SSKS blog

You will no doubt have noticed that SSKS has now re-launched with a brand new look! But it’s not just the layout that’s changed, we now have a host of new features, including:

Why not try these new features out for yourself, and let a colleague know about the new SSKS? If you’d like to know more about the new SSKS, or would like to request training, please contact ssks@nes.scot.nhs.uk or use the Contact Us form on the homepage.

IRISS has recently published a report on using social media in social services, which was put together by Focused on Learning, a consultancy and training service specialising in e-learning, web communications and publishing for the public, academic and not-for-profit sectors.

The report entitled, Social Media in the Social Services, argues the case for breaking down the cultural and technological barriers that are prevalent in local authorities. It is frequently reported by local authority staff that access to web-based services is blocked or that their web browser lacks the required functionality.

Changing Lives and the Continuous Learning Framework both emphasise the importance of knowledge sharing, management and transfer in the development of competent, confident and valued workforce. How can this be effectively achieved without embracing social media?

This report examines what we mean by the terms ‘social media’ and ‘social networking’, the historical context of social networking, questions why it is a problem when it is so useful, the current situation in Scotland (involving a survey of social work services staff, IT staff and others), and finally addresses the issue of web browsers. On the subject of web browsers, campaigns such as IE6 No More is working to expose its weaknesses and encourage its demise. There is also a lot of conversations about IE6 on the communities of practice for public service website.

A number of recommendations for moving forward bring the report to conclusion. In order to stimulate creative discussion on the use of knowledge and collaborative technologies, the report has been published to the IRISS Comment website, which IRISS has launched to publish discussion documents in an interactive format. Simply sign-up to read and comment.

As you may be aware, SSKS is re-launching next week with a whole host of exciting new features. Watch this space to see them for yourself, and in the meantime, read about how the new SSKS could benefit you here, including our quick search button and what new health and social services information resources will be available to you.