The past year has been one of preparation for change.

For the past 6 months every member of staff whether paid or voluntary has undergone information technology training, in preparation for the introduction of an electronic client handling system called CASE. This system is due to go live in Chelmsford Bureau on 1st April 2004. It promises to be a more accurate way of recording and retrieving client cases.

To facilitate the introduction of CASE, we have had to introduce a whole new IT infrastructure, in the shape of a network and new pc's. Citizens Advice financed the network cabling and supplied 10 new HP computers. We are also most grateful to LloydsTSB Foundation who approved a grant of over £6,000 to pay for a network server.

We have also be preparing for the installation of temporary accommodation in the form of a Portakabin. This is due for completion July 2004, but preparation works are well under way. This building is the result of a successful bid to the Chelmsford Borough Council's Jubilee Community Fund as reported in last years annual review.

The above two developments have been long awaited, and when installed will make a big improvement in accommodation, quality of service and our ability to recruit more advisers to cope with the demand on our service.

The advisers, paid staff and support volunteers, have been dedicated and professional in their approach to training and accepting change, without losing their focus on those that we are here for…………….The clients.

Another change we have undergone this year was the retirement of Veronica Hyams, who was the project worker for the Probation Links Project, and upon her retirement, the Probation Service decided to cease with the provision of the project. This decision by Probation was part of their reorganization and changing the focus of their service provision to their clients.

In the second part of my report on page 16 Future Perfect, I outline how the changes we are going through will enhance our service.

Back to Annual Review 2003-4