Computer wizards – your county needs you

Web and software designers are being invited to the ‘Developing Solutions Camp’ at Gravesham Borough Council’s headquarters in Gravesend on 25 November 2011 to find answers to the questions posed in the competition’s first stage.

Cash prizes are on offer – worth £1,000 each – for the best innovation based on two ideas for competitors to take on.

1.       The Sunshine Bank, a social enterprise, suggested using virtual tokens in a reward scheme for those helping others to get the advice and support they need to take better care of themselves.

2.       Thanet College student Nathan Simpson, suggested a phone app that could be used to report issues to local councils.

The ‘Developing Solutions Camp’ is being hosted by Kent Connects, a partnership of public sector organisations from across the county that promotes technology as a way of joining up and deliver better public services.

As well as the two £1,000 prizes up for grabs plus the chance to test the winning prototypes with local residents and get advice on developing them from Kent Business School.

Cllr Roger Gough, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Business Strategy, Performance and Health Reform, said: “This event is a great opportunity for information technology experts to show off their ideas and skills and help give the Kent public better services and improve their quality of life.

“This is also a chance for people to help give something back to their local communities and the best ideas will be rewarded with a cash prize.”

To sign up for the event, email developing.solutions@gravesham.gov.uk or go to www.developingsolutions.eventbrite.co.uk, where you can also find further information.

Darren Everden, IT Service Manager at Gravesham Borough Council, and leading the competition on behalf of Kent Connects, said:  “Developing Solutions is a brilliant opportunity to take community ideas and turn them into working applications.”

The event is being sponsored by mapping organisation Ordnance Survey and customer service company Kana, both of which will also be involved in the judging the competition.

David Moody, Kana Vice President for Marketing Solutions advised “The company has supported similar initiatives in the past, and we believe Kent will benefit from the innovations this competition will undoubtedly produce”

Dr Chris Parker, Head of Community Propositions at GeoVation, said: “We are very pleased to support this Kent Connects event and we would urge all qualified candidates to sign up the camp.”

 For further information contact Mike Watkinson on 01634 694933