1. Amanda Derrick
Programme Director
Connect Digitally

2. Connect Digitally
Amanda Derrick, Programme Director
Assisted Digital Services Panel
Channel Shift Live
BIS Conference Centre – 8 December 2011

3. Moving towards ‘digital by
default’
• Online school admissions 152/152 LAs
– Tameside 100% online
– Hertfordshire 98% online
– In excess of 30 local authorities over 80% online
– National average about 60%
• Online free school meals 171/174 LAs
– Application process improved from up to 3 months to
real-time eligibility checking process in 3 minutes
– Up to 60% citizens using digital applications where
available
– 100% digital and assisted digital at Hertfordshire CC

4. Improving services – free
school meals applications
HMRC
Parent/carer Eligibility
applies online Checking DWP
Service
Home Office
Internet
Confirm FSM eligibility to
school
LA School
Back Office
Application
processed by local
authority officer
Meal
Parent/carer provided
applies by phone
Paper-based
or face to face sooner
application
application plus
proof of benefits

5. Digital Inclusion Activities
• Simplify services
– Pre-populate forms
– Drop down menus
• Provide services via other digital devices such as
smart phones, tablets, Digi TV

6. Connect Digitally Resources
Join the Connect Digitally Community of
Practice at:
www.communities.idea.gov.uk
Amanda Derrick
amanda.derrick@hertscc.gov.uk