The approaching reorganisation of local government in England is going to create challenges around digital, data, technology and cyber security, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
It has published a report on the issue, saying the councils affected will need an online space to provide support for each other share resources, and access to the right skills to cope with the change.
This comes in response to the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, which has laid out plans to combine some councils in two-tier areas into unitary, mayoral authorities with a broader range of powers.
The report – based on interviews with officers in 17 councils – says this provides an opportunity to redesign services, with digital and data being highly significant. This would involve the development of single enterprise architectures for common platforms in the new councils and the adoption of common standards.
But this will require an alignment of systems, there are different levels of digital maturity among the emerging councils, and not all fully understand their technology assets, which will create challenges for the alignment, integration and cost of systems. This will require effective governance processes to help the ultimate organisation determine what it needs to know to lay plans and make decisions.
Worries and questions
There are also worries about the emotional impact of the reorganisation on staff, with concerns about their jobs and changes in roles, and questions around whether the councils will have sufficient digital skills to manage the change.
Among the priorities to make the change work in the digital sphere are to understand the savings in software rationalisation, take a proactive approach to contract and supplier management, and invest in the skills and leadership required.
The LGA sets out 10 recommendations for supporting the effective use of digital tech in a new unitary: foster strong digital leadership; ensure informed leadership; build realistic expectations; know what you have and what you have agreed; support people and change; execute project and programme management; practice effective governance; safeguard necessary capacity; value skills and capabilities; and do not overlook security.
It also suggests the creation of a shared resource space with easy access to guidance, templates, case studies and other support materials, and peer-to-peer support network and communities of practice for knowledge sharing and mutual assistance.
These would be accompanied by capability and capacity support, and scope to provide tailored support to councils with specific needs.
Unique moment
Commenting in the report’s foreword, Own Pritchard, head of programme for cyber, digital and technology at LGA, says: “Recognising the acknowledged need for effective, modern working approaches, this period of broader change offers a unique moment in time to consider how to maximise the opportunities of digital, data and technology.
“By establishing clear foundations, the sector can deliver effective digital, data and technology solutions, empowering the workforce and the communities it serves.
“Collaborative, cross-boundary work is essential for the future, regardless of local government reorganisation, and councils must capitalise on these opportunities to support citizens.”
