ruralnet|uk news

National Association of Local Councils (NALC) launches new online networking

ruralnet|uk is today pleased to launch NALC Online – the new online network for the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).  This secure online area will be used by members of NALC throughout the UK to share information and access resources including Experts Online - the panel of experts who will answer questions on various topics, xPRESS Digest - the daily regeneration and funding news e-bulletin, and shared areas tailored to NALC’s needs.

Regional Forum Adopts Collaborative Networking System

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).

CBN Goes Independent

The Community Broadband Network has moved into its second phase of development as an independent co-operative of local broadband projects and their supporters. Project partner ruralnet|uk will continue to play a key role in CBN providing on-line technology and support and running the CBN DirectSupport mentoring service for rural communities.

ruralnet|uk ready to play a part in Rural Strategy 2004

The rural regeneration charity, ruralnet|uk looks forward to playing its part in the implementation of the new agenda for the delivery of rural services presented to Parliament today by Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

'We are keen to broaden the high-value support we provide to rural communities by working within the new delivery framework,' said Simon Berry, ruralnet|uk's chief executive.

'In line with the Rural Strategy, we look forward to working closely with the regions, as we already do with Farming and Food West Midlands and the West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum. We particularly welcome proposals to involve the voluntary and community sector more, in both consultation and in delivery of services.

'In addition, we believe that our forthcoming conference, ruralnet|2004, will offer the opportunity for participants to explore further many of the issues discussed in the strategy.'

Regeneration Generates Too Much Reading….

….. as those who work in the field of social and economic regeneration know, keeping abreast of news and funding can typically take up 20-30% of a regeneration worker's time; time which could be much better spent 'doing' rather than reading.

Today's launch of xPRESS Digest offers a simple answer to information overload, in the form of an email summary straight to your mailbox. This service has already proved its value amongst members of ruralnet|uk, the Community Broadband Network, Community Action Network and other voluntary and community networks, who enjoy it at subsidised rates. The digest, compiled each day from over 100 sources of regeneration and funding, will appeal to a wide base of urban and regeneration development agencies and local authorities, as well as consultants, academics and those who work in the media.

Minister Launches Broadband Support Network at ABC Conference

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael MP is scheduled to launch the new Community Broadband Network at the Access to Broadband Campaign Conference on 27th January.

Supported by government, industry and the co-operative movement, CBN has been set up to help communities get access to affordable broadband - including creating their own services - using social enterprise models.

Experts Online to offer Organisational Development guidance

With the current movements and changes in the voluntary and community sector, where do organisations turn for free, personal guidance on developing appropriate structures, management and processes? This week ruralnet|uk launches a key new forum to complement its Experts Online service, which is just completing its first year pilot. Experts Online was the brainchild of ruralnet|uk CEO Simon Berry who started ruralnet|online more than five years ago.

Simon explains: "The internet has given us too much data: now, the most valuable information is sifted, personalised and interpreted, and it comes from a respected source. Nothing will replace the human expert, who can listen to your needs and apply specialist knowledge to your situation - the trick is to use new technology to deliver."

Credit Action joins Networks Online!

Networks Online, the network of networks, is expanding again!

The existing networks are now being complemented by the arrival of Credit Action. This organisation produces a range of resources to help people manage their personal finances. By joining Networks Online, Credit Action has acquired its own extranet and access to a wide range of on-line services - including the Experts Online (EoL) forum, and the daily digest of regeneration news, xPRESS.

Experts Online expands to include Sustainable Transportation

The Experts Online Service available to all Networks Online subscribers (eg ruralnet|online, CAN Online, DTA etc) just got better. Chris Endacott has joined the Expert panel to deal with queries relating to Sustainable Transportation. This should be a key resource to those seeking funding to sustainable transport initiatives or implementing Parish Transport Plans or putting together projects with a sustainable transport element.

ruralnet|online - new website and services

This week ruralnet|uk launched the new ruralnet|online website which now delivers services for both members and non-members: http://www.ruralnet.org.uk

The new site reflects the result of five years research and experience in the productive use of ICCT in support of rural development and is based on the key themes of: Information, Communication and Collaboration.