Issue - meetings

The Deputy Chief Executive provided an update on the IT Shared Service arrangements and introduced the new Stevenage ICT Strategic Partnership Manager.  The Deputy Chief Executive explained that the new ICT Manager had come up with an alternative solution to a proposal to improve resilience by using a microwave link between masts at a cost of £80K instead of a potential cost of £500K for a new cable.  How this would improve resilience was discussed.

The Deputy Chief Executive explained that she would be reporting to Members of Performance Audit and Governance in January 2019 on Section 106 agreements. 

It was noted that Microsoft 365 would be introduced shortly, to help address issues of storage and resilience and that an IT Steering Group had been established to review projects going forward.  An outline was provided of how digital print-and-post worked.  It was also noted that new printers with “follow me” capability and scanners were in the process of being installed which would improve security (and especially in relation to GDPR requirements) and improve overall resilience and efficiency.

Councillor J Jones expressed concern at the regular failure of IT including the unreliability of hosted desktops.  The Deputy Chief Executive explained that the three-day failure was because a cable had been cut and had disrupted the power supply.  Councillor N Symonds was equally frustrated by disruptions to her IT service.  The ICT Strategic Partnerships Manager explained possible reasons why their IT service connections might be disrupted. Councillor G Cutting suggested that general housekeeping routines might improve his service.

It was moved by Councillor G Cutting and seconded by Councillor I Devonshire that the progress to date within the Shared IT Service be noted.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the recommendation was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the progress to date within the Shared IT Service be noted.