizens and businesses, such as working with the Third Sector, engaging citizens in transforming services, achieving transformation in two tier areas, exploiting customer insight, finding the right approach and methodologies, workforce issues and partnering successfully for transformation.

conference highlights:

• keynote speakers and ministerial addresses including Sir David Varney, Stephen Timms MP, Janet Callendar, Alexis Cleveland
• speed briefing sessions to highlight best practice and partnership working
• panel discussions and interactive workshops
• hands-on demonstrations from expert suppliers in the field
• drinks reception and conference dinner.

By showcasing the work of exemplar authorities, the conference will both celebrate current achievements and act as a challenge and inspiration for further progress. The event will move away from the traditional talking head and workshop structure and promote more creative solutions for networking, showcasing and knowledge sharing.

The event will focus on projects where central and local government are collaborating and will also present an update to the original FOSS research, highly recommended by Sir David Varney, to provide an accurate picture of the current state of local public service transformation.