Dear colleague,  

Welcome to the twenty-third edition of the LGA’s Cyber, Digital and Technology Bulletin.  

Earlier this month, on behalf of the sector and in partnership with Socitm and iNetwork, we submitted responses to the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology consultations on the Cyber Security of AI, and the Code of Practice for Software Vendors, Thankyou to those who joined our roundtables to inform these responses, which will be published soon. In the meantime, please read our policy briefs on these consultations and what they mean for local government,  

We've opened the tender process for 'Unlocking Digital Officer Training', a new programme to boost council digital maturity. This will help senior non-digital officers become stronger leaders through an enhanced digital mindset and initiative will support digital transformation and leadership development in councils. Keep an eye out for ways to get involved – we'll update you on the programme's progress. We also have recently awarded the contract to deliver a ‘Tech Innovation Showcase’, an initiative to bring key challenges directly to pre-vetted suppliers, providing a deeper exploration into AI and smart technology use cases in councils. More detail on how to get involved is below. 

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. I’d also like to direct you to read this blog post from the LGA’s Chair, Cllr Louise Gittins on the White Paper proposal for a Local Government Centre for Digital Technology. 

Finally, I’d like to welcome three new members of the team, Sarah Slate, Annie Radcliffe and Lisa Trickey, who are all joining us as Advisers. We're excited to have them on board and look forward to their contributions to our team! 

Please reach out if you have any further guidance or questions, and a reminder of our year-round on-call function, supporting councils with non-technical advice in response and recovery of cyber incidents, available 365 days a year. 

Best wishes,

87% of our volunteers said they would recommend this experience to others.  

Below are the details of the next Cyber 360: 

London Borough Cyber 360 (Virtual) 

Day 1- 6th November
Day 2- 7th November 

Please visit our website for more information or to book a short introductory meeting with the team, please email CyberandDigital@local.gov.uk . 

Research into the Service Standard 

The Service Standard is a set of 14 principles that provide both central and local governments with guidance in building public services. A short survey ran from June until early August to explore if and how the Service Standard is being used in local government. The purpose of this research is to establish a baseline picture of the adoption and perceived effectiveness of the Standard in councils. 

Additionally, in July we ran a Service Standard Workshop, attended by officers from different councils to explore each principle and its applicability in the sector. This workshop identified a need for a collaborative Community of Practice for officers working in, and roles related to service design to share learnings, experiences and service design best practices. If you are interested in joining, please express your interest via this form. 

Many thanks to officers who have participated in our research already through the Service Standard by completing the survey and taking part in the workshop. We will be continuing our research into the application of the Service Standard and if you are interested in finding out more and/or participating in our research, please email cyberanddigital@local.gov.uk.  

Building a cyber resilient service: Guidance for directors of council services 

We've developed with Arculus Cyber Security new guidance for directors of council services to help create a positive culture around cyber security. Our guidance is designed to help directors and their senior team think about cyber security in the context of their service and wider organisation – which will no doubt be underpinned by data and technology, all evolving at speed. You can find our guidance here. 

LG Challenge 2025 

Applications and nominations are now open for the LG Challenge 2025, the LGA’s unique officer leadership programme to develop the future generation of local government leaders. The programme takes place over a six-month period, where a cohort of ten officers tackle five real-life challenges in councils across the country. Interested officers can email questions, or arrange an informal call, via lgchallenge@local.gov.uk 

Leadership Essentials: Transformation, Saturday 5 - Sunday 6 October 2024, Virtual 

 As a councillor, you’re likely hearing that ‘transformation programmes’ are the way to make efficiencies and savings but what does that really mean? Our series of Leadership Essentials on Transformation will help demystify transformation, giving councillors the confidence and capability to lead the transformation agenda within their councils. Visit the LGA Transformation webpage for more information. 

Help Shape National Cyber Defence 

The NCSC is building a national evidence base of cyber deception tactics. The NCSC is inviting public sector organisations to contribute knowledge and evidence to help make the UK more resilient against cyber-attacks. This evidence base will support key research questions on the deployment of solutions to monitor breaches and threats. Read more and find out how to contribute here. 

iStandUK: Introducing the SAVVI Playbook 

iStandUK has launched the Scalable Approach to Vulnerability Via Interoperability (SAVVI) playbook, a groundbreaking tool designed to help organisations identify and support vulnerable individuals more effectively. The SAVVI playbook is a programme hosted by Tameside Council, on behalf of the UK local public sector, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) within the Local Digital Fund. Find out more and download the playbook here. 

DSIT Digital Infrastructure Programmes (5 minute survey) 

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) are undertaking an evaluation of two recent digital infrastructure programmes (5G Innovation Regions and Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme). Local authorities are invited to share their feedback on the process. Your insights will be invaluable in helping DSIT improve future programmes.  

Please complete the short survey to share your views. 

TechUK’s Building the Smarter State Conference, 10th September, London, in person 

 The techUK flagship conference, Building the Smarter State, is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024. Join on 10 September, 9am - 6pm in London for a day of insightful discussions on the future of public sector digital transformation. Reflect on the past decade's successes and challenges and explore what's next in creating a smarter state for citizens.  This is an opportunity to connect with over 200 senior leaders from both the public sector and the tech industry, showcasing the latest innovations shaping tomorrow's public services. Find out more and register on their website. 

Connected Britain, 11-12th September, ExCeL London, in person 

Connected Britain brings together 7,500 industry experts, innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of the UK’s digital economy. With top speakers, cutting-edge exhibitors, and the best networking opportunities you'll get under one roof, it’s the must-attend event for those driving the nation’s digital transformation. Tickets are free for public sector attendees, and the awards shortlist is now live. 

UKAuthority Resilience & Cyber4Good event, 18-20th September, Online 

This forum explores innovative solutions to today's cyber security challenges and social good initiatives in the digital age. As the ever-present and ever-changing risk of cyber-attack evolves in our inter-connected world, UKAuthority and key speakers will look at how we can build cyber defences and resilience to ensure continuity of services even when the worst happens. 

Join UKAuthority live over three 90-minute sessions on Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday, 20th September (11:00-12:30) as public sector leaders and industry experts showcase what can be achieved and take part in lively discussions and Q&A sessions with delegate participation too. Find out more and register here. 

Digital Poverty Alliance ‘End Digital Poverty Day’, Thursday 12th September 

Join the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) for the second annual End Digital Poverty Day. Established in September 2023, this day has quickly become a pivotal part of the DPA’s action plan to end digital poverty across the UK. The day helps to raise awareness, build community engagement, and garner the necessary support to tackle this digital divide head-on. Find out how to get involved here.  

LocalGovCamp, Thursday 26th September, Birmingham, in person  

This LocalGovCamp will allow 150 Local Gov Digital & Service Transformation Managers to share ideas, experiences and issues around all things “Transformation” at one of the first big #localgovdigital in-person sessions after the General Election. Attendance will include a day of workshops, networking, collaboration talks and unconference sessions. Find out more and register here. 

Ten Reflections on the Microsoft Crowd Strike Incident, July 2024 

'Whilst this wasn’t a “Cyber Attack”, or even a “Cyber Incident”, the outcomes and effects were of the same magnitude.' Mark Brett ChCSP CITP CMngr FBCS FCIIS FCIM FICPEM has written 10 reflections on the Microsoft Crowd Strike Incident for a Socitm guest blog. 

ICO Data Protection Practitioners' Conference, Tuesday 8th October, Online 

Registration is open for this year’s Data Protection Practitioners Conference, which will take place online on Tuesday 8 October 2024. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a DPPC regular, there will be something for you regardless of experience level, sector or specialism. There will be inspirational keynote speakers, practical workshops and thought-provoking panels - and the chance to hear information directly from the regulator. Our Senior Improvement Policy Adviser, Jenny McEneaney, will be speaking on a panel session on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. 

Find out more and register for the online event here.