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Dear colleague,
Welcome to the twenty-eighth edition of the LGA’s Cyber, Digital and Technology Bulletin.
On Tuesday, 21 January, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) published the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government- a long-term vision for digital public services, supported by a six-point plan for reform and the role of the new Digital Centre of Government. Alongside the blueprint, the State of Digital Government Review laid out some of the systemic challenges facing public services: entrenched fragmentation, legacy systems, siloed data, cyber risks, under-digitisation, skills gaps, and outdated funding models. We have published our State of Digital Local Government paper to focus on the specific challenges facing councils in digital government.
The Blueprint envisions systemic change through a ‘digital-first operating model,’ where digital leadership skills are essential for senior leaders, services are redesigned, and digital and data infrastructure is shared to meet common needs. Crucially, it is based on a foundation of digital inclusion, ensuring that as many people as possible can access digital public services.
Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, reinforced local government’s essential role in achieving these ambitions: “We are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the needs of our communities and are fundamental to joining up public services and strengthening our data and digital infrastructure.”
Looking ahead, we are committed to continue working with councils and Government to realise the transformative potential of digital and data innovations, ensuring that local government remains at the forefront of modern public service delivery. With effective collaboration, we can shape a more inclusive, effective, and connected future for communities. Thank you for sharing your insights and engaging to shape our sector-led advocacy, and we look forward to continuing to share key updates on the future of digital local government.
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Owen Pritchard
Head of Cyber, Digital and Technology
Local Government Association
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Tech Showcase end of project report
We are pleased to announce the end of project report for our Technology Innovation Showcase for Local Government is now available. The report goes through our process for defining the challenges, and the assessment criteria we used to evaluate and select SMEs to take part (please refer to section 5). Towards the end of the report, there are key reflections and considerations laid out for councils and vendors (please refer to section 6) in the collective search for new digital methods to help deliver improved outcomes for residents. A huge thank you again to all councils that defined the challenges explored and to all officers who participated on the day of the Showcase.
Artificial Intelligence Use Case Bank
Our Artificial intelligence use case bank continues to grow, showcasing brilliant examples of innovation in the sector. This month we have published case studies from:
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Wigan Council streamlining back office processes in adults’ social care
Case studies from Birmingham and Dorset will be uploaded shortly too.
AI Survey Refresh
We are currently updating our AI State of the Sector Survey, focusing on updating findings from councils who previously submitted responses in early 2024. This is to ensure we are effectively representing the sector in our advocacy and tailoring our support as we move into the 25/26 financial year. We are asking colleagues to update their contributions, and if you require more information, please reach out to Isobel.Parkes@local.gov.uk.
Research into a local government service standard.
We are engaging with officers in the sector and the Local Government Service Design Network (LG SDN) to discuss a sector-wide Community of Practice for service designers, to share best practice and support the adoption of common service standards across the sector. If you are interested in being part of the CoP, please sign up through our form.
We will further be publishing our report in March outlining our research into a common service standard for the sector, and the current use and adoption of existing standards in the sector, particularly the Government Digital Service’s Service Standard. Thank you to all colleagues that have taken part so far, and if you are interested in learning more about the research, please email Sarah Slate: sarah.slate@local.gov.uk.
What to say during a cyber incident – Crisis communications template.
As part of our Cyber Security and Resilience Blueprint series, we are developing resources for councils to use in the immediate steps after a cyber incident. One of these resources being a communications template to use for internal and external communication required when a council experiences a cyber incident.
We are keen to share best practice and existing examples in the sector, so please get in touch with any resources and experiences you would be able to share with us at sarah.slate@local.gov.uk. Additionally, if you are interested in a Cyber Incident Crisis Comms template and feeding into its requirements, but may not have resources to share, please do reach out.
LGA: A call for digital investment case studies.
We are conducting research to identify examples of business cases that councils have used to justify digital investment. We are particularly interested in approaches to calculating the cost benefit of digital projects and programmes that aim to develop internal cross cutting digital capabilities.
AI Unpacked teaser trailer
As the sector is working to drive digital innovation across local government, getting to grips with Artificial Intelligence is becoming essential. Following the success of our Cyber Unpacked series, We are excited to announce a new series of 10 short, focused videos that will take you through the world of AI in local government settings. Whether you are new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, these videos will equip you with the knowledge to engage confidently with AI technologies in your work. Watch this space - your essential guide to AI in local government is coming soon, and the trailer is now live.
AI Practitioners Network showcases i.AI tools
English Devolution White Paper and Digital Technology
Following publication of the English Devolution White Paper, the CDT team at the LGA are undertaking a discovery exercise to gather the experience and insight of those council officers who have been involved in converging or diverging digital and technology services/functions, predominately focusing on Local Government Reorganisation. The aim is to understand the specific challenges and opportunities to consolidate and share learning for the sector as there has been little published to date.
There is an online roundtable on the 4 February 2025 13:00 – 14:30, with some opportunity for 1:1 interviews. Please contact Lisa.Trickey@local.gov.uk if you are able to contribute learning for the sector.
Innovation Zone applications 2025
Each year, the LGA Conference Innovation Zone is a vibrant and creative space which showcases the outstanding, innovative work of councils across a range of service and policy areas. We are now accepting applications from councils, and organisations working with councils, to be part of the Innovation Zone at the LGA Conference 2025, which will take place from 1 – 3 July in Liverpool.
If you have an innovative solution to a cyber, digital, or technology challenge, with excellent practice to share that delegates can learn from and utilise in their own authorities and communities, then consider applying for 2025! Further information, including the link to apply, can be found on the LGA website.
2024’s Innovation Zone featured a series of CDT-related presentations, including:
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North Yorkshire Council’s Spotlight On session demonstrating the use of artificial intelligence in social care.
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Hertfordshire County Council’s use of data inspired assistive technology to support residents living at home for longer.
- Salford City Council’s use of digital triage for frontline services.
Becoming an Insight-Led Organisation: Derby City Council’s Data Journey
Join us on Monday, 3 February 2025, from 11:00 to 12:00 for our online event. Hear from Jane Godfrey (Head of Policy and Insight, Derby City Council), along with Mark Lockton and Dave Sheppard (Embracent), as they share Derby City Council’s journey toward unifying data and creating a joined-up view of residents.
The webinar will delve into the steps taken to tackle data silos, including the development of a strategic automated solution to integrate data from six application sources. Learn about the project’s successes, challenges, and next steps, and take advantage of a live Q&A with the speakers.
This session is ideal for data and intelligence officers, council analysts, and service leads interested in leveraging data to enhance services and improve efficiency. Register on our event page.
Natural Language Processing within councils
Join us on 13 February 2025, 13:00-14:30, for our Advanced & Predictive Analytics webinar exploring the potential of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in local councils. This session will feature examples from Lewis Edwards (ONS), who will provide an accessible introduction to NLP and its real-world applications, Samantha Starling (Wiltshire County Council), who will share their journey using NLP to analyse community feedback, and Debbie Archer (Kirklees MBC), who will demonstrate how NLP enhances Freedom of Information processes.
Designed for Heads of Analytics and Lead Data Scientists, this webinar offers practical knowledge, case studies, and a Q&A with our speakers. Register on our event page.
LGA’s Digital Sector-Led Consultancy Service
The LGA is pleased to offer a low-cost sector-led consultancy service to support local authorities with cyber, digital and technology challenges. This includes the facilitation of digital peer reviews, coaching, and bespoke resilience exercises.
A breakdown of fees is included below. We know budgets are tight so if these fees present a challenge, please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs and explore options.
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Remote
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In person
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Three day review
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£8,999
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£10,399
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Two day review
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£7,549
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£8,199
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Single Resilience Exercise
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£6,749
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Ransomware consultation
The government is consulting on proposals to reduce the threat posed by the criminal infection of computer systems with malicious 'ransomware' software. This consultation closes at 5pm on 8 April 2025. Read more about the consultation on the government website. The LGA will be submitting a response on behalf of the sector with key partners, and engaging with councils to shape this. For more information on how to get involved, please reach out to cyberanddigital@local.gov.uk.
NW ADASS AI Project Report
To explore how AI can enhance Adult Social Care in the North West, NW ADASS commissioned Transmute Worldwide Ltd to conduct an AI project from June to October 2024. Following engagement with North West colleagues, other ADASS regions, Local Government Association (LGA) networks, and people with lived experience, NW ADASS have produced resources exploring AI in Adult Social Care, and a Good Practice Guide for AI in Adult Social Care. You can find out more and access these resources on the NW ADASS website.
ai@cam Policy Brief: Refreshing the UK’s strategic approach to AI
In partnership with the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy and the Bennett Institute for Public Policy, ai@cam are pleased to announce the publication of a new policy brief: Refreshing the UK’s strategic approach to AI. At a moment when the UK has an opportunity to refresh its national approach to AI, this policy brief takes stock of where further action could help create a world-leading UK AI ecosystem. It considers the policy levers that can help Government connect AI development to social and economic benefit, including collaborative development of a national vision for AI, action to build an infrastructure for public innovation, and support to grow the domestic AI base.
Socitm: Preparing for the new Procurement Act
The UK government’s new Procurement Act 2023 is set to go live on 24 February 2025. The new Act brings significant changes for buyers and suppliers. This briefing builds on a webinar held in December, to provide additional information and advice to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools they need to comply with the Procurement Act 2023.
Cyber, Digital and Technology Team: cyberanddigital@local.gov.uk
For more information visit our Cyber and Digital hub
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