Digital
Opening up access to UPRNs and USRNs
Nick Chapallaz, Managing Director at GeoPlace, discusses how open access to UPRNs and USRNs is set to unlock the power of place
Supporting more democratic, responsive urban planning and design
In one of a series of essays on how the wisdom of citizens could support councils in managing cities after COVID-19, Peter Baeck and Sophie Reynolds look at the urban planning and design process - and share inspiring examples from across the world.
Digital engines – the ‘new normal’ in local government?
Digital engines will become a staple of every local authority’s digital provision moving forward into the ‘new normal’, says John McMahon.
Test, test, test the tech!
Managing director of Penna Julie Towers offers some key observations on virtual recruitment, and says many of the online elements will be retained when lockdown eases further.
The right time for some strategic thinking
The pandemic has presented an opportunity for the sector to re-think its recruitment strategies, particularly in the search for experienced social workers. Maggie Hennessy and Sonia Tanda explain.
Scaling self-created solutions in local government
Barnsley MBC has developed a self-created income management system (IMS) with dxw, with a vision to see that shared with other councils. Richard Kingston says ‘working together we can aim much higher’.
We have an opportunity to radically reinvent ourselves
Our new coronavirus-shaped world has changed beyond recognition, says Gill Kneller - and If we’re going to thrive, recovery will be key, 'but we simultaneously need to reinvent ourselves'.
Councils 'will be ready' to welcome back shoppers
Local authorities will be ready to welcome shoppers back to the high street if retail is allowed to reopen the week after next, the chairman of the District Councils’ Network has said.
Councillor, are you on mute?
Kathy O'Leary is navigating the perils of holding a council meeting online in the midst of the coronavirus crisis
How councils are tackling the business rates challenge during COVID-19
As we face the coronavirus crisis, many businesses are going digital in a bid to sustain service delivery, says Civica's Tony Hunter
COVID-19 and consultation – Can it be online-only?
Does COVID-19 end consultations? The simple answer is ‘no’, according to Laura Thornton. But she says consideration needs to be given to mitigation measures that ensure consultation is fair.
Getting Smarter on Shielding
The Wellbeing Automated Call Service (WACS) is a system that asks people how they are and if they need help - and has already contacted 6,200 people just three weeks in, says Steve Carefull.
Making decisions in cyberspace
With the advent of virtual decision making in local government, Ian Fytche offers insight into how it is working at North Kesteven DC in challenging times.
Reinventing recruitment for a more sustainable future
Local government has shown it can move faster and better when the bureaucracy is stripped away and decision-making is made at the local level. Manny Sandhu sets out a social care and related professions recruitment plan with a powerful purpose.
What are you imagining?
As councils re-examine their transformation plans in the light of the possibilities on the other side of lockdown, Dr Catherine Howe highlights some points worth reflecting on.
Transformation delivers flexibility in a crisis
Craig Cusack and Rob Powell talk to Ann McGauran about how Warwickshire CC’s transformation programme meant it was ‘pretty much ready for the pandemic when it arrived’.
How planners can use the cloud to tackle COVID-19
Robin Barber says council planners should be working with suppliers to understand how easily they can access the solutions when it all goes wrong, not just now but in the future too.
Successful homeworking: from BT’s people to you
Homeworking might be new to your organisation, but there are lots of ways to make it work for you says Dr Nicola Millard.
Creating the rainbow together
Councils' response to COVID-19 has been phenomenal, says Dr Andrew Larner - and he hopes that Government will respond to the sector as capably as the sector has risen to the challenge of the pandemic.
Using data to respond to COVID-19
Tom Symons and Juan Mateos-Garcia of Nesta examine how local government can make use of data to support its own response to the COVID-19 emergency, and see three significant areas where data can be useful.
