Monday 22 March 2010

SCNF at DWP Event

Many SCNF members joined in the DWP event at the Brit Oval on 3rd March, which was attended by around 100 delegates. The focus of the event was to share good practice and obtain feedback from delegates about the information and support required.

The event was opened by Hugh Pullinger from DWP explaining the focus on services for older people and an ageing society. Hugh set out the challenges of delivering and adapting services for a growing population of pensioners (250k will be over 100 by 2050!). DWP wants to encourage people to prepare more effectively for later life, to increase participation in local activities and to reduce the number of people becoming isolated.

Hugh was followed by Nicky Kaye from Bracknell and SCNF describing the range of services enabled by the E+ card which is also available to pensioners on their concessionary transport card. Kevin Farquharson, on behalf of Capital Ambition, described the recent work on the London Card which is intended to make it easier for all residents to access services and is planned to incorporate the Freedom Pass which is in the process of being re-issued.

The final case study was presented by Geoff Pickford from Derbyshire who described the Gold Card applications which they have linked to over 60 concessionary transport cards. The Gold Card extends use to libraries, local business discounts and promotion of welfare and benefits.

Presentations have been requested from contributors to be posted in the members area and we are awaiting feedback from DWP on the table discussions to identify delegates' key issues and needs. DWP is also expected to announce shortly the locations for application trials they will be funding later this year.

This was one of the most successful events we have been involved in. Many of our sponsors had stands which delegates were able to visit during the breaks and ask more detailed questions.

We will keep members advised on future DWP scheduled events.

Kevin Farquharson
Co-Chair SCNF
www.scnf.org.uk

Saturday 20 March 2010

SCNF CRM and Introduction Workshop 21st April

The next Smart Card Networking Forum event is in Central Birmingham at the BMI on 21st April. See the website and calendar for details as they are announced.

SCNF members are invited to join their peers to learn how smart cards can be used in a multi-application resident card scheme or look in detail at how other authorities are using their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems to issue and manage their resident card scheme. In the afternoon there will be a workshop for authorities in the Midlands and additional time to network and speak to sponsors.

Come along and find out how different CRM systems including Microsoft Dynamics are being used to improve the delivery of services and managing the customer relationship.

If you would like to attend, please register as a member on the SCNF website (http://www.scnf.org.uk/join.html) and email events@scnf.org.uk as soon as possible as places are limited. Please indicate which sessions you are planning to attend.

We look forward to meeting you at the April event.

Regards,

Kevin Farquharson & Steve Beecroft
Co-Chairs
Smart Card Networking Forum

e: chair@scnf.org.uk
w: www.scnf.org.uk

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