|
 The
Gateway offers a convenient public service point in a
retail-based location using the latest innovative technologies and
working with borough and district councils across Kent, and wider
partners including Kent Police, Voluntary Sector and Health. The
initial Gateway pilot opened in Ashford in October 2005.
Ashford Gateway attracts in excess of 5000 customers per month,
with more than 60 per cent of visitors regularly using one or more
services. Expansion of Ashford Gateway into a new, larger
multi-agency site is being planned for 2010. Mobile Gateway
launched in July 2007 - this will develop and deliver multi-agency
out reach services across rural/urban mid Kent, targeting known
'hard to reach' groups.
The focus is on shaping services to fit around customer need and
with a successful Gateway thriving in Ashford, the model is now
being rolled out across Kent.
Gateway has attracted a lot of international and national
interest. Gateway was one of the 16 front-office innovations
showcased nationally at the FOSS Event in May 2007 by the Cabinet
Office, the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) and Local
Government Association (LGA), who continue to review development
and progress. IDeA has also short-listed Gateway for the 2007
Innovation Competition.
Further Gateways are being rolled out across Kent throughout
Phase one - Thanet's Gateway opens in January 2008; a brand new
site is under construction for the Maidstone Gateway. A prime town
centre location has been acquired to deliver the Tunbridge Wells
Gateway and discussions around a joint development with library
services in Deal and options for Dover town centre are under
discussion with Dover District Council.
Pre-planning for phase two has highlighted keen interest in
Canterbury, Gravesend, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and
Shepway, with the planned redevelopment of Dartford town centre,
and new community hubs in Thames Gateway presenting strong
opportunities for the Gateway service model.
Swale is also working in partnership with KCC, Gravesham and
Tunbridge Wells and Pas de Nord de Calais to develop a joint
Interreg bid to explore 'customer profiling' and how a better
understanding of our customer will inform joint service delivery
planning.
Phase one Gateway roll-out anticipates annual footfall of more
than one million people.
The use of
Kent TV, and a shared Gateway web portal will increase
transparency and immediacy. Webcam, video link, and interactive
digital feedback will facilitate increased engagement with the
public, and enable local people to influence service delivery in
the place where they live. |