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Improvement Service Newsletter, August 2015

West Lothian Council launches public access wi-fi with myaccount support

West Lothian Council is offering free wi-fi in 10 key community buildings across the region, using myaccount to authenticate users – a first for the service.

The council has worked in partnership with community centre management committees to provide free wi-fi for local residents in council-owned locations such as partnership centres, community centres and libraries.

To sign in, local residents must first set-up a secure personal log-in using myaccount, which creates a single account which can be used to access a range of Scottish public services online.

Customer Service Professional celebrates its 1000th graduate

A Dumfries and Galloway Council employee has become the 1000th person to earn a nationally recognised customer service qualification.

Nicola Steel, a Customer Service Advisor in Wigtown Library, became the 1000th graduate to complete the Customer Service Professional Award.

The Customer Service Award was developed in partnership by Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Qualifications Authority in an effort to recognise the skills and knowledge of employees across the local authority.

Myaccount-supported project shortlisted for e-health award

My Diabetes My Way, an interactive website for people with diabetes and their carers, has been shortlisted for an eHealth Insider award for ‘best use of technology to share information with patients and carers’.

My Diabetes My Way (MDMW) aims to improve self-management of diabetes among patients. It contains educational materials, videos and interactive tools, and allows patients access to their clinical results through its electronic personal health record.

Taking a long-term look at managing Scotland’s roads

An event to examine what will be required from Scotland’s roads over the next two decades is to be held in October.

Organised by the Roads Collaboration Programme, the national event aims to bring together representatives from across the roads sector to look at the needs and expectations of the road network for the next 20 years.

Voluntary Action Scotland board member recruitment

Voluntary Action Scotland (VAS) is the national network which champions, supports and develops Scotland’s 32 third sector interfaces (TSIs). Over the past three years it has developed a successful peer-led programme to support TSIs in their unique role of supporting the third sector locally and giving it a voice in decision making.

Focus group on information and data sharing relationships with other organisations

The ability to share information and data easily and effectively on an inter-organisational and cross-sectoral basis sectors is of growing importance. However, it is not without its challenges. The ESRC-funded Scottish Civil Society Data Partnership project is looking at how sharing information and data between organisations and across sectors can be made easier and more effective.

If your organisation, department, or project is currently involved in an information or data-sharing relationship with one or more organisations in the third sector, public sector, and/or for-profit sector and would be happy to share its experiences and insights, your participation is welcomed in a focus group. The focus group will be held in Edinburgh on 17 November 2015. Chatham House rules will apply and the discussion will be led by an independent professional facilitator. For further information or to book your place, download the flyer or contact Dr Eleanor Burt, University of St Andrews, email: eb19@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Latest publications and resources on the IS site

Update on the Economic Outcomes Programme – a SOLACE briefing

A briefing presented to SOLACE on the IS’ Economic Outcomes Programme. The Programme seeks to increase the impact of councils on economic outcomes in their area. The briefing outlines engagement across councils, development of the ‘economic footprint’ methodology, and challenges for the Programme.

Download the briefing

Elected Member Briefing Note: Preventing and Eradicating Domestic Abuse

This briefing is one in a series raising awareness of the different forms of violence against women and highlighting some of the good practice around Scotland. It examines the impact of domestic abuse on the people involved, and the wider impacts on the community, service delivery and the economy. It explains how elected members have a role in preventing and eradicating domestic abuse.

Download the briefing note

Change Management Webinars

A series of monthly webinars showcasing good practice and providing access to expert speakers in change management. The first three webinars are now available:

How Aberdeenshire Council has implemented Lean
The Benefits of Benefits Management
Vibrant Communities: the Story So Far

Access the webinars and see what’s coming up…

Upcoming Events

Elected Member Masterclass: Understanding the Issues in Your Area

11 September 2015, Elgin

This masterclass will help members understand how priorities for local areas should and can be data and evidence-based, and demonstrate how to use various data and analysis tools to gain a greater understanding of issues affecting Scottish communities.

Find out more...

Fairer Scotland Event for Community Councillors

16 September 2015, Glasgow

In June the Scottish Government launched the Creating a Fairer Scotland Programme, asking people across Scotland to take part in a national discussion about how the country can be a fairer and more equal place to live. This event invites Community Councillors discuss:

what issues matter most to you as a community councillor?
what do you think needs to be done to help community councils create a fairer Scotland?
how can your community council play a role in helping to shape Scotland’s future?

Find out more...

Shared perspectives on the outcomes of advice

27 October 2015, Glasgow

Hear about and help shape thinking on outcomes of advice at this all-day conference. Contribute to the national discussion on creating a fairer Scotland by exploring the developing role advice services play in tackling inequalities. Give feedback on national projects to improve reporting on money advice and develop quality standards for advice. The conference will feature contributions from NHS Health Scotland, Citizens Advice Bureaux service, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Legal Aid Board, the Improvement Service, Money Advice Service and others.

Find out more...

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