ruralnet|uk are pleased that West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum (WMRAF) have chosen to use the charity's expertise in developing online network areas to link their people together, and to tap into the other resources provided through cross-network collaboration. This arrangement builds on five years working together on the WMRAF and West Midlands Rural Network websites (see www.wmraf.org.uk and www.wmrn.org.uk).
The system will be implemented as a part of Networks Online - a set of 20 networks which have access to core online services such as Experts Online and the daily digest of regeneration and funding news, xPRESS Digest. Each group, known as an extranet, retains its own individual branding and is accessed via the host network’s website, but can also share ideas and expertise with other members if desired.
The main purpose of WMRAF is to bring together rural stakeholders within the Region to inform and monitor the delivery of policy in rural areas. This extranet will complement the function of WMRAF as a place to facilitate information sharing and networking between individuals and organisations with an interest in the rural economy.
Rev Nick Read, Chairman of the Forum said,
"The Rural Affairs Forum are delighted to have their own exclusive extranet service, and I am looking forward to posing questions to Experts Online. Forum members will have the opportunity to discuss issues online and to access information posted on the website for them from organisations who wish to inform or request comments from the Forum on rural policies and strategies drawn from across the region."
Polly Woolley, ruralnet|uk Website and Extranet Developer said,
"We are really pleased to have WMRAF as part of Networks Online. I am sure users will provide a valuable additional source of expertise. We look forward to building on our good relationship in the future."
In addition to the new extranet, ruralnet|uk are also working on a database of WMRN members and have created a new site for the West Midlands Rural Accord as part of the same group of sites (see www.ruralnetworkwm.org.uk/wmra/wmra_home.htm).
Notes to editors
1. For more information about West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum go to: www.wmraf.org.uk and www.wmrn.org.uk
2. Networks Online is maintained by ruralnet|uk. For more details see www.ruralnetuk.org Details about all Networks Online members can be seen at www.networksonline.org.uk
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