Civica's Police user group meetings will be held in a choice of regional venues. Come along and listen to customer presentations from Dyfed Powys Police and others as well as hear the latest product updates from Civica and presentations from ESSA Technology and CitySync.
 

Security & Policing is aimed at police, law enforcement and security professionals who are tasked with security, civil protection and National Resilience. Security & Policing showcases world leading products and services, taking advantage of the unique opportunity to bring together people with operational needs with companies that have the relevant solutions, all within a secure environment.

Come and meet with the Civica team on stand K6A.

This year we are holding the meetings in a choice of regional venues.  The CFRMIS User Group meeting will cover CFS, TFS & OPS Intel.

This year we are holding the meetings in a choice of regional venues. The CFRMIS User Group meeting will cover CFS, TFS & OPS Intel.

This year we are holding the meetings in a choice of regional venues. The CFRMIS User Group meeting will cover CFS, TFS & OPS Intel.

Research from Civica highlights issues and priorities for the year ahead, and a move towards operating like the private sector

• Over half (57%) of public sector organisations are struggling to improve service delivery whilst cutting costs
 
• Key priorities for 2013 are improving back office and admin processes (33%), making financial savings (31%) and improving service delivery (26%)

• Over three quarters (79%) argue central government isn’t aligned enough to the real needs of local authorities and NHS trusts

• Just 10% are ready for the impending welfare reform later this year

• 94% see the role that technology plays in helping them to improve service delivery changing in the next few years

• Almost three quarters of respondents (71%) admit that they are operating more like the private sector


19th February 2013, London: A survey* conducted by Civica, a market leader in specialist systems and business process services, has found that over half (57%) of public sector organisations are struggling to improve delivery whilst cutting costs, and this, together with improving back office and administration processes (33%), is a key focus for the year ahead. The study of 103 public sector, local government, and social housing directors and managers revealed that 96% see the role that technology will play in helping them to improve service delivery changing in the next few years and 71% admit they’re becoming more business-like and are thinking and operating more like the private sector.

The findings from the research echo the comments made recently at the Commons Communities and Local Government Committee about exactly how authorities can face the challenge of service delivery, whilst cutting costs. This was also a topic of great discussion during Civica’s conference in Manchester on January 23rd and 24th, and there was much dialogue between the various public sector organisations in attendance as to how they will successfully manage the challenges, opportunities and pressures ahead.

In order to improve service delivery and prepare for the demands that reform and spending cuts will bring, over half (54%) of those questioned will consider adopting cloud technology, like non-government organisations. Worryingly over three quarters (79%) argue that central government isn’t aligned enough to their organisation’s real needs and only 10% are ready for the impending welfare reform later this year.

Bill Loughrey, managing director at Civica, commented on the findings: “It is clear that public sector organisations are under increasing pressure to improve service delivery whilst keeping costs down. Senior management and ICT professionals recognise the crucial role technology can play to support everything from streamlining back office to improving citizen services. At the same time public sector organisations will have to employ private sector business models to cope with these changes, where knowledge and expertise from third party providers will become essential to improve efficiency.”
 

Editors:
*About research
Research undertaken by Brands2Life at the Civica annual conference 2013.
The total sample size was 103 local government and social housing service directors and managers.

About Civica Group Ltd
The Civica Group (www.civica.co.uk) is an international market leader in specialist IT systems and business process services for the public sector. Through experienced people who understand service delivery, the Group applies software, managed services and outsourcing to help customers streamline their activities. Civica supplies more than 2,000 organisations in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the USA, including more than 90% of the UK’s local authorities.

Press contacts:
Clementine Stopford, Brands2Life
020 7592 1200
civica@brands2life.com
 

The Blue & Amber Light Fleet Exhibition and The National Association of Police Fleet Managers’ Conference is now in its 40th year.

The unique exhibition focuses on transport for Ambulance, Fire & Rescue & Police but also attracts exhibitors and visitors from the other emergency services, local authorities and some government departments. On display will be a comprehensive range of vehicles, equipment and services for the benefit of this specialised area of the public sector.

Come and meet with the Tranman team on stand 158.

Civica ANPR part of winning consortium for ‘Police Car of the Future.’

A crime-busting Vauxhall Astra has won a challenge from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) ITS Group to find a way of incorporating future technology into a Police car.

The challenge invited entries to demonstrate the concept of a SVA (Single Vehicle Architecture) equipped car becoming the communications portal and technology platform for mobile devices.

The consortium is a unique collaboration of specialist hardware suppliers and expert solution providers to create probably the most sophisticated police vehicle ever presented in the UK.

Designed to make the job of policing on the front line an easier task, the police vehicle merges the latest technologies with traditionally essential equipment into a single vehicle. With mobile data and robust telecommunications the vehicle is able to support such solutions as GIS and mapping, police processes, ANPR, forensics, video streaming and capture, public involvement and facial recognition. The vehicle, as well as including automatic performance reporting and built in security measures, seamlessly brings together all of these technologies into one car.

Both computing platforms run the Civica ANPR solution, providing an efficient and cost effective ANPR opportunity in a more day to day police vehicle. Handheld ANPR on the TETRAtab C series platform will allow officers to walk around car parks to establish if vehicles are stolen.

Read more: download the supplement about all the consortium members.

Watch the video: Pete Simons, Civica Blue Light talks about the role of Civica's ANPR solution.
 

We are pleased to announce the next CFRMIS Administarors User group

The Agenda for the day is here

This meeting is aimed at CFRMIS Administrators and is designed to enable you all to share your CFRMIS experiences. This is not a sales opportunity for Civica and is driven by you the users.

To register your place, please email Harriet Pauly
or for more information please call 0207 760 2829

We look forward to seeing you there.
 

Employees to cover almost 500 miles for charity...

Next week, (Monday 3rd to Friday 7th June 2013 inclusive), will see a team of Civica employees undertaking a cycle ride with a difference.

Over the course of 5 days, the team (which incidentally includes a mix of seasoned and not so experienced cyclists), will cover almost 500 miles in a bid to visit each of our UK Civica offices and raise money for two of the Civica Foundation’s nominated charities (Action for Children and Shelter) along the way.

Route:

Day 1 - Northampton to Luton to Bourne End
Day 2 - Putney to Dorking to Newbury
Day 3 - Yeovil to Bath to Thornbury to Gloucester
Day 4 - Coleshill to Dudley to Altrincham
Day 5 - Chesterfield to Sheffield to Leeds. 
 

To show your support and sponsor the team simply click here 

About the Civica Foundation

The Civica Foundation provides a focal point for our charitable and community support. Initiatives are targeted at making a positive difference through using our skills, presence and enthusiasm through individual and group projects that reflect Civica's expertise, supported and funded via individual and company initiatives.

Fitting ANPR to general beat patrol vehicles has never been an affordable option – until now.

Until now, mobile ANPR in police vehicles was seen as a highly effective but expensive tool. Sophisticated multiple camera systems running on ‘fixed’ in-vehicle computing have been deployed in ‘specialist ANPR vehicles’ throughout the whole of UK Forces with spectacular results.

However, the cost of the ‘in vehicle’ hardware and the high fitting and licence / support costs have restricted the deployment of ANPR to a small number of specialist vehicles within forces. Fitting ANPR to general beat patrol and response vehicles has never been an affordable option.

Whilst the benefits of having ANPR in all ‘beat patrol’ vehicles in a force fleet are relatively clear, the cost of installing such a large number of units has been totally prohibitive, Until now…
With the launch of affordable rugged demountable computer systems such as TETRAtab C Series, the ability to provide simple CIVICA ANPR facilities to all general patrol vehicles is now a practical and affordable reality.

To develop this potential, CIVICA and TETRAtab have been working in partnership to deliver a highly innovative mobile ANPR solution is an affordable solution.
This ‘single lane’ solution was initially tested and trialled on West Mercia Community Safety ‘Speedwatch’ vans. This solution provides a highly affordable and easily deployable solution to provide ‘background’ ANPR intelligence gathering deployed in mobile / static ‘speedwatch’ vehicles.
This ‘speedwatch’ solution is now been offered nationally to all community safety partnerships and other organisations deploying mobile and or static camera vans etc…
 

The benefits of deploying ANPR on a TETRAtab demountable rugged tablet PC:

• The computer can work independently of ANPR providing ‘standard’ mobile computing and access to force information systems
• Demountable tablets allow safe and secure remote working ‘in vehicle’ – but can then be ‘demounted’ to allow access to force processes and systems away from the vehicle – (e.g. e-witness statements, remote desktop access, crime recording, command and control dispatch and update logs etc.)
• ANPR need not interfere with a normal patrol function – unless so required. Proactive ANPR ‘hits’ need not be reported to the patrolling officer unless required. The ANPR could be set to run as a ‘background’ service whilst on routine beat patrol – thereby acting as an intelligence gathering facility throughout the whole tour of duty.
• However, where a patrolling officer has such a requirement, then the ‘single lane’ system can be quickly configured to provide ANPR ‘hits’ – to enable immediate proactive action by the officer.
• The TETRAtab devices can be deployed as a ‘standard’ mobile data system from day 1 – but then CIVICA ANPR can be ‘layered’ onto the computer as an ‘add-on’ – at a later date.
• Forces that have already rolled out TETRAtab solution can easily ‘retro-fit’ CIVICA ANPR – thereby further exploiting the initial hardware investment.
• This also allows forces to phase deployments / investments.
• The CIVICA / TETRAtab system runs on a single (or dual) cost effective camera configuration – no requirement for sophisticated multi-lane or infra-red cameras.

The CIVICA / TETRAtab system is not designed to replace full ANPR multi-camera systems currently deployed on specialist ANPR patrol units. These types of vehicles have sophisticated ‘multi-lane’ and bad weather / nigh-time facilities – and are usually targeted as highly ‘pro-active’ patrol units.
The CIVICA / TETRAtab system is designed specifically for more ‘routine’ beat patrol units – where the primary function is not to deliver ANPR patrolling – instead, the system is designed to provide occasional ‘proactive’ HITS, but mainly an ability to constantly gather ANPR intelligence information throughout the whole tour of duty of a routine beat patrol.
 

A WINNING COMBINATION

CIVICA and TETRAtab recently worked together as part of a successful consortium with Vauxhall Special Vehicles and several other partners to deliver an award winning ‘Police Car of the Future’.
This vehicle which demonstrated CIVICA ANPR solutions running on TETRAtab rugged mobile computing was awarded first prize by ACPO ITS / Home Office CAST judging panel.
 

ABOUT TETRAtab

TETRAtab Ltd has been providing hardware solutions for ‘blue light’ and other front-line work forces internationally for 7 years. We are partnered with Intel to produce our TETRAtab ‘C’ Series rugged Windows tablet which is having great success in the UK, Europe and world-wide.
 

The primary driver of this success is the TETRAtab C Series convertible tablet computer. This is 'tough enough for the front line', but is priced at around 70% LESS than traditional ‘toughened’ convertible laptops.

The C Series is a purpose designed ‘front-line worker’ device - supplied as standard with Windows 7 Pro, (upgradeable to windows 8) fully integrated 3G / GPRS / Wi-Fi/ GPS / Bluetooth, rotating /convertible 10.1” high resolution touch screen, 64GB Solid State hard drive, full QWERTY keyboard and mouse pad, 9 hour battery, and integrated carry handle. The device is tested to IP 41 specification with 60cm drop, 250 ml direct liquid pour onto keyboard, 10 minutes in full rainfall and 1mm dust ingress resistance.

The other key driver of TETRAtab’s success is our comprehensive range of affordable and flexible vehicle docking accessories which transform any type of vehicle into a mobile office.
The TETRAtab vehicle docking solution has provided the platform for the ‘Police Car of the Future’ which recently won first prize in a prestigious Home Office / A.C.P.O. National Competition. You may have seen this on the BBC or in the Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday.
 

Acquisition strengthens Group’s position in a changing education sector

1 August 2013, London: Civica Group Limited (“Civica”), a market leader in specialist systems and business process services that help organisations transform the way they work, has announced that Civica UK Limited, the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, has acquired education software provider Corero Business Systems Limited.

Corero Business Systems, based in Rickmansworth, specialises in application software and related services primarily for the UK education sector. The company is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of financial, student and business management systems, supporting more than 800 schools and colleges.

Education providers continue to negotiate a period of change driven by Government reforms including Academy, Free School and Technical College programmes, coupled with mounting financial pressures. Civica has a strong record of growth in education in the UK and internationally, supporting over 4,000 schools and libraries, and the acquisition of Corero Business Systems strengthens and extends the Group’s position.

Commenting, Simon Downing, chief executive of Civica said, “I am delighted to welcome Corero Business Systems to the Civica Group. ICT and ICT-based partnerships have an increasingly important role in helping schools and colleges improve teaching and learning whilst reducing overall costs. Through the breadth and experience of our combined business we are very well placed to respond to the needs of the sector both in the UK and internationally.”

Bernard Snowe, managing director of Corero Business Systems, said, “This is a very positive development for customers, partners and employees. The combination of Corero’s software product range and Civica’s strategic learning and managed services capability creates a stronger partner for our customers at an important time for the sector. I look forward to building on our joint strengths and vision in order to deliver increasing value to customers.”

Civica has a history of profitable growth with a successful record of acquiring and integrating businesses with complementary skills and technology and to support areas of increasing emphasis. This latest development follows the acquisition of RM Asia Pacific Pty Limited, one of the region’s major providers of school systems and classroom technology, in November 2011. The Group now provides software and services to more than 5,000 schools globally.

About Civica
Civica (www.civica.co.uk) is a market leader in specialist systems and business process services for organisations across the public sector and around the world. Through experienced people who understand service delivery, the Group applies software, cloud-based services and outsourcing to help customers transform the way they work. Drawing on a unique combination of people, technology and business process expertise, Civica supplies more than 2,500 organisations in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the USA.

About Corero Business Systems
Corero Business Systems (www.coreroresource.com) is a leading provider of accounting, human resources, payroll and management information software to the schools (including academies) and further education and commercial sectors in the UK and internationally. Corero’s proprietary software solutions include:

• Resource Financials & HR – an award-winning (UK Business Software Industry Software Satisfaction Awards 2012) finance and HR management solution delivering web-enabled and workflow-controlled business processes
• Resource EMS – a student record and learner management information solution for the post-16 education sector.
   

Don't miss out on this year's October user groups taking place around the UK.

The aim of the user group meetings is to allow users in your region to get together and discuss good working practices and new or updated requirements for CFRMIS. The new format for the meetings is to encourage not only regional discussions but departmental discussion within your own FRS. Therefore, we would encourage each FRS attending the meeting to send a representative from CFS, TFS, OPS and a System Administrator.

This is your opportunity to have your say on the future of CFRMIS especially in these times of austerity measures and FRS's now looking to work in partnership with each other.

To register your interest please click here

CFRMIS South User Group

CFRMIS Midlands User Group

Don't miss out on this year's October user groups taking place around the UK.

The aim of the user group meetings is to allow users in your region to get together and discuss good working practices and new or updated requirements for CFRMIS. The new format for the meetings is to encourage not only regional discussions but departmental discussion within your own FRS. Therefore, we would encourage each FRS attending the meeting to send a representative from CFS, TFS, OPS and a System Administrator.

This is your opportunity to have your say on the future of CFRMIS especially in these times of austerity measures and FRS's now looking to work in partnership with each other.

To register your interest please click here

CFRMIS South User Group

CFRMIS North User Group

Don't miss out on this year's October user groups taking place around the UK.

The aim of the user group meetings is to allow users in your region to get together and discuss good working practices and new or updated requirements for CFRMIS. The new format for the meetings is to encourage not only regional discussions but departmental discussion within your own FRS. Therefore, we would encourage each FRS attending the meeting to send a representative from CFS, TFS, OPS and a System Administrator.

This is your opportunity to have your say on the future of CFRMIS especially in these times of austerity measures and FRS's now looking to work in partnership with each other.

To register your interest please click here

CFRMIS Midlands User Group

CFRMIS North User Group

Lynx Central Services Gateway (CSG)

The solution has been developed by enhancing Civica's existing STIF Replacement Gateway (SRG). Lynx CSG provides access to both PNC and CHS (formally known as SCRO) and supports multiple organisations/forces with just one installation of the solution.

Here is a brief look at the benefits on offer:

• Multi Force Support - From single system
• Multi System Access - both PNC and CHS (formally known as SCRO)
• FastTrak - Lynx now supports a FastTrak interface associated with PNC enquiries from Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems
• Citrix support
• Audit Web Application 

HOW TO GET LYNX CSG V5

Customers under existing Civica Lynx Gateway maintenance contracts are entitled to obtain the Lynx CSG V5 upgrade core application for free and only pay for any associated Civica Service Delivery days to complete the upgrade.

This latest upgrade of Lynx CSG is designed to improve productivity while reducing support, operational and training costs.

Regionalisation and Collaboration

With Regionalisation and Collaboration becoming a necessary part of reducing UK police costs Civica have removed the need for screen scraping PNC sessions where possible, so the Lynx CSG gateway supports regionalisation and collaboration strategies, thus reducing operational costs. 

Mobile – PocketPNC, now available on Blackberry Device

PocketPNC provides officers with secure, real-time access to the PNC on the move. Based on thin client technology and accessible via a web browser, PocketPNC requires no client installation and can reside on a desktop, laptop, MDT (mobile data terminal), or a Windows or Blackberry handheld device.

Operating in a standard web browser environment ensures users are familiar with the navigation methods of buttons and hyperlinks and only require minimal training. 

Want to read more? Click Here

Lynx Auditor

Lynx PNC Auditor delivers up-to-date and accurate PNC audits unlike the traditional manual process. Because elements of the solution can be tailored to meet your specific needs; it has the flexibility to develop alongside your current and future requirements.

The Lynx Auditor is a time saving improved business process that allows auditors to focus on improving quality rather than meeting numbers.

Want to read more? Click Here

Civica Blue Light will be returning to the National Hall at Londons Olympia in June 2014 for Parkex.

More information coming soon

The theme of this year’s Conference – “A New Outlook” – will look in-depth at the key issues facing the public services in Scotland, with particular emphasis on valuation, benefits and revenues issues. The event is being run in parallel to the International Property Taxation Institute’s International Conference which will give added networking opportunities and joint conference opportunities for valuation professionals as well as adding to the social events at conference.

Come along and meet the Civica team on stand 11.

For more information on the event click here.

Other than the implicit “cut the costs of cutting crime”, there are no longer centrally directed targets for the police service. November’s elections of police and crime commissioners was a further shift from central to local that is developing far faster than many anticipated. As a consequence of these reforms, the roles, responsibilities and relationships with organisations at ‘the centre’ are changing and for many are no longer understood.

Latest Programme

To register for your place click here

Don't miss out on this year's October user groups taking place around the UK.

The aim of the user group meetings is to allow users in your region to get together and discuss good working practices and new or updated requirements for CFRMIS. The new format for the meetings is to encourage not only regional discussions but departmental discussion within your own FRS. Therefore, we would encourage each FRS attending the meeting to send a representative from CFS, TFS, OPS and a System Administrator.

This is your opportunity to have your say on the future of CFRMIS especially in these times of austerity measures and FRS's now looking to work in partnership with each other.

To register your interest please click here

CFRMIS South User Group

CFRMIS Midlands User Group