The Digital Authority Forum provides the opportunity to get to grips with the issues around digital transformation in local government
Digital transformation is not just about technology, there is an array of organisational, cultural and leadership issues to be addressed to give any initiative a chance of success.
It can create headaches in local government, but there is no excuse to shy away from the challenge. The financial squeeze on the sector is making it impossible to envisage a long term future without a radical change that harnesses the power of digital technology. Local authorities have to rise to the challenge to meet their responsibilities to communities.
Effective leadership will be crucial, ensuring that organisations have the capabilities in place, are equipped to make the right decisions, and can overcome resistance to change.
As a step towards building this leadership, UKAuthority is joining forces with The MJ and the Society for Local Authority Chief Executives in staging the Digital Authority Forum, a one-day conference to support shaping the future of digital leadership in local government.
Practicalities and potential
It will be a practical, interactive event, dealing not just with digital technology in public services, but the potential in devolution and for closer collaboration with other organisations. It provides the opportunity to understand the issues that will arise in placing digital at the heart of an authority.
The day will focus on leadership and cultural issues and as such will be of particular interest to chief executives, leaders and corporate and strategic directors as well as to IT, customer service and data managers.
It takes place on 26 May 2016 at 15Hatfields in central London – and provides a unique opportunity to get to grips with the big issues around digital transformation.