FixMyTweet Presentation at #bcsmc
March 19, 2010 by Ian Cuddy · Leave a Comment
Lichfield DC’s “Genius in Residence” Stuart Harrison, presents the FixMyTweet application at the Black Country Social Media Cafe in Wolverhampton last week.
Engaging Children and Young People Online - CluedupinHull.com
November 30, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · 1 Comment
Children and young people are notoriously one of the most difficult groups for councils to engage with online. The history of initiatives aimed at the young generation has seem a long line of well-meaning councils try, and fail, to ‘get down’ with the ‘kids’. So how do councils engage successfully with this ‘hard to reach’ group and earn their trust? How can they use the web to reach this audience in a way that isn’t patronising, preachy or terminally embarrassing? Can councils be cool and fun?
Fortunately, one local authority has some answers. Leading the way in this field is Hull City Council and its award-winning project, CluedupinHull. com. Launched 18 months ago, CluedupinHull has proved an outstanding success. Targeting two age groups, 12 and under, and the over 13s, the site provides a trusted online source of information designed for and by children and young people in Hull - and one they actually want to use.
PSFbuzz met up with Debra Coombs, Integrated Content Manager at Hull City Council and her team to talk about CluedupinHull and the secrets of its success. We discussed how the project was set up, how users are engaged, the issues and challenges involved, as well as what advice the team would offer to other local authorities looking to venture down this route. See below for a video of our conversation.
Our thanks again to Debra and her colleagues Patrick O’Malley, Martin Brabazon and Gary Hass for their time.
PSF Mobile Working and Infosecurity Events, 24 Nov
November 25, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · Leave a Comment
On Tuesday over 100 people joined PSF on a trek to Milton Keynes for our public sector Mobile Working and Information Security forums. Slides from both happenings will be available asap, but to give you a taster Ken Eastwood, who chaired for Mobile Working, has blogged about the event and the future of the recently-rescued Nomad local government mobile working project he now leads.
Ken shares his slides here:
Here’s some photos of the day also courtesy of Ken:
You can view the complete #psfbuzz Twitter action here (there’s 200-plus tweets so this may take a while to load), with thanks to Steph Gray and Dave Briggs for the search hack. And of course, many thanks again to all our sponsors, speakers and attendees for making the event such a success.
PSFBuzz North East - A Fantastic Day Out in Newcastle
July 10, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · Leave a Comment
Now the dust has settled a bit on the whirlwind that was PSFBuzz North East, what sticks in people’s minds the most about this event? For us it’s three things which come over more than anything else.
Firstly, we got a sense of being around what’s happening in the leading/bleeding-edge of social media in local government right now. Next, the incredible potential of this. And lastly, the sheer enthusiasm and energy of those there and their willingness to share/help/ support/encourage. All in all - at the risk of sounding horrendously cheesy - the buzz of PSFBuzz. How about you?
Judging by the feedback on the day and from the feedback forms, the event was a great success - so to all our delegates, speakers, supporters and our #psfbuzz followers and tweeters, thank you! If you missed out this time, let’s hope you can make it to our next event - details soon…
Here’s all the presentations from the day:
- Mike Saunt, Astun Technology
- Simon Wakeman, Medway Council
- Jack Pickard, The Pickards Information Services
- Ian Stuart, BrowseAloud
- Carl Haggerty, Devon Country Council
- Alastair Smith, Newcastle City Council
- Stuart Harrison, Lichfield District Council
- Dave Briggs - Conference Chair
Sarah Lay of Derbyshire County Council also blogged notes for each of the sessions which are available here and indispensible for referring to. Thanks again Sarah.
We’ve also collected the torrent of #psfbuzz activity on Twitterduring the conference into one handy table of tweets here. The #psfbuzz activity continues as we type…
And a special word for our commercial partners who made the day possible. Please give a round of applause for the great people at GOSS, Astun Technology and BrowseAloud for supporting PSFBuzz North East. Check out their info below.
Goss
GOSS has a proven pedigree and substantial Public Sector client list. Over the last 10 years GOSS has developed partnerships with in excess of 60 Public Sector organisations.
GOSS understands the pressures to meet online strategy standards but our flexible partnership approach ensures the deployment a dynamic Web 2.0 solution, such as www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk. GOSS Interactive enables you to create and manage:
• Personalised homepages
• Dynamic search
• RSS, Widgets and Gadgets
• Social Networking
• Mapping
• Blogs/Vlogs and Forums
Follow us on twitter for more: www.twitter.com/GOSSInteractive.
Contact Tel:01752 517350 Fax:01752 517110 Email: info@gossinteractive.com Web: www.gossinteractive.com
Astun Technology
Police and Local Authorities are looking for effective software solutions to cut costs, transform processes, improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery. Astun Technology’s iShare data integration and publishing platform enables organisations to make the most of their own data, extracting it, transforming it and publishing it both internally and externally. It can serve call centres via systems integration and citizens via the web with a rich mix of information and maps while delivering real savings through avoidable contact and transactional services. iShare also provides a direct communications channel to citizens that subscribe to its automated My Alerts service. Easily configured and completely automated iShare is a unique mix of the Astun’s own purpose built modules and the best Open Source components. In use with over twenty authorities the award winning iShare platform continues to evolve to meet growing e-services needs.
Contact: Mike Saunt Tel: 01372 440143 Email: mikesaunt@astuntechnology.com Web: www.astuntechnology.com
BrowseAloud
BrowseAloud is the world leading text-to-speech solution from Texthelp Systems Ltd, which is designed to improve website accessibility for those with literacy difficulties, learning difficulties such as dyslexia, mild visual impairments or where English is a second language. With a choice of 17 high quality voices covering 9 languages and a number of unique features, BrowseAloud is quickly being adopted as the product of choice worldwide.
Texthelp Systems Ltd was formally incorporated in 1996 and specialise in the design of assistive software solutions to support those struggling to read and write. The company is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Adobe Solutions Network Developer, Apple Business Partner, HP Business Partner and is ISO 9001:2000 accredited. For the past 9 consecutive years, Texthelp Systems Ltd has been a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award winning company.
Contact: Email info@browsealoud.com Web: www.browsealoud.com
And Finally, Mr Briggs’ Presentation
July 9, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · 1 Comment
A superb presentation on the ‘Four Steps to Social Media Success’ from our conference chair, the masterful Dave Briggs, topped off a great day at PSFBuzz North East!
Beginning on how at a personal level, Dave explained how social media had ‘changed his life - taking him from working at a Benefits Office to suddenly being called up by Downing Street for advice. His anecdote served as an example of the “frankly scary” pace of change in which the web is altering the world around us and the way we live.
Here’s the slides:
Four Steps to Social Media Success
And here’s his four steps for how councils should get into social media:
1. Listen >> 2. Acknowledge >> 3. Create >> 4. Share.
Meaning (Thanks again for Sarah Lay’s indispensible notes of the session):
- Listen: part of the reason ppl say horrible things about you is because they think you’re not listening and they can get away with it!
- Acknowledge: even just realise there is conversation - step in!
- Create: incremental process, try stuff
- Share: open up data - more back to Stuart’s presentation.
The underlying philosophy, according to Dave, goes something like this: Start small, create a community, test, learn from mistakes and then move on. Learning Pool highlight this important message from his talk:
“Those that do it well will create a community with their followers; getting people to care about you is the absolute key. And if social media tools can help you to get people to care about their community, that can’t be a bad thing.”
And finally, don’t forget it to make it fun. Which brings us nicely to the final message of the day: JFDI!
Afternoon Kick-Off Presentation from Alistair Smith
July 9, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · Leave a Comment
Alastair Smith, Communications Adviser at Newcastle City Council kicked off the PSFBuzz afternoon sessions with what he modestly describes as ‘essentially a 25 minute rant on online reputation and shifting roles in local government communication’. His talk covered Newcastle CC’s Twitter Channel which, much like his presentation, seems to have gone a storm. The age of one-way communication is over, he said. ‘Broadcasting as we knew it is dead.’
Alastair has blogged his presentation which you can catch here (except if you’re of a very sensitive disposition). And check out his slides below:
Social Media vs Accessibility: Jack Pickard’s presentation
July 9, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · 2 Comments
Are social media and accessibility compatible? Are the two compatible? What can be done to improve the accessibility of social media? What do local authorities need to consider as regards accessibility when starting to use social media?
Web developer Jack Pickard offered some answers for councils on how to reconcile their desires to make use of user-generated content and rich media technologies, with the need to meet public sector requirements for accessibility. Jack has blogged a write-up of his talk here - read this alongside this presentation below where he offers some great tips on how to avoid the pitfalls and stay compliant:
Mashups and More: Mike Saunt’s presentation
July 9, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · 1 Comment
Mike Saunt from Astun Technology, our second speaker in the mid-morning session, covered the Web 2.0 areas of Social, Technology and Mashups, looking at how and why the Government’s view of information has changed from that of ‘owners’ to ‘custodians’. Though social media is rapidly changing the way the public sector communicate with citizens, he underlined the need not to overlook more traditional forms of communication: “Cool technologies shouldn’t be the only form of access.” A highlight of his presentation was a live mash-up demo’ing the bringing together of planning alerts and Google Maps, giving a glimpse of the potential of Web 2.0 technologies and approaches.
See Mike’s slides below:
(Mike has finally been convinced to join the Twittersphere - so we’re sure you’ll welcome him by following @skepticmike!)
P.S. More on Jack Pickard’s blog here.
Simon Wakeman’s presentation at PSFBuzz North East
July 9, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · 1 Comment
Here’s the slides from our first speaker of the day, Simon Wakeman, Medway Council’s Head of Communications. Simon talked about the impact of social media in local government, highlighting some examples of the work Medway has been doing to engage people online with Facebook, Twitter and podcasting:
Social media - a revolution in local government communications
[Update] Jack Pickard has blogged a great post about Simon’s talk here. And Sarah Lay of Derbyshire County Council has also blogged her notes for the session. Thanks Jack and Sarah!
If you’re interested in the public relations angle, have a look at Simon’s slides from the presentation he gave immediately afterwards to the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) North East group.
Social media and local government - CIPR NE seminar - July 2009
Big Thank Yous to…
May 8, 2009 by Ian Cuddy · Leave a Comment
Hello!
Once again, we just want to thank all the folks who helped to bring about our first PSFBuzz event and make it such a success. Gold Stars (in no particular order) to:
- All the delegates who took the time to be there
- All our speakers for donating their time & support and making such a great programme
- Dave for his outstanding job as Chair and setting up the platform that is PSFBuzz
- Roving reporter Liz for covering the event beautifully as only she can
- All our #psfbuzz followers and tweeters for their contributions (#6 trending topic on the day below #swineflu - Wow)
Plus last but not least, our sponsors and exhibitors . Without them the event just wouldn’t have been possible. Our thanks again to the very good people of GOSS, Astun Technology, Learning Pool, Firmstep, BrowseAloud and Clicks & Links. Please check out their info below.
Main Sponsor - Goss
GOSS has a proven pedigree and substantial Public Sector client list. Over the last 10 years GOSS has developed partnerships with in excess of 60 Public Sector organisations.
GOSS understands the pressures to meet online strategy standards but our flexible partnership approach ensures the deployment a dynamic Web 2.0 solution, such as www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk. GOSS Interactive enables you to create and manage:
• Personalised homepages
• Dynamic search
• RSS, Widgets and Gadgets
• Social Networking
• Mapping
• Blogs/Vlogs and Forums
Follow us on twitter for more: www.twitter.com/GOSSInteractive.
Contact Tel:01752 517350 Fax:01752 517110 Email: info@gossinteractive.com Web: www.gossinteractive.com
Main Sponsor - Astun Technology
Police and Local Authorities are looking for effective software solutions to cut costs, transform processes, improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery. Astun Technology’s iShare data integration and publishing platform enables organisations to make the most of their own data, extracting it, transforming it and publishing it both internally and externally. It can serve call centres via systems integration and citizens via the web with a rich mix of information and maps while delivering real savings through avoidable contact and transactional services. iShare also provides a direct communications channel to citizens that subscribe to its automated My Alerts service. Easily configured and completely automated iShare is a unique mix of the Astun’s own purpose built modules and the best Open Source components. In use with over twenty authorities the award winning iShare platform continues to evolve to meet growing e-services needs.
Contact: Mike Saunt Tel: 01372 440143 Email: mikesaunt@astuntechnology.com Web: www.astuntechnology.com
Main Sponsor - Learning Pool
Learning Pool provides e-learning subscription and content services to the public sector in the UK. Our services help local authorities deliver the transformational government agenda, create efficiency savings and develop a modern workforce.
We provide online e-learning content, authoring technology, Web 2.0 technology , hosted platforms and consultancy to over 86% of councils in the public sector community.
To find out how other public sector are using social media technologies to help deliver their learning and development strategies, or if you want to join one of the most exciting communities in local government, please visit us.
Contact: Sam Barbee Tel: 0207 101 9383 Email: elearning@learningpool.com Web: www.learningpool.com
Exhibitor - Firmstep
Firmstep works with 30% of UK local authorities in helping them achieve their ambition of world-class citizen services. Firmstep for Government allows the creation of personalised self-service portals so you can provide great customer service online through a single, secure view. The Firmstep platform includes some of the best web technology in the areas of personalisation, identity management, service delivery, and social collaboration. Authenticated customers can access and track services, complete transactions, and engage with the community by subscribing to social networking feeds, blogs, and forums. The platform includes leading technology components AchieveForms and AchieveBookings for online forms and bookings.
Contact: Elizabeth Adams Tel: 07838 148146 Email: elizabeth.adams@firmstep.com Web: www.firmstep.com
Exhibitor - BrowseAloud
BrowseAloud is the world leading text-to-speech solution from Texthelp Systems Ltd, which is designed to improve website accessibility for those with literacy difficulties, learning difficulties such as dyslexia, mild visual impairments or where English is a second language. With a choice of 17 high quality voices covering 9 languages and a number of unique features, BrowseAloud is quickly being adopted as the product of choice worldwide.
Texthelp Systems Ltd was formally incorporated in 1996 and specialise in the design of assistive software solutions to support those struggling to read and write. The company is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Adobe Solutions Network Developer, Apple Business Partner, HP Business Partner and is ISO 9001:2000 accredited. For the past 9 consecutive years, Texthelp Systems Ltd has been a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award winning company.
Contact: Email info@browsealoud.com Web: www.browsealoud.com
Exhibitor - Clicks & Links
Formed in 2000, Clicks and Links Ltd has an extensive track record of delivering web based solutions and consultancy to the public sector and communities, as well as managing the essential consultation processes involved. We have worked on a number of high profile public sector projects including the development of Eastserve, voted one of the top 7 intelligent communities in the world (2007), setting up the ground-breaking EDT Innovation Centre to showcase innovative public and private sector ICT innovations, and have played a crucial role in the formation of the DC10 (top ten finalists of the Digital Challenge) community, as well as recognition within the UK public sector, having been awarded Government Gateway Alliance Partner status. In addition the company, via Second Places Ltd (a joint initiative between Clicks and Links and Fusion Unity Ltd), has been recognised for virtual worlds in delivering public and educational services. Second Places is dedicated to providing a full end-to-end professional Second Life service including consultancy, design, building, event planning, community development, island management and hosting. We have already built up an extensive portfolio of these services and are now one of the leading UK and European companies in this field.
Contact: Vin Sumner, Managing Director T. 0161 273 5252, F. 0161 273 5293 M. 07799 881969. Email: vin.sumner@clicksandlinks.com Web: www.clicksandlinks.com
PSFbuzz Twitter- RT @DavidGaleUK: @SocitmPresident "Technology increases councils' productivity by £230m pa. http://bit.ly/c0ygu2 " not even half what could be achieved
- RT @PSFbuzz: Town halls 'saving millions by embracing new technology'? http://bit.ly/coFRKs learn more here http://bit.ly/agSQfw
- Town halls 'saving millions by embracing new technology'? http://bit.ly/coFRKs so learn more here http://bit.ly/agSQfw V ltd free places.
- RT @PSFbuzz: Town halls 'saving millions by embracing new technology'? http://bit.ly/coFRKs #in
- @tomcalver thanks Tom much appreciated.
- PSFbuzz bookmarks