News of AGI CPD scheme

CPD scheme is now free to AGI members

AGI have offered a CPD scheme for our members for a number of years to give them independent verification of their Continuing Professional Development. Some of our members are doing this in conjunction with their CGeog status. But equally many other AGI members have not applied for CGeog status, either because they do not qualify, or because this is a step they do not wish to take. They are still keen on maintaining their continuing development in GIS and on formally recording their progress in this.

Previously there was an administrative charge for this. We are pleased to announce that from 2012 onwards, this facility will be free to all AGI members (i.e. to individual members and the ‘named’ individuals at our corporate members). We hope that this will widen the base of the CPD scheme still further and will be an important AGI member benefit that proves to be useful to many of our members.

The scheme works as follows:

1. AGI members register for the scheme.
2. AGI issues an Annual CPD Record spreadsheet.
3. AGI gives guidance about the level of CPD points attributable to various activities.
4. Scheme members update their Annual CPD Record spreadsheet throughout the year.
5. At the end of each year, scheme members submit their Annual CPD Record spreadsheet for review by the AGI.
6. AGI will certify the Annual CPD Record and return it along with an Annual Certificate of CPD Attainment to the scheme member.

Please see our website <<HERE>> for further information on how to join this scheme.

Please also note that AGI will be jointly participating in a Young Professionals Networking Evening at the Royal Geographic Society on the evening of 15^th March. You can find out more information about the AGI CPD scheme at this event. Further details of this event can be found on our events calendar <<HERE>>.  All AGI members are welcome to attend. The event is free but advance registration is necessary.

“CPD should be a lifelong activity, essential to the maintenance of standards, competence and knowledge. It is a valuable investment for you and your employers. The AGI is pleased to offer our CPD scheme as a key benefit for our members and as a sign of our commitment to maintaining the professionalism of our industry”, said Alan Wilks, Chief Operating Officer, AGI

GISS Framework Agreement: AGI writes to Gov Procurement Service

In January the AGI reported the surprise announcement that the Government Procurement Service had decided not to follow up with a new GISS procurement framework agreement after Catalist lapsed in December.

At that time it was stated it would not be retendered, but rather amalgamated into what is being termed a "broader business applications procurement strategy" yet to be finalised and launched.

Since then further developments have occured including the publication of a Prior Information Notice for Services placed on Tenders Electronic Daily by the Government Procurement Service, and the issuing of a Request for Information.

The surprise decision not to retender has raised a number of concerns at the AGI. Accordingly with AGI Council approval, the AGI Chief Executive has written to the Government Procurement Service outlining the AGI's concerns and the willingness to engage in constructive discussions.

The letter mentions the following points:

1. The lack of a successor agreement to the now lapsed framework has created issues not only for suppliers of GISS, but also public bodies seeking to procure GISS. These organisations, some of which have made representations to the AGI, are greatly inconvenienced by the loss of a vehicle that had been in place in various guises for many years.
2. This decision is likely to create a prolonged delay whilst a replacement framework agreement is put in place. Such a delay is not helpful in the current economic climate where GISS suppliers are seeking business opportunities on the one hand and public sector customers are looking for efficiencies by using the procurement framework they expected to be in place on the other.
3. The AGI is keen to ensure that the new framework does not dilute the specialist characteristics, service offerings and advantages of GISS suppliers and, in particular, make it more difficult for specialist SMEs, which make up a significant supplier community for GISS, to be included in direct participation.
4. The AGI urges the Government Procurement Service to carefully ensure a level playing field for SME involvement.
5. The AGI will in the meantime provide a response to the RFI and address some of the broader points within it.
6. The AGI would be happy to engage in constructive discussions to help facilitate an equitable outcome.

Chris Holcroft, Chief Executive, AGI

AGI Activities & Achievements Report 2011 published

In February each year the AGI issues a short report outlining its salient activities and achievements of the previous calendar year.

For this year's report please click >>HERE.

The AGI would like to thank all who contributed in whatever way to the AGI's year in 2011.

Chris Holcroft, AGI Director & CEO

AGI GeoCommunity '12 sponsor packages released

AGI GeoCommunity '12: Sharing the Power of Place will be held at East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham on 18 - 20 September 2012.

The AGI is delighted to release a limited number of sponsor packages for all organisations keen to exhibit, network and participate in this highly popular UK geospatial conference.

As in previous years the Silver, Gold and Platinum options are available. But new for 2012 is a Bronze option especially designed for members of the AGI from the Small Business and Education categories.

Sponsor prices are frozen at 2011 rates and AGI Sponsor and Corporate members can get discounts on Silver, Gold and Platinum options.

In 2011 nine out of 10 sponsors said that sponsoring AGI GeoCommunity was "good value" or "very much so".

"Sponsors are a vital part of AGI GeoCommunity" said AGI Chief Executive Chris Holcroft, "they bring dynamism, diversity and exciting new opportunities to the event. Also their valuable support means the AGI can keep costs down for event delegates, maximising attendance", he added.

For more information click >>HERE

More about AGI GeoCommunity

AGI GeoCommunity is the largest and most comprehensive independent conference in the UK digital mapping and geospatial calendar. The conference provides real insight and leadership in current geographic information and location based issues via a range of keynote addresses and conference papers as well as by hands on training and face to face delegate networking.

The AGI GeoCommunity series has a proven reputation as a 'must-attend' event for a range of service delivery managers and information management and technology professionals. Previous delegates and speakers have been drawn from Central and Local Government, Utilities, Health, Emergency Services, Infrastructure, Insurance, Marketing, Business Intelligence, Finance and Technology sectors.

AGI GeoCommunity '12 will open on the 18th September with the popular pre-conference 'Icebreaker' evening event and offer two full days of thought leadership, practical education, knowledge transfer and real world best practice and case studies.

AGI GeoCommunity ‘11 attracted 450 delegates. The residential format, introduced in 2007, is now well established and the event has proven its growth and sustainability. Feedback from last year ’s delegates indicated that 97% of those polled thought the event offered value for money and 89% felt it fulfilled their expectations. 97% said the venue was ‘good’ or ‘excellent. A full report of delegate feedback is available on the AGI website.

AGI GeoCommunity '12 will also offer a select number of sponsorship spaces to showcase new products and services and network with delegates both at the sponsors' exhibition pods and in the conference sessions and social events. Prices are frozen for existing sponsorship packages and a new category has been created for Small Business and Education Members, plus companies that are AGI members can get additional booking discounts. The conference format will offer our sponsors an unrivalled opportunity to meet and network with the key practitioners and influencers across government and the commercial sectors.

AGI utilities and telecommunications SIG expressions of interest sought to join committee

Want to take an active role in the utilities and telecommunications SIG?

We’re currently looking to bolster the SIG committee particularly with representatives from utilities. As well as developing and promoting best practice and relevant standards the SIG also organises events to share experience and provide networking opportunities. A key role therefore of committee members is to arrange and participate in these events including identifying industry hot topics, venues, speakers etc.

If you’re interested in joining the SIG committee please contact Mark Belliss (mark.belliss@bt.com) for more details and how to apply.