Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the technical requirements for VOiCE?
For successful operation, when you insert the VOiCE disk into your CD Rom Drive, you must copy or drag and drop the entire VOiCE folder onto your desktop or server. VOiCE will not run directly from the disk.
VOiCE is a database driven tool which has been developed for Microsoft Access 2003 and requires a minimum of 15MB free hard-disk space. The database can support 100 simultaneous users, although if using over a network much depends on the speed and robustness of the network and workstations. The system can store and process over 30,000 records.
VOiCE is a flexible system which means that it can work equally well for an individual on a single computer as for a team over a network.
ACCESS AND RUNTIME
VOiCE has been developed on Access 2003 but will operate on Access 2000 upwards. Access is part of the Microsoft Office Suite e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
Some larger organisations have the Access software as part of the Microsoft Office Suite but restrict its use for security reasons. Where the Access software is available but restricted, your IT team may permit use of the software if a business case is made.
Where Access 2000 onwards is not available, VOiCE can be converted to operate on Runtime, which is an alternative programme that gives all the functions of Access. Your IT team will have to set up Runtime for you.
If you are part of a smaller organisation which does not have the Access software or IT support, you will be able to get discounted software and support from organisations like Ebility Technologies or CT Xchange.
MOUSEHOOK
Mousehook must be in the same folder as VOiCE so that the scroll function on your mouse is disabled. This stops random scrolling and allows better navigation through the database. This does not affect any other programme on your computer and all settings return to normal when you exit the database.
Q. Can we tailor VOiCE to suit specific requirements?
BESPOKE DEVELOPMENT
VOiCE has been developed as a generic tool and has been copyrighted under Queens Printer for Scotland 2008. There is the option to tailor VOiCE to meet the specific needs of organisations, partnerships or sectors. Bespoke development will require additional IT support. For further information on bespoke development please contact Paul Nelis on 0141 222 4841.
Q. How can VOiCE be used most effectively at a local level?
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP
VOiCE can be used by individual users or organisations and can also be used in an inter-departmental or multi-agency context. At an early stage it is important to identify how information is to be collecte on community engagement across a partnership and who will be responsible for co-ordinating and reporting using VOiCE as the platform. If VOiCE is to be used to support the strategic implementation and evaluation of community engagement across several partners, it is advisable to avoid running multiple copies of VOiCE which will store information independently. In this instance, it is advisable to have one copy of VOiCE located on a central server.
SUPPORT FOR THE EFFECTIVE USE OF VOiCE
VOiCE has been developed to be easily navigable, to reflect outcome-focussed practice and to give the user all the information they need to get started on analysing, planning, conducting and reviewing community engagement. It has been built on the two established framworks of LEAP and the National Standards for Community Engagement and support materials are contained within the database itself. It is advisable to identify where there may be additional support or training needs for current or potential users not familiar with either the national frameworks or ICT. For further information on support and training contact us.
VOiCE AS A LEARNING TOOL
VOiCE provides a practical solution to recording the engagement stages of analyse, plan, do and review but it can also be used as a learning resource to conduct effective community engagement processes. Materials which are contained within VOiCE to support learning include two worked examples of a community engagement process, handy hints, the National Standards for Community Engagement and associated indicators and link to resources on LEAP and the Scottish Centre for Regeneration 'How to Guide' for community engagement. VOiCE also contains guidance on self evaluation scoring criteria.
Q. How will VOiCE develop in the future?
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
SCDC is currently awaiting Scottish Government approval to take VOiCE to the next stage of development. Proposals include thorough testing of VOiCE and its impact on community engagement processes within a cross-sectoral context and further refinement of the tool itself.
