The Local Government Association recently published a framework intended to help councils embark on digitisation programmes. Alex Coley explains why the initiative is a ‘call to action’ for the sector.
Local government in the England is at a crossroads.
The digital age promises unprecedented opportunities for enhanced efficiency, service delivery and resident engagement. But there are many challenges: budgetary constraints; outdated systems; and a lack of digital expertise.
The financial strain on councils, exacerbated by years of reduced funding, has hindered investment in crucial digital infrastructure and training. Legacy systems, often incompatible across service areas and public sector partners, impede progress. Resistance to change and a shortage of digital skills further complicate the adoption of new technologies.
However, among these challenges lies a transformative opportunity.
Local government possesses inherent strengths that can be harnessed to make digital progress: a deep understanding of local needs; a growing appetite for innovation and agile leadership fostering a culture of experimentation.
With these challenges and opportunities in mind, the Local Government Association recently launched a Digitalisation Framework to help guide councils through their digital transformation journeys. The framework is more than a set of guidelines – it’s a call to action, acknowledging the unique circumstances of each council while outlining common missions to which each can aspire.
The framework establishes three core missions: to create digitally-enabled councils; digitally-empowered residents; and digitally-equipped places. By focusing on these interconnected goals, the framework promotes the importance of ensuring that digital transformation efforts are not just about technology, but about delivering tangible benefits for councils and the communities they serve.
The framework goes beyond setting missions.
It is a toolkit for councils setting out six essential enablers and six good practice principles. These are a checklist for assessing digital maturity, developing strategies and guiding the implementation of digital initiatives. By emphasising such things as data-driven decision-making, robust connectivity, strong leadership, and collaborative partnerships, the framework sets the stage for sustainable digital transformation.
Individual councils can use the framework to review performance, identify areas for improvement and develop tailored action plans. By aligning their strategies with the framework’s missions, councils can also work to ensure that their digital investments are focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for residents.
“Local government possesses inherent strengths that can be harnessed to make digital progress: a deep understanding of local needs; a growing appetite for innovation and agile leadership fostering a culture of experimentation.”
The Digitalisation Framework aims to foster a shared understanding of digitalisation goals and priorities across the local government sector. By adopting this common language, we can facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices to accelerate the pace of digital transformation.
Central government can also benefit from adopting the framework; it breaks down the digital needs and challenges faced by local councils which can help departments communicate policy decisions and target support programmes in coherent and integrated ways.
The LGA Digitalisation Framework does not break new ground; its missions, enablers and principles and good practice will be familiar to many. But it brings into sharp focus areas where progress has been slow, and articulates a need for long-term commitment and continuous improvement.
The three missions illuminate the direction of travel, but not the route, while the enablers and principles spell out ways to drive and navigate change in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
By embracing this framework, local government can further unlock the full potential of the digital age, transforming the way services are delivered, empowering residents, and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Alex Coley has worked in digital for over two decades, including roles in the civil service, local government, policing, NHS charities and several global corporations and agencies. Prior to election he was co-lead for digital on the Grenfell Response Team and a contributor to the creation of the Local Digital Declaration. He is currently advising a major police force on professionalism and culture following an independent review.
Alex has been chair and vice chair of several committees and working groups at his council, creating new strategies on homelessness, community safety, arts, heritage & culture and his borough’s first climate change action plan. He is currently deputy chair of the Improvement and Innovation Board at the LGA, where he takes the lead on digital, cyber and AI.
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