Management Information Sheet
Norfolk County Council and HP join forces to transform public services
Today we announce exciting plans to transform and improve public services in Norfolk through the power of new technology. Our agreement with HP and its key partners Microsoft and Vodafone is being formally announced at the Forum, in Norwich, in front of senior public sector leaders in Norfolk and the media.
You can read more about this groundbreaking IT partnership with Norfolk here. This is the first time this type of partnership has happened in local government in the UK, so it's a first for NCC and for Norfolk.
A key element of this partnership will focus on schools in Norfolk. Over the coming weeks we'll be asking schools if they're interested in joining the initiative with the aim of providing devices for teachers and pupils at heavily discounted rates.
'Tech camps' will be held for teachers in Norfolk to keep them abreast of the latest technological developments, and an online IT academy will be launched along with a new competition - to be called the Norfolk Challenge Cup - to unlock the IT potential of Norfolk school children.
Talking to the EDP, Tim Groves, ICT lead at Sheringham Primary School, said fast broadband, and computers that can make use of it, would allow schools to access learning materials, see events around the world as they happen, and hold video conferences with other schools around the world.
He said: "Hopefully putting the infrastructure in place and the training to help staff understand it to share the vision will have a real-time impact on children's learning."
Launching Digital Norfolk Ambition, Norfolk County Council Leader, George Nobbs, said: "New learning courses for our young people, access to the latest equipment for our school children, new apprenticeships and practical help for businesses add up to a formidable package of investment in our county. Raising attainment of our children and bringing public services together are absolute key measures of success."
You'll be hearing more about how this IT partnership can benefit your school over the coming weeks. If you have any questions in the meantime please email: DNAComms@norfolk.gov.uk.