Events Index

Capita Software Services Annual User Conference 2006 Review

Driving Service Transformation

This year's Capita Software Services National Conference attracted leading local government practitioners from around the UK to engage on the theme of "Driving Service Transformation."

This year's conference took place on 19th & 20th April and was held at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire. Delegates attended a number of keynote sessions led by industry experts and participated in a range of discussion groups where they were invited to share best practice.

Day one

The conference was opened by Ian Gates, Director, Public Sector who handed over to Public Sector Forums' Ian Cuddy and Ian Dunmore who acted as moderators for the first day of the event. The day included keynote addresses from Angela Waite, President of SOCITIM, discussing the imperatives behind the need for service transformation in local authorities, and Steve Lawrence, recently appointed Take-up Manager at Government Connect, who offered an insight into the organisation's national vision for joined up working. Nigel Bates from Microsoft provided a thought provoking analysis of the issues around work-life balance and Chris Powell from BT discussed the implications these issues have for organisations.

The variety of keynote topics and associated break-out sessions indicated the sheer scope of the issues around the transformation agenda. Shared services was the theme for the panel discussion led by Nick Hill from Public Sector Forums. Other sessions included topics such as internet and touch-tone payments, Project NOMAD, the National Adapters Club, card payments, the e-Benefits National Project and NROSH.

Peter Kelly, Executive Director for Capita Group Support Services, concluded day one with an update on 'What's happening around Capita'.

Day two

Ian and Ian handed the baton for moderating day two to Tim Dawes, from Nineveh Consulting.

Sessions included discussions on the progress of systems integration by Capita's Keith Hawker and Philip King from Microsoft. Capita Software Services' Product Roadmap was showcased in the main hall and breakout sessions included Mobile Working, Workflow and Electronic Document Management.

The well supported exhibition featured stands from Microsoft, Formscan, Equita, Capita Randall Lyons, E-base, XL Print, MITEL, Capita Mobile Solutions, Rosetta Stone and Singularity, amongst others.

Day two provided an opportunity to get involved in a wide range of workshops, product demonstrations and interactive sessions with Capita and selected third parties. An exchange of ideas and the sharing of best practice were stimulated by topical debate and discussion.

Capita website address http://www.capita-software.co.uk

Look and feel

The event also marked the final stage of our project to refresh the Capita Software Services brand in line with new ID guidelines being rolled out across Capita Group Plc. The ID-refresh covers the full range of collateral, from stands and signage to printed matter and our website at www.capita-software.co.uk. We have relaunched each with a strong, contemporary feel, a new bespoke logotype, fresh corporate fonts and a vibrant colour palette.

Party on!

The evening's entertainment began in style with pre-dinner drinks and a three-course meal, followed by a comedy slot from TV comedian Tony Jo. Delegates proceeded to gamble the night away in the Capita Casino where talking and drinking went on well into the night.

Competition Winners

Congratulations to the following competition winners and thank you to everyone who took part.

Crossword
Jackie Walley, Denbighshire CC - Magnum of Champagne
Scott Logan, Rochford DC - Portable Media player
Zoe Woolham-Knibbs - Tom Tom Satellite Navigation System

Casino
Lee Parker, East Riding of Yorkshire Council - Champagne
Jeremy Slack, Fluency Voice - Champagne

Singularity Business card draw
Brian Holmes, South Lanarkshire Council - Champagne
Jay Taylor, Dagenham Council - Champagne

Event Feedback

The event was received positively by the speakers and delegates who attended:

"The message really came across that local authorities need to have 'vision' to undertake change."
Yvonne Williams
Kensington and Chelsea TMO Ltd.

"Overall a very successful day, both in terms of session content and opportunities to meet exhibitors and network."
Glenn Smith
South Gloucestershire Council

"A fascinating insight into the private sector world and the boundaries of flexible working."
Kevin Lane
South Northamptonshire Council

"Excellent venue and organisation (both before and at event)."
David J Greatorex
Derby Homes Ltd.