Saturday 25 April 2009

SCNF Schools & Youth Event Success

The Schools and Youth event was very well received by attendees on Thursday and we are very grateful to Thomas Deacon Academy for hosting the event. An event report, presentations, pictures and possibly some video will be posted in the members area.

In addition to finding out how cashless catering, access control and e-registration are becoming core systems in our secondary schools, attendees heard the latest feedback from youth card projects in Sunderland, Bolton, Scotland and London. Of particular note was the uptake in incentive schemes for target groups, use of pre-paid purses on cards and schools transport tracking system.

In the resume of year, we asked for thoughts on future events and activities. The response was:

  • Transport and transition from Mifare card types
  • Payment applications (good - next meeting)
  • Workshop sessions on application areas
  • Event hosted at LA with operational scheme
  • Business Case
  • Data integration approach in multi-app scheme
  • Influencing decision makers

If you ideas or input for future events, take a look at the website, comment on the blog and let us have your feedback.

Kevin Farquharson

Co-Chair SCNF & Event Chair

http://www.scnf.org.uk/

Monday 20 April 2009

Improving the Outcome for Children in Care

One of the themes of the SCNF Schools & Youth event is how smartcard technology can be used to improve the opportunities and to remove the stigma for children in care. The meeting on Thursday will cover a number of initiatives and proven approaches to make it easier to target financial support at those in greatest need. The case studies from Bolton and Sunderland cover two initiatives to help children in care and from poorer backgrounds to participate in more activities, while other examples will show how free school meal entitlement can be administered without identifying those benefiting. A number of the current initiatives recognise that the needs of Looked After Children extend well beyond their 16th birthday and provide benefits for this vulnerable group through into their early 20s.

The current debate about the care system for children highlights the variations across the country and need for additional targeted support to give these children the opportunities to participate in a wider range of activities, take advantage of services offered by local authorities and improve their personal outcome when they finally leave school and the care system.

There are a few last remaining places left for the SCNF event on 23rd April in Peterborough. We welcome your feedback on the use of entitlement cards at the meeting, via the Chair’s blog and email to the SCNF.

Kevin Farquharson & Steve Beecroft
Joint Chair SCNF
See www.scnf.org.uk

Friday 17 April 2009

Research of Local Authority experience

DWP – Ageing Society Strategy

The Forum has received a request from the DWP for examples of the use of smartcards by older people to access different services. Anyone with a case study should contact Phil Martin by email phil.martin2@dwp.gsi.gov.uk or call 020 7449 7019.

This is one of a number of recent requests for research about our members and the market. If you have information on uptake of applications and services which may be of interest to members, we can make it available through the website.

Kevin Farquharson
Joint Chair SCNF

see www.scnf.or.uk

Thursday 16 April 2009

SCNF Schools & Youth Event 23rd April

Our next SCNF event is only a week away and we wanted to give you an insight into the key messages we are expecting to come out from the day in Peterborough.

"For the first time, the SCNF is bringing together at a single event, the definitive initiatives and case studies for combined youth and school cards. School and public sector representatives will learn about schemes which provide incentives for young people, access to services and more efficient school administration. Our Local Authority speakers will cover case studies from London, Bolton, Sunderland and Scotland.

The event will explore how school students can use ONE card at school for a range of applications and access to transport and other services beyond the school gate."

If you are already registered to attend, you should have received confirmation details. We have space for a few more Public Sector delegates, so sign up and let us know you wish to come.

We look forward to meeting you on the 23rd.

Regards

Kevin Farquharson
Join Chair SCNF
For SCNF Core Group