Themed workshops (16.30 - 17.00)

a. Asset Skills: The Public Sector Skills Framework and how it will help your organisation

This workshop introduces The Public Sector Skills Framework, a partnership venture between Asset Skills and IDeA.

PSSF is designed to give public sector employees additional skills/knowledge including those required for their immediate job. Centred around customer service, aimed at a variety of workers (cleaners, porters, receptionists, caretakers and security guards) it attracts full funding.

You will learn about and discuss:

• The guiding philosophy/principles
• The benefits/improvements expected
• Framework contents including a full nationally recognised qualification
• Criteria for successful implementation
• Lessons from pilots
• Getting started/help offered

A question and answer session will conclude the session.

b. Revolutionising front-line planning services with the Planning Portal

In the 25 years since PCs first started revolutionising customer services and the work place, the planning industry has adopted computer technology to deliver initiatives including e-Planning, t-Planning and more recently e-Consultation. What's next? Will the eco efficiencies and energy savings achievable through working electronically be sufficient to continue driving the take-up of online planning and related services? What developments are citizens most likely to use to realise further improvements in the near future? A huge subject but some ideas will be discussed during this session.

c.The truth behind front office business cases

This workshop will explore what it takes to create realistic and sustainable front office business cases. It will explore the most critical areas to focus on, the pitfalls to avoid and how to bring all the stakeholders with you along the way.

d. Making shared services work: practical solutions for today's problems

The pressure on budgets and front line services are unprecedented in the current economic climate and compounded by increased citizen demands and Governmental burden to hit performance targets - and within new audit regimes.

Shared services Squeezing benefit from Gov Connect Front office delivering better efficient service Collaborative tools driving customer benefits Efficiency Estate rationalisation Releasing assets to front line services Business cost savings IT delivering strategy

Securing data Effective shared access and management CAA rating Inter-agency data sharing Avoidable contact Flexible working Legislation Green agenda Greater productivity