- Liverpool
- is in I.T. to win it!
TWO LIVERPOOL direct heroes are up for prestigious national awards for their work to transform council services.
Service Performance Director Brendan McDermott and ICT Manager Mark Orford will have their fingers crossed, as they go up against some of the biggest names in the private sector, at the I.T. Professional awards in London.
Brendan McDermott is responsible for improving services using IT. He makes sure the introduction of new I.T. systems runs smoothly, and helps staff get to grips with the technology. He is helping to transform council services and working practices, and his hard work has earned him a place on the shortlist for 'IT Service Manager of the Year'.
Mark Orford is developing the city council's internet service. It's allowing people to make payments, submit applications and contact the council, on-line, round-the-clock. Mark is playing an important part in the council's drive to deliver as many services as possible electronically by 2004, and he's up for the award for 'Developer of the Year'.
In all, the city council has SIX finalists for the individual and team awards, and staff are hoping to sweep the board at the celebration of the nation's IT successes.
Executive member for e-government, councillor Chris Newby, said:- "Liverpool City Council's drive to move from seaport to e-port is allowing us to compete with some of the biggest names in the private sector.
To receive this praise from some of the leading figures in the I.T. industry shows how far Liverpool has come in a short space of time. I'm delighted with the success of all our staff, who are helping to position Liverpool as a forward-thinking, innovative local authority."
The city council also has three entries in the 'Technology Award' category, which rewards innovative I.T. projects, which are improving services.
Report
with thanks to Liverpool City Council.
Amnesty
International.
THE next meeting of
Southport and Formby Group
will be on Monday the 21st July in Birkdale at 7.45pm where this
months they will be discussing what actions should be taken in
combating Human Rights Abuses through letter writing. Also
they will have a report on the ongoing initiatives such as the
Burma campaign. New Members always welcome. Also the
group is hoping to organise a Russian Social Evening to highlight
the abuses in that country. They would like to hear from any
of our readers who could help them give a musical flavor to the evening.
Please ring 01704
567313 and ask for John Kirby or ring Brian Plant on 0151 924 7722
for more information.
EMAIL
US WITH YOUR STORY!
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WORLD HERITAGE BID INSPIRES YOUNG ARTISTS
BUDDING artists from primary schools across Liverpool demonstrated their enthusiasm for the city's World Heritage Site bid by submitting some magnificent entries in a recent art competition which is part of the continued build-up towards Liverpool's 800th birthday celebrations in 2007.
Schools celebrated the nomination of the World Heritage Site, Liverpool - Maritime Mercantile City and Liverpool's inseparable link with the sea in the competition. Entries from schools across the city including Northway, St Austin's, St Edward's, St Patrick's and Kingsley Community School whose entries were based around the theme of 'Liverpool - Capital of the Sea' were among other themes such as the dramatic Pier Head waterfront and the Albert Dock.
A prize-giving ceremony for the winning entries held at the Merseyside Maritime Museum on July 10 follows a month-long exhibition of some of the best entries.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Ron Gould will be welcoming the pupils and presenting the prizes. A group from St. Edward's School will be providing apt entertainment by singing a selection of sea shanties.
The Lord Mayor said, "The nomination for World Heritage Site is a great honour: it is recognition of the importance of Liverpool's outstanding architectural heritage and the importance of Liverpool's contribution to world history.
This competition will demonstrate what creative, talented and imaginative young people we have in this city and reinforces the decision to give Liverpool the European Capital of Culture 2008 award."
Four pupils received commendations and copies of the Nomination Document - a handsome book that looks at the history of the city.
Gay
Community Forum
GAY
Community Forums Liverpool network will be looking at Personnel matters. The group, which liaises with the City Council on issues relating to gay men and lesbians will be looking at:-
What is the City Council like to work for, as a gay man or lesbian?
Is it easy to be ‘out’ and open about your sexuality?
Do you have any experience of discrimination?
Would you feel attracted to work for the City Council?
Does it have an image as a gay friendly employer?
Helping to look at these questions will be
COLETTE HANNAY, Liverpool City Council’s Director of Human Resources
ANDREW NEMBHARD, Equal Opportunities, Liverpool City Council
All the relevant Trade Unions have also been invited to send a representative.
The meeting will be held in the Collingwood Room, Millennium House, Victoria Street, Liverpool City Centre, on Wednesday 23rd July 2003, from 6-8pm.
As always, all lesbians and gay men are welcome.
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