Press release: ICT preferred bidder for Knowsley
22 November 2006
Following the conclusion of a comprehensive evaluation process Knowsley Council intends to appoint RM (Research Machines plc) as preferred bidder to deliver the ICT Managed Service Provider element of its Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.
The company will design, implement and deliver a high quality and responsive ICT managed service to Knowsley’s seven Learning Centres and to learners across the borough incorporating:
- Anytime, anywhere, anyplace learning
- Engaging digital learning resources
- Flexible, managed, learning environments
- Support and development for managing changes to teaching and learning in the Borough
- The development of a PLE (personalised learning environment) to meet the educational and transformational requirements of the Knowsley BSF programme
RM will play an important role in the development of the local authority’s BSF programme and will work closely with the chosen construction partner, which is expected to be announced before the end of the year.
Damian Allen, Knowsley’s Executive Director of Children’s Services said: “The BSF programme is set to transform education in the borough, both through the learning environments that will be created and the innovative new approach to teaching and learning. We look forward to a productive partnership with RM as we work towards achieving our vision for education in Knowsley.”
Tim Pearson, Chief Executive of RM, said:
“Knowsley MBC has a bold vision for taking education forward and we’re proud that they’ve selected RM to work with them, and their chosen building contractor, to realise their BSF plans. We’re keen to get on working together to improve teaching and learning across the Borough.”
Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, the company delivering the national BSF programme on behalf of the DfES, said “We are delighted that Knowsley have chosen an ICT preferred bidder for their innovative BSF scheme, and we look forward to working with the Council and RM on delivering their vision to the children of Knowsley.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
- Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is the largest single schools capital investment programme for over 50 years. The aim is to rebuild or renew every one of England?s 3,500 state secondary schools during the 15-year lifetime of the £45 billion programme.
- Partnerships for Schools (PfS) is the delivery agency for Building Schools for the Future. PfS was established in April 2004 as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), and is operated and funded under a joint venture between DfES and Partnerships UK.
- Information on schools and Knowsleys’ BSF programme can be obtained at www.knowsley.gov.uk or through the BSF Executive Support Team on 0151 443 3225.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Janice McGrath, Senior Communications Officer, Knowsley Council
0151 443 3398
janice.mcgrath@knowsley.gov.uk
Fiona McLean, Corporate Communications Manager, RM,
01235 854539
fmclean@rm.com
