To recommend new systems for an Integrated Support Services (‘back office’) and a new system for Performance Management and Risk Management, and to address the integration of systems by both recommending a toolset that will integrate systems.   To progress the integration of the Social Care  Core Logic system with other Council and Primary Care Trust (PCT)  systems and note the successful implementation of the new Core Logic system.

THAT

a.      Agresso be approved as the preferred technology system for Integrated Support Services (ISS);

b.      Microsoft be approved as the solution for a toolset for Integration;

c.      Inphase be approved as the technology system for Performance Management and Risk Management;

d.      the Interim Deputy Chief Executive be given delegated responsibility to conclude negotiations with Deloitte, within the Framework Agreement between the Council and Deloitte, to plan and commence the implementation of these systems by January 2009; and

e.      the third phase planned for the new Social Care system, Core Logic be approved.

1                    The Audit Commission has been maintaining an overview of the council’s progress with Herefordshire Connects, and in its Annual Audit & Inspection Letter recommended that before progressing further elements the council take the opportunity “.to re-focus and clarify the purpose, outcomes and actions of Herefordshire Connects. This should include formally considering in a short paper what other options are still open to the council including the costs, benefits and risks of each option. It should also set out how the programme fits with the new joint working arrangements with the Primary Care Trust.”

2                    Joint Management Team has led an option appraisal with Deloitte, as the Council’s strategic partners for Connects, to implement this recommendation and address the  current and future impact on service delivery to customers and for staff caused by the pause in implementing the majority of the Connects Programme. The purpose of the option appraisal was to:

a.      ensure the vision for Herefordshire Connects is fit for purpose both now and for the future;

b.      update the business cases to take account of current and future needs and identify those benefits already achieved;

c.      ensure that governance arrangements are robust and appropriate.

The various technology options have been considered over the past two months as part of the options appraisal.