FIS Development Project

FIS Development Project

The FIS Development Project aims to improve the capability of every local authority in England to deliver Section 12 of the Childcare Act 2006 and develop an accessible, sustainable Families Information Service (FIS) by March 2009.  

It builds on the support previously delivered through the CIS Regional Project, and has 2 main strands:

• Strengthening and developing understanding of the value and relevance of Families Information Services and the information duty to the broader agenda for children and families. 

• Driving forward the transition from Children’s Information Services (CIS) to Families Information Services (FIS).

The FIS Development Project is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and delivered by Opportunity Links.    

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Support for Families Information Services 

The FIS Development Project provides a range of direct support for Families Information Services (FIS).  The main areas of support are:

• A national email support service (FIS@opp-links.org.uk), providing FIS with a single point of contact for support queries

• A monthly e-bulletin sent out to all FIS, providing a brief summary of key developments and policy announcements

• A bi-annual newsletter with more in-depth articles relating to the ongoing development and delivery of FIS

• A series of 3 cross-regional development sessions aimed at FIS managers which will be run during the year

• The creation and publication of appropriate tools and support materials in response to needs identified through the development sessions

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Promoting FIS and the Information Duty 

The FIS Development Project aims to raise awareness and understanding of FIS and the information duty with strategic managers and decision makers within local authorities and relevant support agencies across England. 

This includes:

• Linking in with relevant events at a regional, cross-regional and national level to develop knowledge and understanding of the value of information

• Working with regional GO and support agencies to promote the work of FIS and the information duty

• Developing and promoting an aspirational vision for FIS moving forward.

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