Digital
Updated software remains critical to protecting data
This month Microsoft withdrew support from Windows 7. Chris Mountford looks at how local government can balance the books while keeping data secure.
Defending our communities in the digital age
It is now possible to put cyber defence on the front foot; you don’t need to have seen the type of attack before to trap it and kill it, says Dr Andrew Larner.
Lessons for digital change from the new unitaries
Nine months after the creation of two new unitary councils in Dorset, what have been the lessons from implementing change programmes, especially digital change? Chief executives discussed the issue at a round table debate hosted by The MJ and BT.
A strong future for SEND services
The Bi-Borough - Westminster City Council and Kensington & Chelsea RLBC - is breaking new ground with next generation SEND case management, according to Vik Verma and Julie Ely.
Future Forum North: 'Robots will not replace humans'
Robots will not replace humans in the workplace and offices will continue to exist, The MJ’s Future Forum North event has heard.
Future Forum North: Workplace cultures fail to keep pace with technology
The digital revolution in the modern workplace must now be matched by a culture shift, it has been argued.
Retro-fitting councils around the 21st century
The MJ and BT recently conducted a survey of local authority directors to find out how they believe 5G will affect their organisations. The conclusions formed part of the discussion at a roundtable debate. Martin Ford reports.
Lessons learned from two years of the State of Transformation
Benjamin Taylor reviews the landscape of local government transformation over two years of case studies, conferences and academies. The picture that emerges is both a depressing and inspiring one.
Learning to lead is essential to the future
Nadira Hussain asks how the sector can future-proof continuous improvement when technology and ‘need’ evolve all the time.
Sharing is caring
Kate Kennally argues that, for Cornwall to catch up with the rest of the UK, the Shared Prosperity Fund must do exactly that: share prosperity. But she says real devolution of decision making to a local level is equally important.
Welsh Government announces £500,000 a year for digital officer
Local authority leaders in Wales have welcomed an announcement that the Welsh Government will pay £500,000 per year towards the cost of a local government digital officer.
Shaping a 21st century Jersey
Charlie Parker arrived in the top job at the States of Jersey determined to bring in a programme of change. Heather Jameson talks to him about the scale of the task he faced and what he’s achieving.
Why telling a straight story matters
How do you create the compelling narrative that in the first case secures funding, but also engages people who need to change how they think and what they do, asks Tracie Langley. Sometimes reality is just too complex - 'so simple narratives work'.
Nine myths about your council’s digital transformation
Michael Taylor drives customer expansion in the UK for novoville, the citizen engagement and digital transformation expert with over 50 clients in 3 European countries. Here he analyses some of the common digital fears that councils harbour.
North Tyneside told to 'focus on strategy' to sustain services
A council has been warned that it must invest in digital technology to ease pressure on staff.
Government to intervene over 5G concerns
Ministers are reportedly set to write to planning authorities urging them not to block the introduction of 5G technology.
Prepare for the 5G revolution
Local authorities are aware 5G is imminent and could have a dramatic effect on their frontline services according to a survey by The MJ and BT, as Michael Burton reports.
Changing Tynes
Heather Jameson talks to Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, about the main challenges facing the combined authority, the region’s devolution deal, and putting party politics to one side to work with the Northern Powerhouse minister.
Five steps to digital transformation for UK libraries
Public libraries in the UK face a range of challenges. Douglas White reviews potential models for their digital future, building on the Carnegie legacy.
The MJ Data and Digital: Getting digital right
Working on digital partnerships is fraught with pitfalls. Kirsty Cole and Melvyn Ingleson offer top tips for making sure you get the best out of your digital transformation deals.