”The Office of the e-Envoy fully endorses and supports the e-GIF Accreditation Authority which is managing the tangible processes that will create a real community of e-GIF excellence,” explained John Borras, director of technology policy, at the Office of the e-Envoy.

”The establishment of the e-GIF Accreditation Authority is a positive step in enhancing the quality and reliability of government computing,” commented Colin Steed, chief executive of the IITT. “We are delighted to extend our services to the Office of the e-Envoy for its implementation.

“The IITT is committed to developing best practice in IT skills. Providing a high value service to both e-GIF practitioners and their employers is essential for this.”

The contract, for a period of three years, is estimated to be worth £1.2m and the programme will become fully operational in the autumn of 2004.

About the Office of the e-Envoy

The Office of the e-Envoy is part of the Prime Minister's Delivery and Reform team based in the Cabinet Office.

The primary focus of the Office of the e-Envoy is to improve the delivery of public services and achieve long term cost savings by joining-up online government services around the needs of customers.

The e-Envoy is responsible for ensuring that all government services are available electronically by 2005 with key services achieving high levels of use.

The e-Government Interoperability Framework (e-GIF) sets out the policies and standards for e-government and e-service development and delivery. It is a foundation of e-government strategy, helping the public sector to accommodate the rapid pace of technological change.

Compliance with the Framework is essential for allowing information to flow seamlessly across the public sector, providing citizens and businesses with better access to government services through multiple channels.

By adopting internet and world wide web standards, the Framework aligns government with the rest of industry and serves as a basis for reducing the costs and risks associated with carrying out major IT projects.

About the Institute of IT Training

Formed in November 1995, the Institute of IT Training (IITT) provides a professional membership structure for all individuals involved in IT Training. Other key services include publishing standards that encompass all aspects of IT training, development and delivery and a comprehensive accreditation programme for any training service organisation.

Within the IT training industry, the IITT is driving standards through its competency frameworks and by encouraging world-leading qualifications such as TAP and CeLP. The Institute works with other organisations and professional bodies - first, to ensure its standards are as widely accepted as possible, and secondly to recognise other qualifications and experience and accept these against defined competency frameworks as evidence towards its own professional membership.

The IITT’s philosophy is that the qualifications for admission to individual membership bands should realistically reflect job roles in the workplace. Therefore, qualification is achieved by proving competence in clearly defined training skills areas, along with technical expertise in the candidate's area of activity.

The Institute provides a comprehensive range of benefits and exclusive support services for its membership. It also organises a range of awards – presented annually in February – to encourage and celebrate excellence within the IT training world.

Further information from:

Colin Steed, IITT, 0845 006 8858

Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405