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Dear colleague
Welcome to the twenty-second edition of the LGA’s Cyber, Digital and Technology Bulletin.
Following the election, the newly formed government has outlined a strong commitment to harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation and improve public services.
Key ministers in the new cabinet tasked with overseeing the nation's tech agenda include Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Sir Patrick Vallance and Sir Chris Bryant MP as Ministers for State. Along with Ministers in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, these individuals will play a crucial role in shaping policies and initiatives that will have a significant impact on the tech sector and the digital landscape as a whole, and we look forward to working with government colleagues on digital and technology priorities for local government.
In our White Paper, we called for a Local Government Centre for Digital Technology (LGCDT); one which would use technological innovation to deliver reform and promote inclusive economic growth across councils. Local councils face significant challenges in navigating the digital age, including budgetary constraints, outdated systems, and a lack of digital skills. The LGCDT would empower councils to harness the full potential of digital technology, through offering tailored solutions, expertise, and shared resources to overcome these barriers and unlock the opportunities. The LGA is currently developing plans for what such a centre would look like and how it would operate.
With the help of stakeholders from across the sector, and in particular the Local Government Digital Committee, we’re excited to have launched a new mission-driven digitalisation framework to support councils in using the latest digital technology to help solve some of the biggest challenges facing their communities. Our new framework comes as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology expands in both scope and size to bring in experts in data, digital and AI, to unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services and better use technology across areas like energy, health, policing and education.
I would also like to take the opportunity to remind you of our LinkedIn page, which we will be updating regularly with news, opportunities, and support around our programme of work. Please join us here to keep up to date.
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Owen Pritchard
Head of Cyber, Digital and Technology
Local Government Association
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LGA Artificial Intelligence Hub
Last week, we launched our Artificial Intelligence Hub, where you'll find resources and guidance to help you responsibly explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and connect with peers. As a sector, we are collaborating with partners, academia and government to ensure local authorities are part of an AI-powered future. You can stay up to date with all our AI activity on the hub and sign up for networks and events. Explore the hub here.
AI Practitioners Network with LocalGov Digital
This week saw the first meeting of our AI Practitioners Network: a technical space for councils to learn from each other on how to build tools in-house. This is in partnership with Local Gov Digital and complements the AI network with its focus on safe and responsible use, ethics and governance. The first meeting saw 78 people join the call and presentations from two councils. If you are interested in joining, please fill out this form.
AI State of the Sector survey
In February 2024, launched a survey to explore the landscape of AI deployment within local authorities. The insights gathered will inform the LGA's ongoing engagement, research, and advocacy efforts, ultimately enabling us to better support local authorities in the safe deployment of AI. The full report is available to view here.
Apolitical AI in government show and tell
Are you curious about how AI is transforming governments? Do you want to connect and interact with fellow public servants working on AI initiatives? In this interactive Show & Tell, Apolitical will be joined by speakers and experts who'll talk about their experiences using AI in government, before breaking out into smaller groups to reflect, discuss and continue learning. This event is for public servants and policymakers who want to meet like-minded colleagues, learn and share ideas. Find out more and register here.
Service Standard research
We are continuing with our research into the take-up and effectiveness of the Government Service Standard in councils. This is a joint project with LocalGov Digital and colleagues at West Berkshire Council. We’d like to encourage any service designers and officers working in digital service teams to tell us how the Standard is (or isn’t quite yet) helping to support and grow their service design practice. You can complete the survey here. Building on this research, we're now hosting an online workshop on 25 July to further explore digital service standards in councils.
The session will feature a keynote from Mark Thompson, Professor of Digital Economy at the University of Exeter, on the role of common standards in resetting local service delivery. We'll present our survey findings and hear insights from Phil Rumens, Digital Services Manager at West Berkshire Council, and Kafilat Akintoye, UX Researcher and Designer, on applying service standards across their organisations. The workshop will provide opportunities for peer learning and shaping proposals to improve service standards in councils. If you're interested in contributing to this workshop, please register your interest here.
Technology Innovation Showcase
This autumn, we are running a ‘Technology Innovation Showcase for Local Government’ whereby suppliers of AI and smart technology pitch innovative ideas across a set of core challenges set by councils. It promises to be an exciting event to support councils with AI and smart technology experimentation – and to support suppliers with responding to council issues. We know that the AI and smart technology supplier landscape creates some challenges for councils – and that more needs to be done to address market dominance concerns and to foster competition particularly for SMEs. Look out for details on how to get involved in shaping and submitting a challenge. We’re looking forward to collaborating with colleagues.
Digital Switchover Data Sharing Agreement
The LGA’s Partners in Care and Health team is working with councils and telecommunications providers to help ensure telecare users are ready for the #DigitalSwitchover. The new data-sharing agreement template aims to facilitate the sharing of information between councils and telecom providers in order to protect people from the impact of the switchover.
People who use telecare devices, such as alarm pendants, are particularly vulnerable to the switchover. There have been cases where devices haven’t worked following the switchover causing serious harm. This template, developed by the London Office of Technology and Innovation, will help ensure users get the support and equipment they need to protect them, while also managing any risk to their privacy. Read more here.
Sector-Led Consultancy Service
If you’re looking for free or low-cost support in cyber, digitalisation or technology, the CDT Team’s sector-led consultancy service might be able to help. The service offers a unique "by the sector, for the sector" approach, leveraging the expertise of experienced council professionals and external experts to support and advise your authority. Our team is seeking opportunities for September, so please get in touch to start planning your support.
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Digital and Cyber 360 Reviews: An opportunity to explore your digitalisation strategy or security culture – hearing fresh perspectives in a safe, friendly and constructive environment. A council who goes through a 360 can expect to gain advice, support, and a fresh perspective, from experts and fellow council officers over a period of two or three days.
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Tailored Coaching or Improvement Support: An opportunity to work with an experienced IDeA officer or volunteer council officer, with the purpose of mentoring, coaching or other advice or guidance. This might cover identifying strengths and weaknesses, identifying goals, developing strategies, or providing ongoing guidance.
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Cyber Reaction Exercises: An opportunity to co-develop a facilitated exercise to help establish how well you might react to a cyber incident, and to practice your response in a safe, constructive environment. Incident response exercises and business continuity exercises can both prove critical to reducing the impact of an attack through good decision-making, clear trustworthy communications and learning from incidents.
Synnovis data breach under investigation
The NCSC is continuing to investigate a potential data breach at Synnovis, a pathology provider for the NHS. The breach reportedly involves cyber criminals publishing data they claim belongs to Synnovis following a ransomware attack earlier this month. While the NCSC is working with Synnovis and NHS partners to verify the data's authenticity and content, all local government bodies are advised to be vigilant of suspicious messages or calls exploiting this situation.
Good Things Foundation's ‘Building a digital nation’ infographic
The Good Things Foundation has published their updated “Digital Nation” infographic for 2024. This resource explores the importance of building a digital nation where everyone has access to the tools and skills needed to thrive. Learn how your council can bridge the gap and empower residents to participate in the digital world.
Good Things Foundation's Introduction to AI: A digital inclusion resource
This webpage from the Good Things Foundation's National Digital Inclusion Network provides an introduction to artificial intelligence. It explains what AI is and offers to answer questions about using AI safely and effectively. The resource also signposts users to further resources for developing digital skills.
AbilityNet & Citizens Online announce merger
AbilityNet and Citizens Online, two charities focused on digital inclusion, have announced their merger. This combined organisation will leverage their combined expertise and resources to better serve people with disabilities and older adults. They offer a range of free services including IT support, training, and consultancy to bridge the digital divide. Read the full press release here.
DSIT call for views & roundtables - Cyber security of artificial intelligence and code of practice for software vendors
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has published two calls for views that the LGA will be facilitating engagement roundtables in late July on:
At these roundtables, you will have the opportunity to hear directly from DSIT, with a presentation, Q&A and sector discussion. This will also support the LGA's responses to these calls for views. If you have any questions, please contact cyberanddigital@local.gov.uk, and you can register for both roundtables here. Attendance will be capped at 15 sector representatives and will be first come first served.
Both calls for views are open until August 9th 2024.
Building the Smarter State 2024: 10th Anniversary, London, 10th September 2024
TechUK's flagship conference returns for its 10th year. This in-person event focuses on digital transformation in public services. Explore the latest trends, network with peers, and gain insights on building a "smarter state" that delivers for citizens. Focus areas include data utilisation, emerging technologies, and digital resilience. Register here.
Cyber, Digital and Technology Team: cyberanddigital@local.gov.uk
For more information visit our Cyber and Digital hub
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