Data
Pandemic procurement failings and how technology can help
Through leveraging digital marketplace technology, the Government would be able to ensure items are procured both quickly and at a low cost, says Garry Jones.
EXCLUSIVE: Four areas unprepared for Hong Kong 'surge arrival'
Four local resilience forums have admitted they are unprepared for the potential arrival of thousands of Hong Kongers who are expected to move to UK.
Protecting the public through data analytics
NHS Digital’s Neighbourhood View and multiple private dashboards can make a real difference to our understanding of the pandemic, says Tim Archer.
'Hypersensitivity' on data sharing needs to be overcome
Solace’s digital leadership chief says data-sharing is ‘about how we save lives’, and 'hypersensitivity' within the sector about the risks involved needs to be overcome.
Local leaders pile on vaccine pressure
Frustrated local government leaders have piled pressure on ministers and officials over the speed and secrecy surrounding the coronavirus vaccine rollout.
Seeing the bigger picture
Combining data in one place to build up a much fuller picture of what is happening within each area from a mental health perspective enables councils to have a comprehensive picture of prevalence, demand and support services, says Nick Clarke.
Learning the lessons from past pandemics
Bob Gordon asks what we can learn from local responses to past pandemics. He says preparation, communication, coordination and accurate, timely, granular data are key.
Criminals publish stolen council data online
Data stolen from Hackney LBC in a cyber attack has been published online by the criminals responsible.
Unlocking the potential of data in the public sector
To be truly transformative local authorities’ data strategies need to create a central repository, underpinned by cloud technology, where data can be ingested at speed, says Dan Thompson.
EXCLUSIVE: Stretched councils rumbled over identical financial returns
Councils have been reminded to regularly update their monthly financial returns to Whitehall after stretched teams were caught submitting the same numbers each time.
Responding to the threat of ransomware
Following recent local government ransomware attacks – and a warning from the cabinet office – Dr Andrew Larner considers what councils can do to boost cyber security.
EXCLUSIVE: Whitehall warning over ransomware threat
Council chief executives have been warned there is an ‘urgent need’ to take steps to mitigate the threat of a ransomware attack on the sector.
Enfield latest to join London innovation unit
Enfield LBC has become the latest borough to join the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), bringing its membership to 20.
Connected homes, smart cities – and satisfied citizens
Ireland’s innovation agency is supporting continuous improvement in UK local authorities, and smart city solutions are playing a central role in many of these partnerships.
Councils demand post-lockdown role
The local government sector has said its involvement is key to the emergence from lockdown.
Strengthening our successful model will take more resources
Blackburn with Darwen Council has set up a local enhanced contact tracing service. Claire Ramwell says ‘hard work by our enthusiastic, skilled contact tracing team has demonstrated success’.
The power of local knowledge
A report show the impressive record of collaboration between Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds and untapped potential for research partnerships, says Neil Evans.
Think-tank issues warning on Brexit readiness
Local authorities and the devolved nations risk being overwhelmed by Brexit as they are trying to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, a think tank has claimed.
We’re upping councils’ data game
Social Finance is working with partners to design a sector-led data science apprenticeship programme, starting with children’s services. Celine Gross outlines the aims and the approach.
Hackney cyberattack shows councils must bolster their cybersecurity
Local authorities need to strengthen their cybersecurity posture to deliver high-quality public services and protect sensitive data, says Terry Greer-King.