kcc catalogue of innovations

Welcome to the second edition of the KCC

Catalogue of Innovations. It

showcases the most recent innovative

projects and practices from across the

organisation.





organisation.

Read on and see how colleagues have turned

creative ideas into successful innovations

to respond to the constantly changing

needs and expectations of our customers.





organisation.

Read on and see how colleagues have turned

creative ideas into successful innovations

to respond to the constantly changing

needs and expectations of our customers.

If you would like to see innovations featured in previous editions and join its community of

practice, click or need help

click

IntroductionIntroduction

Click on the left and right arrows to move backwards or forward

To find out more about an innovation, click on its picture to the right of the screen

To add a web link to your favourites, right click on the picture of the case study

To find out the innovator, look below the quote bubbles

20 For 1220 For 12

Working through “School Clusters”, the programme to engage every school in the Olympics and Paralympics 'magic dust' is being used for a new approach to joint working as part of a major event of international scale – the 2012 Olympics.

20 for 12 will be a framework enabling each cluster to develop and celebrate 20 activities each academic year that relate to the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games on our doorstep; cutting right across the curriculum, sport and assemblies.

Benefits

First known area outside of London to be developing such an approach Kent is represented on the national Head teachers' 2012 Working Group

Danny O’Donovan

“engage every school in the Olympics and Paralympics ‘magic

dust’”

Activity Based MappingActivity Based Mapping

The mapping responds to the challenge set out in the Local Government White Paper for Sustainable Community Strategies to "have regard to all plans and strategies in their area".

It highlights how partnership plans, projects and policies around the county support the delivery of long term aspirations in the Vision for Kent (V4K).

This activity based mapping is an innovative way of benchmarking current performance, identifying shared priorities for policy making and capturing partnership working to support our CPA.

Benefits

Saves time, effort and resources by bringing together the complex web of plans and strategies in one placeEnables partners to see how their area of work influences the outcomes set out in V4KAllows policy makers to see what other partners are involved in particular issues, and how their priorities may be shared and supported by othersValues good practice around the county, and clarifies the relationship between county and district community strategies

Elizabeth Sanderson

“enables partners to see how their area of work influences the outcomes in V4K”

Alcohol Awareness CampaignAlcohol Awareness Campaign

This is a campaign involving young people to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol, through dance, music and role play.

A team of Community Wardens working in their own communities in Thanet and Canterbury engaged with young people with the aid of a local “rap company" called Pie Factory.

This company encouraged youngsters to write and record songs, dance and role play their messages.

This culminated in a competition to find the best performance along with a poster contest . Both were open to all the young people..

Benefits

Gives everyone an understanding of the dangers of alcoholEncourages young people to share some of their experiences and investigate issuesCompetition itself gave young people the opportunity to work with "music makers" and gave them confidence in performing

Marilyn Howell

“gives everyone understanding of the dangers of alcohol”

Ask a Kent LibrarianAsk a Kent Librarian

This service has been designed to act as an information support mechanism for library staff as well as to service users. It allows you to have your questions answered by a specialist team if you are unable to visit your local library.

It promises to answer or acknowledge queries within 48 hours and operate the service directly by phone, fax, mail, web form and email six days a week. The chat service is available at all hours.

Librarians across the country staff the national service 2-3 half days a month on a rota and out of hours coverage is provided by a group of specialist librarians in the United States.

KCC was the first local authority in the country to provide a 24/7 local service.

Benefits

Equal service and wide range of means of access: particularly suited to people with physical disabilities and the time-poor (last minute enquirer) Very fast: over 76% of enquiries answered the same day, over 91% answered within 2 days (100% answered or acknowledged within two days)Small specialist team able to dedicate time and expertise to individual enquiriesDedicated database to log enquiries and enable easy follow upConnections to other information providers in Kent, the region, nationally and beyond

Christel Pobgee

“first in the country to provide a 24/7 local

service”

Coral Ingleton

AspireAspire

This is a programme providing personal leadership and development designed to develop black and minority ethnic (BME) staff, a first in KCC.

The purpose of Aspire is to enable delegates to enhance and deploy their skills and experience to realise their full potential in the organisation and hopefully enable staff to successfully attain more senior posts.

Benefits

Realises the full potential of this group of staff (BME) and help them break through the glass ceilingProvides strategies and innovation to help them overcome the lack of opportunities for promotion

“help develop and motivate staff

throughout the organisation”

Kent Scientific Services

Automated reportingAutomated reporting

Many of the Kent Scientific Services’ (KSS) clients request their reports emailed to them to cut down on paper and support their electronic storage aims.

KSS specified and commissioned software to interrogate their database to identify completed work from clients wanting e-mailed reports and whether the work was classed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

The reports file is checked and the latest report relating for that item of work is e-mailed automatically to the client. An audit trail is left on our system. After testing is complete the reports are automatically generated from our file server.

Benefits

A manual process has been replaced by an automated process, thus increasing efficiencyMeets the client’s needs for electronic reportingCan cope with any number of clients and reports

“can cope with any number of clients and

reports”

Bereavement BookletBereavement Booklet

This booklet is designed to help the bereaved. Working in conjunction with the Library Service and Kent Adult Services the ‘Bereavement Booklet’ provides help and assistance at what is a very stressful time.

The booklet is being produced free of charge by Kent Regional Newspapers and will be distributed via the Registration Service, Libraries and Hospitals.

Benefits

Provides information and help to the bereaved in what they need to do following a deathIncludes advice, contact points for public and voluntary services and provides a starting point for helping people through the bereavement journey

Martin Alford

“provides a starting point for helping

people through the bereavement journey”

Mark Pritchard

Bird Box SchemeBird Box Scheme

A new ‘Bird Box’ scheme was initiated by Medway Valley Countryside Partnership in conjunction with local councillors . The aim of the scheme is to encourage the wider local community to put up bird boxes through Maidstone at sites owned by the local council (in phase I) and then more widely (phase II). This scheme will start in autumn 2007.

It is hoped that the scheme will help to promote bio-diversity and support wildlife in the urban context.

Remember, wildlife is not confined to the countryside - it can thrive in urban areas if people allow it the necessary space.

Benefits

Improved biodiversityEducation and community engagementOpportunities for local volunteers

“initiated in conjunction with local councillors to engage

the wider local community”

Christel Pobgee

Books Can HelpBooks Can Help

Throughout libraries across Kent there are collections of books to support readers with emotional health issues . Titles cover coping with/recovering from depression, anxiety, phobias, managing anger etc and can be booked out for up to six weeks.

The various books have been nominated by health professionals and can be prescribed for patients/clients who bring in a simple referral form to the library.

‘Books can Help’ is promoted through partners in Primary Care Trusts and to independent counsellors through leaflets and posters.

Benefits

Provides self help support for patients to supplement interventions by health professionalsDevelops health partnerships and helps us meet the Towards 2010 priority of “Improved heath and quality of life”

“provides self help support for patients to

supplement interventions by

health”

BookstartBookstart

This is a national programme that provides all young children and their families with free packs of books plus tips and ideas for parents on how to enjoy sharing books together.

It has a proven track record with Early Years, Health and the library service working together to improve outcomes for children and their families. The objective is to increase the number of families who received the first pack and looked for a new way to do this.

Now, 98% of babies and their parents in Kent receive packs that promote the importance of literacy and the enjoyment of books at the earliest age.

Benefits

Significantly increases numbers of families now receiving packs Promotes importance of literacy and the enjoyment of books to families at the earliest ageSupports and encourages more families to share books with their children when young and introduce the types of home behaviour that will improve educational outcomes for childrenPromotes library services and events to families

Karen Sillifant

“tips and ideas for parents on how to

enjoy sharing books together”

CaRA & Family AnnouncementsCaRA & Family Announcements

The Ceremonies and Registration Appointments (CaRA) brings together a number of initiatives to modernise and improve the delivery of services to the public and drive up the efficiency of internal registrations processes.

Members of the public registering births and deaths or arranging marriages and civil partnership ceremonies often wish to make a public announcement but do not do so because they do not know where to go or how to start.

In response to this the Registration Service, in conjunction with Kent On Sunday, has also introduced an online service whereby family announcements can be made as part of the visit to the register office.

Benefits

Provide online facilities for the public to book, arrange and pay for Registration Ceremonies, book appointments to give legal preliminaries, book appointments to register Births and Deaths and request appointments to register stillbirthsSearch both current and historical registrations information and to request and pay for copy certificatesAvailable 24/7 over the Internet although alternatively the public will still be able to telephone the Contact Centre who will make bookings on their behalf

Martin Alford

“to modernise and improve the delivery of services to the public”

Kevin Day/Richard Spoerry

Charlton in the CommunityCharlton in the Community

This scheme has been initiated to use football and the “Charlton Athletic” brand as a catalyst to support wider agendas in the County around community safety and education in particular.

The main purpose was initially to engage disaffected young people who were either not reaching educational attainment levels or were involved in anti-social behaviour and to try to improve their attainment levels and/or behaviour.

There is now the potential for other services such as Kent Police, Kent Fire & Rescue, Youth Services, Community Wardens, Drugs Awareness and Action Teams and District Councils to work with CAFC coaches and staff to promote their services and deliver their programmes.

Benefits

A numeracy and literacy pilot run through the Extended Schools team has now expanded to cover up to 60 schools and is now run over a 12 week period rather than 6 weeksIn Dover, there has been a 26% reduction in calls regarding anti social behaviour on the evenings Charlton Athletic are in the targeted estatesIn Shepway, a head teacher at a school has reported a 99% reduction in vandalism at the school since the CAFC scheme has started there

“99% reduction in vandalism since the CAFC scheme has

started here”

Civil Funeral CelebrantsCivil Funeral Celebrants

Following consultation with funeral directors and the bereaved , the Kent Registration service developed ,and is now providing, a range of civil (secular) ceremonies which provide bereaved relatives with an alternative to a religious ceremony.

Benefits

Provides the bereaved with an option of having a civil (secular) celebrant conduct the funeral serviceFuture aspiration to link this service with green funeral sites to be offered at KCC Country Parks

Martin Alford

“providing the bereaved with

alternative options”

Coaching & Mentoring StrategyCoaching & Mentoring Strategy

This strategy was initiated by Learning and Development and developed in order to encourage a culture of ‘manager as coach’ within the organisation. This will help develop and motivate staff throughout the organisation.

Since the initial strategy was devised many staff throughout the organisation have undertaken the’ Professional Coaching and Mentoring’ diploma.

Once qualified they join a group led by Learning and Development which offers coaching and mentoring support to anyone within the organisation at no charge to the recipient.

Benefits

Developmental for anyone using the service within KCCDevelopmental for the coaches who have the opportunity to work across the organisation

Coral Ingleton

“help develop and motivate staff

throughout the organisation”

Noel Hatch

Communities of PracticeCommunities of Practice

• A Community of Practice (CoP) is a network of individuals with common expertise or interests who get together to share knowledge and practice on an agreed theme. The CoP also ensures that the diffusion of innovation is focused on a specific need. It enables the formation of skills or thematic networks to improve how staff:

1. liase with peers with common interests and skills 2. showcase and participate in activities and events on

agreed themes3. adapt and contextualise best practice 4. share and turn innovative ideas and skills into

customer focused solutions

Benefits

Joined up knowledge sharing and continuity - capturing learning and practice when and where it takes place - to avoid duplication and foster joined up workingBetter user involvement by enabling frontline staff to provide the tools for users to feedback not only to them but also to each other in real-timePotential for users to share their collective wisdom to identify and develop common solutions to everyday challenges, such as parenting, money management, etcMaking feedback start with the user and focused on outcomes

“turn innovative ideas and skills into

customer focused solutions”

Mark Lemon

Comparative Deprivation IndexComparative Deprivation Index

The Comparison of Public Health (COSPH) project involving South East England and Northern France is an “innovation first”.

It involves devising an internationally comparative index of deprivation . This enables deprivation and disadvantage to be compared across national borders.

In addition, an index of market concentration is deployed to analyse the use of hospital and health care facilities by the local population.

Benefits

Greater understanding of the impact and distribution of health inequalities with an international dimensionNew ways to measure how health care is accessed and facilities serve populations

“enables deprivation and disadvantage to be

compared across national borders”

George Kearns

CRB On Line SystemCRB On Line System

Having developed a database system for recording and processing Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Disclosure applications, KCC was looking to reduce the amount of errors and omissions on hand written applications.

Having previously worked with a company who had developed an on-line application form with inbuilt validation, KCC continued to further enhance the system with them to meet the needs of schools.

Individuals can now complete their application in the school, allowing the ID to be confirmed in one process. The schools are then able to monitor the progress of each application step by step and if needs be, the applicants or the CRB can be chased if delays occur.

Benefits

Whole process is completed far quicker therefore making children safer in schoolsSchools Personnel are able to run many reports for monitoring, chasing and audit purposes

“making children safer in schools’”

Document ManagementDocument Management

The IDOX paperless document management system is a process Personnel uses to help manage work flow and ensure that documents are traceable throughout their existence, working towards the ideal of a paperless working environment.

The project was initiated with the aim of replacing the increasing amount of space taken up by files. However, as it developed, the ability to make use of electronic workflow became a key deliverable.

The purpose is to move to a regulated, manageable work flow, as paperless as possible, ensuring prompt file creation and easy and secure access to employee data, as well as simply the creation of more space for working rather than filing.

Benefits

Much more manageable and traceable workflowDocuments can be retrieved in case of absence and redirectedEnvironmental issues are supported by avoiding unnecessary use of paperDocuments can be distributed electronically rather than on paperIn due course, selected users can be given secure access to view files on demand, ensuring view of a 'live' database. Improved use of floor space

Richard Vince

“working towards the ideal of a paperless

working environment”

Susan Pledger

“mutually beneficial to both county and

districts”

East Kent Property InitiativeEast Kent Property Initiative

There are around 4,300 long-term empty properties in the four districts of Thanet, Dover, Shepway and Swale. The resources available to tackle long term empty properties used to vary across the districts.

Based on these statistics a project was developed to increase the number of empty properties returned to use as good quality housing accommodation. This has been used for an empty property loan scheme partnership fund, funding and support for districts in their enforcement work and a direct purchase scheme.

These schemes allow the districts to offer improved incentives to encourage owners to bring their empty properties back into use, or where owners are uncooperative to take formal action to secure the re-use of empty properties.

Benefits

Mutually beneficial to both county and districtsSupport provided by the County enables the districts to improve performance towards their targets to reduce empty properties, increase housing supply, reduce crime and disorder and reduce the districts’ costs in dealing with the problems with empty propertiesWork undertaken by the districts to tackle the empty property issues supports the County in its work to bring about regeneration in the target areas, reduce crime and disorder and raise economic success

St John Harvey

Electronic trading environmentElectronic trading environment

Kent County Council's trading division - Commercial Services – has made an “innovation first” in the public sector to establish a fully automated electronic trading environment in the supply chain between itself and its customers and partners at no added cost to the customer.

With the ever-growing need for greater efficiencies and improved customer service across the public sector, Commercial Services is proud to be taking a leading and innovative stance in the critical area of procurement fulfilment.

Benefits

Developed systems using XML and MS.Net which are designed to be as open and flexible as possible with an extensive use of web services enabling it to expand and adapt product functionality in line with changes in the business requirements

“taking a lead and innovative stance in the critical area of

procurement fulfilment”

Employee Self Service PilotEmployee Self Service Pilot

It is a ‘front end’ service that allows staff to view and action information held about themselves that enables employees/managers to perform actions they are responsible for and view information they are authorised to view. It was developed to enable KCC to transform and streamline its end-to-end HR and payroll processes.

KCC aims to provide managers with more timely and accurate information about their staff, speed up end to end personnel/payroll processes, ensure that the solution mirrors the way managers work ‘trigger’ actions and provide policy guidance to managers and HR staff, make physical location of staff and managers less important, dramatically reduce paper flow within the organisation and provide an environment that fits in with the new world of work which is attractive to current and future staff.

Benefits

Empower decision making for managers by providing timely and relevant informationTransform our HR & Payroll Systems from back office processing to a business tool used by managers and staff in conjunction with HR professional staffFaster and cost effective processing in the areas of end to end HR, payroll and appraisalsSupport changes in personnel policiesImplement all of our aims as cost effectively as possible and to utilise our own business resources

Karen Hughes

“empower decision making for managers*”

Steve Rees

Enterprise/Innovation CentresEnterprise/Innovation Centres

• The Regional Enterprise and Innovation Centres were set up by Kent Sustainable Business Partnership to develop a sector/business support network across the region to provide advice/support and projects which:

• improve business viability, sustainability and competitiveness• develop a skills brokerage/centre for enabling new

sustainable skills development and provision in manufacturing, construction and eco-enterprise

• enable waste reduction and generate/innovate new markets for waste (resource) materials and new enterprises

• These include the Regional Centre for Sustainable Business Services, Regional Centre for Skills in Environmental Technology and ReMaDe South East.

Benefits

Making Kent and regional business (95% SMEs) more competitive, viable and more sustainableReducing the impact of environmental regulation, enabling resource efficiencies & cost savings (energy, water, waste) and promoting corporate social responsibilityBridging the skills gaps that exist in delivering sustainable manufacturing, construction and enabling eco-enterprise potentialGenerating solutions to the expensive problem of waste for the public and private sector

“*making Kent and regional business more competitive, viable and more

sustainable”

Jacqui Ward

Evolve ProjectEvolve Project

This project was created to research, test and implement a range of innovative approaches in building the confidence, self esteem and aspirations of disadvantaged adults in order to help them towards taking control of their lives.

It is a county council initiative funded by the EU and is developing programmes for individuals including people from BME (black minority ethnic) communities, lone parents, those with learning and physical disabilities, young people and people recovering from mental illness.

Evolve focuses on the most deprived districts and promotes employability of disadvantaged groups through three types of services: vocational training; mentoring; advice and guidance.

Benefits

Improved employment prospects and increased training opportunities for lone parents in the childcare and retail sectorDeveloped a holistic approach delivered through Vocational Advisors in enabling service users with mental health issues to widen their horizons and support them into the world of work – voluntary, part-time or full-timeWidened the methods of interventions with young people in order to see if these differences could be introduced into core Trust programmes

“innovative approaches in building

the confidence, self esteem and aspirations”

Empowering staff to respond to customer needsEmpowering staff to respond to customer needs

Kent Libraries and Archives (L&A) is developing a new organisational culture to enable the Service to respond better to individual customers. It is encouraging all staff to use their discretion in responding to customers, with the bias towards doing what meets the need of that customer, whether or not it is accepted practice.

Staff are encouraged to ask themselves the basic question “what’s the worst that can happen if I give the customer what they want or need?” If this basic risk assessment suggests that the worst is not very bad (and this is the usual answer), then staff are encouraged to deliver the service needed.

Culture change is a long term project, so KLA cannot claim to have resolved all the issues described above. However, by celebrating successes which result from these new approaches, and by ensuring that managers “walk the talk” through back to the floor sessions and in forums developed to ensure that all managers have regular face to face contact with front of house staff, KLA is confident that it is moving in the right direction.

BenefitsAll staff are encouraged to prioritise customer need over the need to follow accepted proceduresAll staff can feel sure that they will be supported if they take calculated risks which do not work outCustomers receive a service that is flexible to their needsEvaluation can truly reflect the outcomes, whether positive or negative, and the Service can learn and move on

Cath Anley

“all staff are encouraged to prioritise customer need over the need to

follow accepted procedures”

Christel Pobgee

This is a Careers and Guidance online resource often used in secondary schools, colleges and Connexions centres. It is primarily aimed at young people aged 14 to 19 but can also be useful to adults looking for a career change.

A series of interactive questionnaires provides an assessment of strengths, learning abilities, likes and dislikes and the resource then suggests potential careers and related courses. The service is free to use and available online in all Kent Libraries.

Availability of the service is the result of a successful joint bid from Kent Libraries and Connexions Kent and Medway.

Fast TomatoFast Tomato

Benefits

Supports national and regional targets in relation to increasing the number of young people who have the skills and vocational qualifications for workAssists the work of Connexions Personal Advisers with regards to provision of career information and guidanceProvides an alternative means of access to information for individuals who may not wish (or for any reason can’t) engage with traditional delivery conduitsIs interactive, fun and easy to use and therefore has more appeal for the target audience

“an alternative means of access to

information that is fun and easy to use”

FastrackFastrack

This is one of the most innovative transport schemes yet seen in the country. It is a new rapid transit system that will link Dartford, Gravesend, Bluewater and new developments at Ebbsfleet and Eastern Quarry by 2008.

It is the first service of its type outside a major conurbation and is being built and operated ahead of demand to ensure good public transport as the 30,000 new homes and 50,000 new jobs are provided over the next 20+ years.

It has been the recipient of several awards, from a Transport Times 2007 Award, ICE Brassey Award 2006 for an outstanding example of a civil engineering project, and a "Certificate of Excellence" from an Interreg funded project to enhance access to stations on the European high speed train network.

Benefits

Increases public transport accessibilityEnables regeneration in Kent ThamesideWill provide the frequent, reliable high quality service that will ensure people can ‘get around’ – to work, to school, to play

John Turner

“an exciting and innovative approach in

delivering a UK showcase bus project”

Hilary Alford

Gap Year ProgrammeGap Year Programme

This programme targets and finds employment for students taking a gap year, whether they have just finished their A levels or are taking a year in industry during or after their degree.

Never before had there been a programme for gap year students in the organisation. It was initiated by KCC councillors as part of 'The Next Four Years’ targets to address the skills shortage of our growing economy.

Benefits

Gives young people the opportunity to gain practical experience in an area related to their degree choice or quality employmentEnables businesses to nurture young talent with a view to employing them once they graduateHighlights the skills and talents of our county’s brightest young people

“highlights the skills and talents of our county’s brightest

young people”

"GEMS" Energy Management"GEMS" Energy Management

As well as providing a comprehensive energy procurement service, LASER has become recognised in its field for providing best-in-class energy management services.

The mainstay of this is GEMS, an innovative energy management system developed in-house. Suppliers invoice centrally using fast and efficient computer-to-computer links interfacing with GEMS, eliminating paper bills. All elements of the bills are checked, ensuring efficient and consistent invoicing to the customer. Queries are managed with actions recorded on the system.

Crucially, the centrally-held consumption data forms the basis for the preparation of tender schedules ensuring members have a valid contract available at renewal.

Benefits

Accurate data for preparation of tender schedulesMonthly, quarterly or annual energy and cost monitoring reportsTargeting, benchmarking and league tablesData provision for BV180 and Asset Management and data for clients M&T systemsWater bill checking and validation and CO2 emission calculations and reportingAdvice on energy and water saving grants and surveys, energy and water policies and strategies

St John Harvey

“recognised in its field for providing best-in-

class energy management services”

David West

GeocachingGeocaching

Geocaching is a countryside treasure hunt involving the use of handheld GPS receivers. Geocachers hide 'caches' - usually waterproof boxes filled with inexpensive treasures and a log book - in locations across the countryside.

Once hidden the GPS coordinates of the 'cache' are published on a website for others to view. Other geocachers can use these coordinates and any clues provided to locate the hidden treasure.

The finder is welcome to take an item from the cache as well as fill in the logbook to record their find. The development of this idea was carried out in conjunction with a volunteer.

Benefits

A fun new activity that has proved very popular with the publicA great new way to encourage people to visit the countrysideFamilies will love the treasure hunt element, while regular walkers will enjoy the added incentive to a day's walking

“a fun new activity that has proved very popular with the

public”

Greening the GatewayGreening the Gateway

This is a pan-north Kent approach to providing a strategic framework for green spaces, sustainable access and wildlife corridors throughout the Growth Area and beyond.

The idea is to provide a 'green print' for the north Kent Thames Gateway; to provide an environmental uplift and improve the area's image, providing a legacy.

The initiative has been developed by Kent County Council in partnership with all the north Kent local authorities and Regeneration Boards and other public and voluntary sector organisations.

Benefits

Provides the high level vision and framework for a host of other projects that are working to improve the environment and image of north Kent Provides the bigger picture for identifying key initiatives that smaller more local projects cannot tackleCrosses the political boundaries, thinking creatively, bringing people together to tackle local projects and big issues, adding real value

Val Hyland

“bringing people together to tackle local

projects and big issues, adding real

value”

Green Screen FilmingGreen Screen Filming

Green screen or sometimes blue screen is a common reference to a television production process known as chroma key or keying. The technique is to select a colour, the chroma key and remove this from one image to reveal another image 'behind' it.

By placing the presenter in front of the green screen the image processing software is instructed to remove any object with a particular colour -the green screen - and replace this with a new image. Commonly the weather presenter are superimposed on top of an electronic image of the weather map.

An example can be found here on Kent County Councils web site, where pages are described using British Sign Language. The signer is superimposed over an electronic blue colour chosen to help make the signing stand out.

Benefits

New way of communication at all levels to both for internal staff and the publicMake small scale information filmsFacilitates clearer delivery of messages to the audienceBeneficial for repeated messages -record once play many.Easy to use software

Glyn Davies

“a new way of communication both for internal staff and

the public”

GSM PicocellGSM Picocell

This is a very small mobile phone cell, such as the ones seen alongside the motorway. A Picocell is limited in range to say a sports hall or Airport passenger lounge. It uses the Internet to connect the call to the public phone service.

Using this special cell it is possible to treat your mobile phone like a cordless phone with normal landline call rates but with the convenience of your mobile phone contacts database.

Femtocell is a smaller version of the Picocell, designed for home use in conjunction with a broadband connection. Here it will be possible to add flexibility to home workers.

KCC is working with partners to set-up a small scale trial of this technology to gain real world experience, and project expected call cost savings.

Benefits

Reduce phone charges from mobile phones used by staff in the work placeCreate a local "hot spot" such as at a library or building project particularly where public GSM reception is poorImproved 3G data connectivityReduced radio-frequency out-put power and prolonged battery chargePortable emergency public or private phone system

Glyn Davies

“reduce phone charges from mobile phones used by staff

in the workplace”

HeadspaceHeadspace

Book Bars is a new type of place where young people can chill out, access their favourite books and magazines and be served by ‘Book Waiters’, who will bring them a cappuccino and a book of their choice!

Kent’s Book Bar, called Headspace, will be located in Folkestone’s CafeIT from September 2007, and will be one of 20 Book Bars established around the country over the next three years.

Benefits

Reaches youth who may not be attracted to libraries or reading as a leisure pursuitEncourages young people to get involved with their local library and develop a love of books and readingYoung people will be in the driving seat, helping to choose the furniture and books for the Book Bar; volunteering as Book Waiters and working with library staff to ensure all youth receive a warm welcome. In return, those actively involved will be able to gain formal accreditation for their contribution

Janet Davies/Steve Chambers

“young people will be in the driving seat”

Higher Education CompactHigher Education Compact

• This is partnership agreement between Swale Schools, Sheppey Further Education College and Kent-based universities providing a programme of study and activities for Level 3 students to:

• help students to prepare for progression to Higher Education (including a first-hand experience of HE)

• help students gain credit for achievements in subject areas, which also includes materials for gifted and talented students

• help students develop their personal wider key skills, for instance, peer mentoring, work related learning and millennium volunteering

• The Swale area was selected to pilot the H.E. Compact programme as there were fewer students with Level 3 qualifications choosing to go on to Higher Education.

Benefits

Gives students greater awareness of higher education and graduate employment opportunities both in Kent and nationally;Enables students to be better prepared to make a successful transition to university student life and likely to improve their longer term employment prospectsCan increase retention rates and build stronger links with schools and local communities

Pat Keeler

“prepare students to…make a successful

transition to university life”

Sarah Dance

““How to” Cultural ToolkitHow to” Cultural Toolkit

In response to London winning the Games, the University of Kent at Canterbury established a new post graduate course entitled Creative Events.

Using students from this course, the University will work with four pilot communities beginning in January 2008, providing creative, practical and entrepreneurial input to support local cultural activity (cultural in its broadest sense) from the grassroots.

In the run up to January 2008, the students are pulling together “how to stage an event” practical toolkits from across the country, to then shape a “Best Of” toolkit, whilst KCC are pulling together names of those individuals and organisations across the county who local event organisers are likely to need to speak with.

Benefits

Leave a legacy of skills and know how in the communities in which they have worked, particularly with young people within each of the four communities

“*leave a legacy of skills and know how in

the communities”

Graham Cox

HR Business IntelligenceHR Business Intelligence

This is a central information hub that allows quick and easy access to staffing information statistics.

These are presented in an interactive ‘dashboard’ system that displays animated graphs and information in just a few clicks. KCC wanted to move away from presenting tables of figures which are daunting to most and provide easily understood information that was both visually pleasing and easily manipulated.

Our main rationale was to provide a central source of staffing information to ensure that in future all staff have access to the same figures, for example this would prevent potentially awkward situations where two members of staff arrive at a meeting quoting different figures for the same subject.

Benefits

Ensures that KCC is making its decisions on the same information and thereby reduces the need for staff to run ad hoc information reports and therefore doubling up on workPresented in a user friendly manner that is easy on the eye to allow for quick analysis of your business needsAllows direct comparisons between different areas of the organisation via animated charts and provides a presentation tool to members of staff whom need to communicate this information effectively

“allows direct comparisons between different areas of the

organisation”

Inside OutInside Out

Do you need a reliable plumber, decorator, carpenter, electrician or other build-maintain-repair trades person? Not sure where to find one that you can trust to do a great job at competitive rates?

Look no further than Inside Out - the latest innovation within Commercial Services - the trading arm of KCC.

Inside Out has been launched to fill a gap in the market for professional trades people who are rigorously vetted, who strike a balance between a quality job that's finished on time and in full and a competitive price.

All services provided to both public and private sector customers, are fully guaranteed and reachable on one low-cost central booking number (0845 094 6363).

Benefits

In-house provider, offering the peace of mind to customers of being part of KCCNew way of generating further income for KCC which can be redeployed into frontline services for the benefit of Kent residents as a wholeWidest choice of services available from one source - the one-stop-shop concept!Best practice and efficiencies shared with our customers in terms of being able to offer competitive prices and best value

St John Harvey

“best practice and efficiencies shared

with our customers”

Kent & Medway Learning NetworkKent & Medway Learning Network

The EU project, Laying the Foundations is focused on creating a learning network structure in Kent and Medway to strengthen co-ordination and delivery of learning, enhance capacity and align and lever in resources.

It contributes to the Action for Communities initiative which aims to maximise opportunities for adults to learn in their communities and to make best use of all available resources to support them, prioritising public funding to those needing it most.

The network will build on existing networks across the county, develop new ones where there are gaps and provide a tool to support network activity to improve inclusiveness and equality of opportunity for all network members. The heart of the project is to improve opportunities for adults to learn in their communities.

Benefits

Enhance the range of outcomes for adult learnersExpand access to learning for excluded and hard to reach groupsLay the foundations for achieving coherence, breadth and consistent quality of learning provision across the region

Caroline Polley

“maximise opportunities for

adults to learn in their communities”

Kent Bus Tracking SystemKent Bus Tracking System

The system has been developed on a countywide basis over the last ten years providing information on bus services at over one hundred stops.

Buses are fitted with global position system (GPS) equipment and radios to report their position to a central computer in the Kent Highway Services Traffic Management Centre. Buses operating on a variety of local bus services within the county can be seen via a link from the Kent Traffic & Travel website, also shown is a selection of virtual signs showing departures from stops.

The system has recently been enhanced to underpin Fastrack services A and B allowing predictions at the beginning of journeys as well as stops along the route.

Benefits

Passengers are be able to check on times before they leave to make a journey, reducing waiting times at stops and improving overall journey timesBuses send messages to traffic lights as they approach and where possible are given priority to minimise delaysProvides early indications of congestion and trend data can help identify parts of the network where investigations could be helpfulOperators can see the deployment of their fleet in real time and redirect resources

David Batchelor

“reducing waiting times at stops and improving overall journey times*”

Peter Welsh/James Parris

Kent Crime ViewKent Crime View

Kent Crimeview is geographic information system (GIS) based and has functionality based upon the latest mapping and web based technology. It was developed within the Analysis and Information Team and this case study has been updated since the first edition of the Catalogue of Innovations.

The product is designed to offer a solution to the sharing of crime and community data across partners who are engaged with Crime Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs). Crimeview brings together partnership data in one place and enables data to be accessed, researched and mapped by all partners.

The product is designed to deliver the requirements for data sharing included within the Police and Justice Act 2006 and related CDRP Reform national standards.

Benefits

Will provide a platform that will enable the various partners involved with crime reduction to share data on a stable platform

“enable the various partners involved with

crime reduction to share data*”

Caroline Polley/Emma Warren

Kent Learning ChampionsKent Learning Champions

The scheme recruits local successful learners from their communities to train to become volunteer ambassadors or "champions" of learning.

It was developed to act as model to raise aspiration - particularly in parts of Kent where aspiration and skills levels are low - and to increase take up of learning opportunities.

It voices the learning needs of the community and provides a network within local groups, schools, voluntary and community organisations.

Benefits

Local people – rather than outsiders - are recognised as models for their communityLocal people recruit other local people to learning, increasing take upNew recruits can aspire to be champions themselvesChampions provide local feedback/consultative voice for the CouncilChampions can gain employment with KCC Voluntarism is increased

“local people recruit other local people to learning, increasing

take up”

Liz Craven

Kent Rural Delivery FrameworkKent Rural Delivery Framework

The first multi agency rural action plan for Kent for all rural stakeholders, initiated to respond to national and regional restructuring of rural delivery.

Its purpose has been to set out a new rural agenda, installing an evidence based approach to rural delivery across for Kent by raising understanding and further awareness of the importance of the local rural economy, communities and environment, managing the extensive change that is being experienced across all aspects of Kent’s rural agenda

It will also quantify and highlight the inter-regional disparities that exist across the South East’s rural areas and encourage more innovative and entrepreneurial approaches across all aspects of rural delivery.

Benefits

Working in an innovative, entrepreneurial and collaborative way is essential to ensure that rural businesses continue to grow, complete and flourish, rural communities remain vibrant and the rural environment is conservedSimplify the way services are delivered to customers through improved working between delivery organisations

“encouraging more innovative and entrepreneurial approaches’”

Steve Rees

Kent Sustainable FuturesKent Sustainable Futures

A Kent Sustainable Future Industries Strategy will be launched in the autumn - a UK first.

Never before has a County evaluated its spatial, skills, R&D and enterprise assets to this intensity to identify centres for market leadership and sector transformation.

This is driven by the Kent FORESIGHT network - a programme to drive economic success through smart growth, sector transformation and global competitiveness.

Benefits

Four innovation campuses are in development: SusCon: A Centre for 21st Construction Excellence & Urban Renaissance - linked to Kent Thameside and EbbsfleetHadlow: A Centre for 21st Century Sustainable Land Use and Rural RenaissanceKent Science Park: a Centre for Sustainable Enterprise Acceleration (SEA-Change) CLIMATE: a Centre for Learning, Innovation in Marine, Aeronautics, Technology & Energy) - linked to London Array in East Kent

“identify centres for market leadership and

sector transformation*”

Kent Top TempsKent Top Temps

In response to the Freedoms to Trade legislation and to meet the growing need for best value temporary staff provision within KCC, was created one of the first incorporated trading companies within the public sector.

Kent Top Temps Ltd was created following a small but successful pilot as a result of an inspirational idea from a member of staff. Initially providing temporary staff in the field of business and administration, it has grown exponentially across a wide cross section of other disciplines and is now into permanent recruitment.

Crucially for KCC, as the sole shareholder in the business, all profits are returned to it in the form of an annual dividend which is used to underpin frontline services.

Benefits

An innovative way of generating new and significant income streams for the authority!Sharing the benefits of best practice and efficiencies with our customers by achieving best value rates in the market and thereby exercising a "market regulating" force in keeping inflationary pressures under controlAllows budgets to go further with more funds available to be deployed into frontline services for the benefit of Kent residents as a whole

St John Harvey

“an innovative way of generating new and significant income

streams”

Toby Butler

Kent Traffic ManagementKent Traffic Management

KCC has made a commitment to tackle urban congestion and reduce peak journey times throughout the county. A major way of tackling this issue is to provide up-to-date, accurate information about what is happening on the roads. In order to achieve this, Kent Highways Services has developed a state-of-the-art Traffic Management Centre based with links to CCTV cameras and traffic signals across Kent.

The Kent Traffic and Travel website, takes live information, in real-time, from the systems that control traffic movement in Kent.

It will show you where roadworks are in Maidstone and on Kent’s motorways, show the location of any current congestion ‘hot spots’ and enable you to look at roads through our CCTV cameras that are located at key junctions.

Benefits

Regularly checking routes and making adjustments to traffic signals to improve your journey times Giving up-to-date and accurate travel information through the dedicated website, roadside information signs, radio and televisionLetting drivers know when incidents on the motorway will affect their journey and giving alternative route informationContinuously looking at patterns to see if improvements to congestion can be made

“a major way of tackling urban congestion and

reducing peak journey times’”

Pascale Blackburn

Kent TVKent TV

This is a broadband channel aimed at the residents of Kent and those who have an interest in Kent. It is being launched on 21 September with the desire to communicate to the public on a modern platform.

Local people and community groups will be able to upload their own video clips to the site, giving air-time to truly local issues. Budding actors, musicians, journalists and presenters living in Kent can also use Kent TV as a springboard to showcase their talents.

Programmes will even be available to download as podcasts to listen to on mobile phones, iPods or MP4 players.

At the heart of Kent TV lies its ambition to be a true community channel.

Benefits

Transform the way in which KCC as a county communicate with each otherCombine partners from Fire, Police, the voluntary sector, education and other community groups to produce a channel that truly reflects the views of the countyRaise the profile of the county as a whole on a local, national and international scale, generating tourism and inward investmentAccessible to all of Kent through a broadband medium. It aims to promote and raise the profile of Kent in a modern and contemporary way

“at the heart of Kent TV lies its ambition to be a true community

channel”

Toby Butler

LED Traffic Signal HeadLED Traffic Signal Head

There are over 640 sets of traffic signals controlling junctions and crossings in Kent, using almost 20,000 halogen bulbs!

In its drive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from energy use, Kent County Council is the first local authority to make a commitment to switch all existing traffic signal light bulbs to low energy light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Kent Highway Services has already started on a countywide replacement programme to install the new technology, which will be completed by April 2008.

Benefits

Offer savings of more than £2 million over the next six years70% reduction in energy consumption at a time of increasing energy costsBrighter signals A longer lifespan so less need for maintenanceGreater reliability so less disruption to trafficReduced waste disposal of lamps and packaging

“reduce carbon dioxide emissions from energy use’”

Library Recruitment FairsLibrary Recruitment Fairs

KCC Libraries and Archives wanted to devise a method of meeting candidates and talking to them to see if they were suitable for the post.

All applicants were given a 15 minute time slot during which they were shown around library by an existing Customer Service Assistant (CSA) who talked about the work they do. They were also given a customer care questionnaire and asked two simple questions “tell us about something you enjoy doing” and “what made you come along today?”

Successful candidates are proving to be excellent CSAs and many have real potential for future promotion. Future fairs will include an element of customer participation.

Benefits

Attracts people who say they would not have responded to an advert for a library worker and who have the skills KCC is looking forEnable to select staff with excellent customer care skills and build up a list of suitable people to fill vacancies at short noticeSaves money to only use one advert to recruit for all posts across the CountyHigher retention than by previous methods of recruitment, maybe because recruits have more idea of what to expect following their tour/discussion with CSA

Jane Setterfield

“tell us about something you enjoy

doing?*”

Maidstone Car ClubMaidstone Car Club• A car club is very similar to a standard car hire scheme with

several key differences. The cars are

1. located on-street in a fixed location and not attached to a local booking office

2. can be booked for very short hire periods remotely via the telephone/internet and accessed via a Smartcard

This Smartcard can also be used to release the keys. All you need to do is replace the keys at the end of your trip and use the Smartcard to lock the car – the computer will do the rest!

• Kent Highway Services (KHS) have commissioned Streetcar to run the scheme at County Hall. It has ‘pump primed’ the scheme so that two cars will be available initially and block booked during weekdays for KCC members and employees.

Benefits

Becoming a member of the Car Club enables the user to enjoy many of the benefits of car ownership without the high fixed costs i.e. tax, insurance and maintenanceMajor benefit to those employees who require the use of a car on an ad-hoc basis to undertake their duties but would otherwise like to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to and from workEstimated that for every one Streetcar in operation, an average of six private cars are removed from the road

Graham Tanner

“for every one Streetcar in operation,

an average of six private cars are

removed from the road”

Natural East KentNatural East Kent

This has been developed by KCC with the East Kent Partnership and east Kent local authorities. NEK has developed as an alternative approach to regeneration in east Kent.

NEK aims to use the natural assets of east Kent in terms of its natural (landscape and wildlife) and historic heritage to put the area on the map; to make it a niche market destination for green tourism and sustainable access and transport; to work with, improve and promote the area's natural assets.

It also aims to help rural communities and the farming economy to move forward; to future-proof the area from the effects of climate change and be an example of best practice in sustainable development.

Benefits

Provides a positive vision for east KentA joined up approach to regenerating the rural hinterland; making a direct link between environment and economic and social regenerationEast Kent will have a developed image as a Green Tourism destination; developing local products, creating new local markets and bringing a financial boost to the economy; joining up fragmented communities and linking with visitor facilities and the coast

Val Hyland

“to future-proof the area from the effects of

climate change”

Online Land Managers PackOnline Land Managers Pack

This is a new partnership project working across the Kent Downs with six Countryside Management Projects to produce an on-line Land Managers Pack.

The pack is aimed at new landowners in the Kent Downs providing advice on how best to manage their land for the benefit of wildlife and the landscape.

The key to the pack is to provide the starting point with simple advice and further sources of help.

The project was developed by the KCC Countryside Management Projects (CMPs) with the Kent Downs AONB team in response to the need from new landowners living on the Downs for simple guidance on countryside management.

Benefits

Landowners living in the Kent Downs providing advice on how best to enhance and protect their local landscape and wildlifeTrue partnership on a landscape scale with the benefit ultimately being the future landscape of the Downs in terms of practical management, enhancement and awareness raising of this nationally important area

Caroline Drewett

“advice on how best to manage the land for the benefit of wildlife and the landscape”

Power to LeadPower to Lead

This is a leadership programme designed to bring together people from the public and private sector in Kent.

It is a partnership arrangement with Kent Police and came about to meet a gap in the market to foster networking and partnership working across the public and private section.

The difference with this programme is that it gets the delegates to look at issues specific to Kent and how the delegates can use their leadership skills to address these issues.

The ideas are then taken forward in a series of action learning sets.

Benefits

Enables issues affecting Kent to be looked at across all sectors and a wide skill base can be tapped into. The issue is no longer isolated to one organisationProvides fantastic networking and opportunities for innovation during the three 3 day residential programme and on-going action learning

Coral Ingleton

“enables issues affecting Kent to be looked at across all

sectors”

Richard Vince

Recruitment ManagementRecruitment Management

The recruitment management system project was initiated as part of the integration of the various HR, payroll and recruitment administration functions into a shared service concept for Employee Services.

Areas where efficiency and development could be achieved were identified, both in terms of expediting the existing process and changing it to achieve best practice.

The purpose was to: provide a better online experience and encourage people to apply online; improve the administration and reportability of the recruitment function; and integrate the workflow of recruitment into Oracle HR, allowing a full 'cradle to grave' process.

Benefits

Entirely scalable, allowing for the possibility of working with other organisations, supporting Kent County Council's commitment to the Shared Services InitiativeEncourages more users to apply online Managers will be able to shortlist online, use the site to book interviews in, automatically produce communication to candidates and even ensure that priority candidates of all types are matched to roles during the process of identifying the vacancy, ensuring compliance with policy with minimal reliance on 'off system' processes

“supporting KCC’s commitment to the

shared services initiative”

Sevenoaks KaleidoscopeSevenoaks Kaleidoscope

The building housing a newly refurbished library, museum, gallery, café with “multi purpose space” and a Tourist Information Centre has re-opened. It’s bright, light, open, welcoming and vibrant. Staff are able to engage even more with customers with no formal counter to act as a barrier.

Staff have embraced this, along with a willingness to try other new ways of working, not least floor walking to better engage with library visitors. Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance along side community engagement and book promotion.

The new gallery is stunning, bright and airy; everything the old one was not! It is now 100% accessible, with upper and lower entrances and exits and disabled parking bays created to enable easy access for all members of our wide Community.

Benefits

Helping KL&A to enhance the quality of life of Sevenoaks Community by stimulating lifelong imagination and discoveryProvides opportunities for a wide range of author talks, cultural events and art exhibitionsHolding public consultation sessions and engaging with the local Community and local organisations have since assisted in selecting new stockA Disabled Community group, who previously were unable to access our services, now use the library weekly

Fiona Dutton

“stimulating lifelong imagination and

discovery”

Slivers of TimeSlivers of Time

KCC is working with Slivers-of-Time - a new, innovative way of tackling worklessness at a local level. It is based on the eBay model of an online market place. It automatically matches:

Individuals who need to work odd hours around other commitments in their life, and

Organisations that need a pool of top-up workers at irregular times (e.g. caterers, retailers, local authorities)

It allows very flexible working for both sides. Individuals “sell” their slivers of time to organisations that “buy” them through a website, which is run by a recruitment agency who vets the buyers and sellers and deals with the administration.

BenefitsOffers great value-for-money – get staff for the hours you need, not longer-term tempsA simple, practical, low-cost way of solving short-term recruitment problemsEncourages improved two-tier workingGives strong support to the Kent AgreementEncourages greater independence from benefits for a number of key target populations Allows individuals to take a step-by-step approach back to the labour marketWould put Kent at the cutting edge of a new, unique national employment model

Nick Moon

“a new, innovative way of tackling

worklessness at a local level”

Emma Barrett

SMS Texting for ConsultationSMS Texting for Consultation

This project was initiated to develop an innovative way of consulting with young people that are seldom heard.

Previous experience has shown that some young people respond more effectively to SMS than other communication methods.

This is an experiment to see if SMS texting is a viable two-way communication method which can be used to consult with young people on a range of issues.

The pilot will target a group of young people and ask their views on issues that affect them, with a particular focus on accessibility to services.

Benefits

Informs the use of two-way SMS texting across other council services, not only for consultation purposes but also for information requests and dissemination, marketing etcMethod may also be appropriate for use with people with special educational needs or other disabilitiesEnables learning around the technological processes, consent, data protection etc which will be valuable for all units planning to pursue this method of communication

“an innovative way of consulting with young people that are seldom

heard”

Streets for PeopleStreets for People

Today, every new residential and mixed use development represents an opportunity to create good places for people to live.

Safety remains a primary consideration, but in the context of a proper understanding of the risks. No longer are designs ‘standards driven’; instead they are the result of collaborative working and careful assessment against a range of criteria.

As part of this both the Kent Design Guide and Manual for Streets help build an excellent reputation for new areas of public space. As innovative thinking is put into practice the outcomes are monitored and their soundness is reviewed. Residents’ satisfaction surveys are particularly important. Good and bad practice is shared, raising standards in some, encouraging further innovation among others.

Benefits

Good places for people to liveSafer and more attractive streetsDevelop excellence in design

Bob White

“gaining recognition for creative

approaches”

Nicola Browne

Time 2 GiveTime 2 Give

Time2Give is one of Kent Libraries and Archives’ (KL&A) volunteering programmes. In 2002, KL&A was one of only six library authorities in England to successfully bid for a Department for Culture, Media and Sport scheme to pilot more innovative library based volunteering.

The three year project was managed and developed by Community Service Volunteers. It demonstrated the added value volunteering can bring to library services. KL&A acknowledge this value and in 2005 funded a further three years, with the programme re-branded under Time2Give.

Time2Give volunteers enhance and enrich library services, adding value through the wide range of skills and experiences they share with KL&A staff, library customers and the public.

Benefits

Benefits to library staff and customers, from the additional services volunteers help KL&A deliver across the county, as well as their skills and experienceStaff development , identifying and developing small projects and managing volunteersVolunteers acting as ambassadors for KL&A services in the communityHealth and well being benefits for volunteersDevelopmental opportunities for volunteers, which help with employability

“volunteers enhance and enrich library

services”

Training Administration ModuleTraining Administration Module

The Oracle Training Administration Module went live on the 1st April 2007 and will administer all the Chief Executive’s Department central training along with all Kent Adult Social Services training.

The self service function is currently being piloted within the Chief Executive's Department.

Going forward, this development will allow staff to book on internal courses online via the self service module (*subject to online approval by their manager).

Benefits

Fully integrated with the Oracle HR and Financial systems Data on staff and training budgets already held on those systems will not have to be entered more than once as was the case with old system

Serena Cunningham

“will allow staff to book on internal courses online”

Mike Bodkin

Two Tier Regeneration LLPTwo Tier Regeneration LLP

This is the establishment of a Limited Liability Partnership between KCC and Thanet District Council (TDC) to pool landholdings and regenerate two key sites in Thanet.

Discussions have been held with TDC with a view to creating a single Joint Venture vehicle which pools KCC's landholdings at Manston together with TDC's land at the nearby Eurokent Park.

The Joint Venture (JV) will be charged with developing out both sites and thereby driving forward in the regeneration of the Central Island part of Thanet and supporting the growth of Westwood. The JV will not only benefit the people of Thanet and East Kent through jobs and other community benefits but represents an opportunity to generate a long-term revenue stream into both member councils.

Benefits

Development of both sites can be taken forward in a complementary manner and not in direct competition with each otherLeads to more effective marketing and the ability to locate end users on the site that most satisfies their needsRaise both infrastructure and development finance, using the value of the land as securityEnables the infrastructure at both sites to be implemented and for speculative development to be undertaken without impacting on the authorities’ Capital Budgets

“ability to locate end users on the site that most satisfies their

needs*”

Toby Butler

Variable Message Sign ProjectVariable Message Sign Project

The purpose of the roadside Variable Message Signs (VMS) is to provide drivers with timely, relevant and accurate information about the road network.

Information gathered by the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) will be used to determine the most appropriate advice to give.

All information will also be published on the Kent Traffic & Travel website.

There is a programme to install 32 roadside VMS in and around Maidstone in partnership with Medway and the Highways Agency. This will cover the motorways and major routes into Maidstone town centre and take at least two years to implement fully. Phase 1 of the scheme should be completed by October 2007.

Benefits

Gives travel information to motorists to help them avoid delays and minimise their journey timesDisplays information on motorway incidents/accidents/closures, incidents/accidents causing significant delays/disruption, planned events/closures likely to cause congestion, incident clearing and road re-opening, e.g. advise motorists when the motorway is open so they can rejoin it rather than continue to divert through the town centre and general information, e.g. Park & Ride or Car Park related messages

“help motorists avoid delays and minimise their journey times’”

Thomas Leahy

Viewpoint work with youthViewpoint work with youth

Viewpoint is an interactive computer programme now used within Kent Youth Offending Service to gather the views of young people about the service.

The research for the service began so that it could allow their hard to reach young people to be involved in positive participation about the service and how it could improve to meet their needs.

Its purpose is now to give young people a voice to help instigate new ideas and essential improvements within the service.

Benefits

Gives young people within our service a right to participate and also allows us to plan service practise with the needs and ideas of our young people in mindThere is no better way to improve the service for young people then by using their expert views on the issues that affect themImaginative and innovative way of engaging hard to reach young people within the youth offending service in building positive changes to their service

“give young people a voice to help instigate

new ideas and essential

improvements”

Stephanie Holt

Young StorytellersYoung Storytellers

Kent County Council and Screen South have commissioned a project to work with three groups of young people from across the County to join an on-line international community of young story tellers by creating Kent's stories of what the London Olympics and Paralympics 2012 mean to a young person in Kent.

Joining 280 young media producers world-wide, the Kent films will be premiered at Cineworld Ashford in Autumn 2007, to allow the young people, friends and family to see their films up on the big screen.

Benefits

The young people have been involved in every stage of the films, from concept through to editing

“*creating Kent’s stories of what 2012 means to a young person in Kent”

Thanks to all of you who submitted your

innovations.


innovations.

See our innovations featured in previous

editions of the Catalogue and join its community of practice,

click here.


innovations.

See our innovations featured in previous

editions of the Catalogue and join its community of practice,

click here.

Find out more about the Kent Year of

Innovation and click here.

kcc catalogue of innovations

Self Improvement