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09/12/2006UK's Nomad Shows Government Workers the Way to Mobility
Mobile-workforce applications and services deployed over a citywide broadband-wireless network may help local governments cut recurring telecommunication costs, increase productivity, and improve citizen satisfaction. Since 2003, the U.K.’s Project Nomad has been analyzing, demonstrating and evaluating the potential benefits and savings that can be made by introducing mobile and flexible working technology solutions in local communities. Through detailed case studies, events and a popular Web site, Nomad has assisted local governments across the U.K. with best-practice sharing. The W2i Report spoke with Nomad Communications Officer Melanie Reed.
How did the project get its start?
Nomad was originally one of 22 government-sponsored National Projects designed to assist English local authorities in modernizing their services to the public. In 2003, with a grant of £4m, Nomad began development work to cover all aspects of planning for and implementing mobile working. Cambridgeshire County Council led a group of nine local authorities that took on proof-of-concept projects to test varying solutions in different service and environment settings.
Today, Nomad is owned by Cambridgeshire County Council, funded by commercial sponsors from a number of leading mobile solution innovators, and partnered with a growing number of local authorities. It has also engaged with over 50 SME suppliers including Flexibility partner Swiftwork. It continues to expand its service as a repository of advice, best practice, case studies and innovation.
What were some of the proof-of-concept projects you mentioned?
Nomad implemented pilots in service areas as diverse as social care, building control, financial assessments and cemetery maintenance. Independent case studies detail the challenges and the lessons learned.
Nomad has developed materials, guidance and expertise, not only focusing on technology but also the organizational impact of going mobile. A well-used product, developed by Nomad is the Business Case Toolkit. It helps authorities understand and justify the benefits of moving towards mobile and flexible working.
It seems like this could be useful to local authorities everywhere.
Nomad has now broadened its remit to cover all of the U.K. and to look at the wider aspects of flexible working and, more recently, the fast moving subject of wireless connectivity and community-based solutions.
The 2004 independent review of public-sector efficiency by Sir Peter Gershon appears to have created a national climate for local authorities to move ahead.
The main drivers are to improve councils’ business services and become more efficient thus freeing resources for service delivery rather than bureaucracy. Redesigning the way councils do business to deliver services to customers wherever they may be — in the street, their home, other buildings — implies that mobile and wireless are major enabling technologies. Nomad is well placed to support these moves and help ensure that local authorities achieve these improved outcomes.
Are you finding many local authorities in the U.K. moving ahead with real plans and projects?
Many local authorities have now tried pilots using mobile and wireless technologies and flexible working. Fewer have yet to adopt these approaches corporate-wide. But many realize this is part of the overarching challenge they now face in radically reshaping public-service provision. Nomad is helping to build confidence and help councils see that they are not alone in this quest.
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