(more…)

(more…)

(more…)

(more…)

Access to the RSSupport service is provided online through ‘widgets’ deployed on host websites that are strategically positioned to touch rural communities, i.e. infrastructure VCOs, RCCs and networks that are providing umbrella services to rural communities. The widget provides direct access to ruralnet|uk’s ExpertsOnline service.

What is ExpertsOnline?… an online searchable Question and Answer service operated and managed by ruralnet|uk. After 5+ years of delivering ExpertsOnline, we redeveloped the service to maximise the opportunities of the latest developments in web-based technology. ExpertsOnline is now delivered on a Web 2.0 platform which means a browser based user interface and a service that is significantly more accessible. Every question asked is directed to a relevant specialist who will normally provide and answer the next working day. All questions and answers as published on the site and can be comprehensively searched by any registered user. We currently have the following specialist forums: Business Planning; Community Engagement; Computers & Communications; Employment issues; Finance Management; Grant Funding; Legal Issues; Rural Services; Board Recruitment. (www.expertsonline.org.uk/about)

Why would you want a widget?
The widget - a user interface embedded within a host site - enables the RSSupport services to be deployed locally within existing infrastructure and service support organizations, making it more convenient for users by proving direct access to the service, rather than having to go to other 3rd party domains or loading proprietary software to access services - the widget acts as a portable web based access point. The widget is dynamic and complements existing content and services, adding value to the host site by offering access to additional services for their network/service users. As the service provider, ruralnet|uk are able to develop and offer a strong and dynamic service in which users can ask questions they want answered as well as benefiting from the cross-pollination of ideas and resources being stimulated and generated by users in a variety of community sectors, networks and geographic localities. The widget puts all of this resource at your users’ finger-tips within your domain.

RSSupport Widget
The RSSupport widget can be seen ‘live’ at

ruralnet|uk (right side-bar)
Commission for Rural Communities (bottom of post)
Essex Rural Partnership (bottom left side)
Bedfordshire Rural Affaires Forum (bottom centre)
Rural Focus (right side-bar)
ViRSA (centre click-bar)

RSSupport incorporates the ExpertsOnline question and answer service and it is completely separate from the Post Office Ltd consultation process.

Key features of the RSSupport service are:

• A panel of real people with specialist expertise who will interpret and understand users questions, and reply usually within 24 hours (or by the next working day)
• A searchable archive of past questions and answers
• Useful resources including sample policies, templates, tools and guidelines
• A forum where a large number of practitioners and policy makers can engage and exchange ideas, knowledge and experience
• Facilitation and policing of the system by a nationally recognised/ experienced organisation
• Online Newsletter

Under the RSSupport initiative, which is aimed directly at rural communities, there is no cost to qualifying host sites or your users, just a simple update to your website, with some additional code which we can provide you with. Users can register FREE using the online registration process, which is accessed from the widget.

For more information email rssupport@ruralnet.org.uk

The current initiative is a pilot (through to Mar’08) funded by Capacity Builders with aims built around identifying ways to provide isolated rural groups with face-to-face training and access to online advice and support services to enable them to use ICT more effectively to manage their organisations and deliver their services.This Capacitybuilders funded project provides new and existing online services to isolated rural voluntary and community groups. Through piloting and evaluation amongst community groups in Teesdale during 2007, online services have been tailored to meet the needs of rural groups and are now being made available to support capacity building across rural England.We now have 3 streams running in the project:

Stream 1: The Widget

This stream is focussed on deploying ‘widgets’ on websites that are strategically positioned to touch ‘isolated rural groups’. Our strategy is to identify and partner with local/regional infrastructure VCOs and networks that are already providing umbrella services to isolated rural groups. The widget provides direct access to ruralnet|uk’s ExpertsOnline and xPRESS Digest services.

Why would you want a widget?

The widget (see below) enables 3rd party services to be deployed locally within existing infrastructre and service support organisations. This adds value to the host site by being able to offer a wider range of services to their network/service users. The widget is dynamic and complements existing content and services. It is also more covenient for users proving direct access to the service, rather than having to go to other 3rd party domains or loading proprietary software to access services - the widget acts as a portable web based access point. As the service provider, ruralnet|uk are able to develop and offer a strong and dynamic service in which users can ask questions they want answered as well as benefitting from the cross-pollunation of ideas and resource being stimulated and generated by users in a variety of community sectors, networks and geographic localities.The widget puts all of this resource at your users’ finger-tips in your domain…

Improving Reach is currently a pilot project aimed at isolated rural groups, running to end of March 2008. Any users who register before the end of March, will receive free subscription to ExpertsOnline and will be asked to participate in feedback during Feb/Mar’08 to help us determine how to develop the services further and the best ways to reach isolated rural groups. User feedback is essential for this and users who participate in the feedback will qualify for extended access to services to end December 2008, during which time we hope to secure further funding to extend the service beyond that time.

Stream 2: Internet Skills

This stream is focussed on utilising readily available online services and helping rural organisations and support groups adapt/tailor them to organise online information in a useful way. An initial exercise undertaken with Warwickshire Rural Hub has proved to be successful and popular in helping members gain the knowledge and tools to go online and manage their email, bookmarks and calendar effectively and with confidence. The package provides the trainees with a way of keeping the information they need all together, where they can access it quickly, in a format they can use easily; saving them time and money. For more click here.

Stream 3: Outcomes

An active participation programme designed to help rural groups to track outcome based projects more effectively. Outcome training is being delivered, based on the Charities Evaluation Services guidelines, early in 2008 and will provide hands-on training and useful tools to increase awareness of the importance of Outcomes and help in planning and managing projects to track Outcomes.Outcomes from this pilot project will be published here when the ‘pilot’ phase concludes in March 2008…

(more…)

Buy Now with PayPal.
ruralnet|uk are the proud publishers of a unique book which captures the collective anecdotes of over 100 people, offering a distinct insight into rural Britain: past and future. Read a review here.

(more…)