1. 1 Beacon Council Scheme Set up the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) in 1999 as part of the Modernising Local Government agenda. Aims: >To recognise the best councils by awarding beacon status so that others can benefit from their experience >To spread best practice and encourage innovation amongst all councils through a nationally organised programme of learning activities >Ministers select services or cross-cutting service areas which are important to local people and in particular where the beacon scheme can help to raise standards each year

2. 2 Why did Cambridgeshire win? In partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council we were recognised as displaying best practice in the ‘Social Inclusion through ICT’ theme There were three key areas of our bid: Access The Cambridgeshire Community Network (CCN) - the UK’s most ambitious and inclusive Broadband community network. Skills development HeLP (Huntingdonshire Electronic Learning Points) ECOL (East Cambs On-Line) Network of Learning Centres in Cambridgeshire’s libraries Relevant Online Content Cambridgeshire Direct Contact Centre Portal Smart cards One stop shops

3. 3 What did the Ministers want to see? A whole authority approach to the Social Inclusion through ICT agenda with a clearly articulated ‘big picture’ and set milestones for achieving it A clear strategy for improving access to ICT among less socially advantaged groups developed following full consultation with key stakeholders and target groups Working strategically with partners and customers to expand access to and take up of local services online Take up of local online services Widening of e-learning opportunities Advice and skills support available to target groups How e-government facilities contribute to social inclusion Sustainability and effective evaluation and monitoring processes

4. 4 What the judges said... Ministers commended our project for "... an imaginative and well thought out approach to tackling the social inclusion agenda both within the rural and less socially advantaged urban communities. It uses the partnership to lever substantial additional resources, and links with the private sector have ensured a good skills match to this agenda.”

5. 5 What are we doing now? Programme of Learning Activities for other Councils >Open Days >Website >Newsletter >Presentations >Site visits >Action Learning Sets Raising our profile as a Beacon winner and thanking our staff.