INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 15.10 The Information Systems and Technology Branch (ISTB) provides information technology (IT) support and advice to meet SWD’s business needs and implements SWD’s Information Systems Strategy (ISS). It also promotes the use of IT to bring about more effective organisation management and service delivery among NGOs in the social welfare sector.   Implementation of the Client Information System 15.11 The Client Information System (CIS) is a significant IT initiative under ISS Phase II of SWD. It provides a workflow-based database which collects as well as shares client and case data across SWD for the Department’s operational, management and planning purposes. The CIS was successfully rolled out in June 2010 for operation. IT Strategy for the Social Welfare Sector 15.12 The IT Strategy for the Social Welfare Sector (IT Strategy) was formulated in 2001 and revised in 2004. To map out the strategic direction for the IT development in the Sector, the Joint Committee on Information Technology for the Social Welfare Sector (JCIT), chaired by the Director of Social Welfare, has endorsed to conduct a review on the IT Strategy by a consultancy firm, which is to be commenced in late 2011 and be completed in 12 months.     15.13 The JCIT has, in accordance with the IT Strategy, IT initiatives under the Business Improvement Project (BIP) Scheme for NGOs, made recommendations to the Lotteries Fund Advisory Committee (LFAC) in 2009-10 for four IT projects covering human resources management, financial management and service delivery. A total of $2.99 million was approved. The BIP Scheme has been subsumed under the SWDF since its implementation in 2010.     15.14 According to the criteria of the SWDF, the JCIT has made recommendations to LFAC in 2010-11 for 111 NGOs’ applications to operate 223 IT-related projects covering human resources management, financial management, membership system, website as well as various service delivery and capacity enhancement initiatives. A total of $78 million was approved.   HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 15.15 With a workforce of 5 133 staff as at 31 March 2011, of which 4 090 in 30 grades are departmental/common staff (2 037 in social work stream and 1 446 in social security stream), SWD is committed to adopting a proactive and integrated approach to manage human resources effectively and building a professional, dedicated and satisfying workforce.     15.16 The mission of the Human Resources Management (HRM) Branch is to initiate and co-ordinate efforts in building a highly committed, competent, versatile and skilled workforce to meet the business objectives of SWD and the new challenges and demands in the coming years. Underpinned by the Grade Management Section and the Staff Development and Training Section, the HRM Branch is tasked to map out the overall strategy for HRM development in SWD and to oversee the formulation and implementation of HRM plans and initiatives. Management’s efforts in HRM are complemented by activities run by the SWD Recreation Club and Staff Volunteer Team.