Mobile Working in Wakefield

Richard MainTransformation Project Manager

Wakefield Council

Session outline

• The drivers for change

• The WorkSmart programme

• Workers on the move - the technical solution

Drivers for the business case….

The drivers: property

The need for change (1):

• Large number of properties

• High property costs

• Not fit for purpose

Flexible Working – property

2006 - 34 Buildings

2009 - 8 Buildings

The drivers: staff

The need for change (2)

• Inefficient use of property

• Administrative overheads

• Tied to the desk

• Need to improve citizen focus

A day in the life of…

Space utilisation surveys

Education Advisory Service (32 desks)

Flexible working – the solution

The WorkSmart solution:• 4 workstyles applied to all office staff

– Workplace based (50%)– Flexible workplace based (20%)– Mobile - workplace or home-based (20%)– Home based (10%)

• Delivered through 4 integrated workstreams– Buildings– Human Resources– Citizen Focus– Technology

The technology

Technology requirements for mobile workers:

• Security• Remote access to client records• Communication• Ease of use• Acceptance by users and citizens

Solution development

What we did:• Worked through the Microsoft Shared Learning Group• Development of “Proof of Concept” with Microsoft,

Silversands and practitioners• Development of case study and benefit profiles• Use of the Demonstrators by Microsoft for the Exchange,

Vista and Office 2007 launch • Kent CC “picks up the baton”• Implementation of solutions during 2007• Transferable solution – to be extended to other services

(environmental inspectors, school advisers, etc.)

The technology

Solutions included:• Vista• Windows Mobile 5• Microsoft Office Enterprise Edition 2007• Microsoft Exchange Server 2007• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007• Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005

Running on:• Tablets• Ultra-compact mobile devices

Flexible Working – the mobile worker solution

Identify and capture the benefits…

Benefits for employees

• Opportunity for employee to work in a more flexible manner

• Improved work-life balance• Increased autonomy and self confidence• Less time, money and stress spent

commuting and parking• Focus on output• Increased employee morale• Improved time management

Benefits for the Council

• Cost reduction – through greater utilisation of office space underpinning a 3-year detailed financial model

• Flexibility in the use of resources• Improved employee recruitment and retention• Increased employee productivity • Focus on output and outcomes• Reduced absenteeism

Benefits for citizens and clients

• Improved access to services• Improved customer service• Improved choice of access channels• Increased contact time• Higher visibility• Environmental benefits

Wakefield is on the move....

Thank you

Richard Main