Press release - 09/10/2009 - BIS-sponsored training courses on the EU Services Directive
Socitm Learning, the training arm of Socitm Consulting, has been commissioned by BIS to deliver a series of subsidised training courses in October and November on implementing the EU Services Directive in a local authority. The intensive half-day courses are being run at locations across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and are priced at just £75 per delegate.
The EU Services Directive has to be implemented in local authorities by December 28th this year. Successful implementation will provide an electronic channel for authorities to receive and respond to applications in the scope of the Directive, provide access to more competitive suppliers, and create broader market openings for local businesses. Failure to comply could open local authorities to legal action, judicial reviews or infraction under EU law.
The Socitm Learning courses form part of a larger campaign by BIS to help local authorities implement the Directive. Other linked initiatives include the provision of an ELMS (Electronic Licence Management System), an online Community of Practice with more than 400 members, newsletters, technical notes, flowcharts and a pilot scheme to introduce local authorities to the Internal Market Information (IMI) System, an internet-based, secure messaging system developed by the European Commission to enable more effective day-to-day cooperation between Member States on the Services Directive.
The Socitm Learning course will highlight what each authority needs to do to comply with the Directive and what support is available. The course is designed specifically for Managers and Supervisors responsible for the day-to-day running of business regulatory and licensing activities within the scope of the Services Directive.
Full details of the course content, dates and locations can be viewed at http://www.socitmlearning.co.uk/showCourse.asp?CourseTypeID=17 and places can be booked online. The direct line for enquiries about the courses is 0845 241 2773.
Socitm Consulting’s Consulting Manager Doug Maclean comments: “These courses form part of a well-planned campaign by a central government department to bring local authorities up to speed with new legislation and best practice. We are very pleased that our expertise in communicating with local authorities across the UK and reinforcing best practice at all levels has been recognised by BIS.”