Digital
Where are your services on the Smart City journey?
With technology moving into the next era of 5G and AI, The MJ and BT recently conducted a survey into the extent that local authorities are using shared services to develop their Smart Cities and Places. Michael Burton reports.
The benefits of digital aid
Charles Skinner argues any proven off-the-shelf system that can join up many players during incident and emergencies under a digital umbrella must be worth serious consideration.
Learning from Redcar and Cleveland
There is now a unique 'zero-day, zero-trust' technology capable of cyber-defence on day zero when the virus is first released - and iESE is inviting councils to get in touch if they want to become a trial site, says Dr Andrew Larner.
Cratus creates coronavirus hotline
Cratus Communications has created a hotline service for council leaders and chief executives to help them through the Covid-19 crisis.
Care technology is improving the lives of people in supported living
Harminder Sangha and Sean Hunt of PA Consulting say society is already taking great strides to use personalised digital technologies – and people in supported living deserve to have the same level of access, and the opportunities it provides.
Budget 2020: Sunak announces ‘record’ £5bn broadband investment for hardest to reach areas
Chancellor Rishi Sunak today announced in the Budget a ‘record’ £5bn investment to get gigabit –capable broadband into the hardest to reach parts of the UK.
Is your ‘dark data’ helping frontline services?
Michael Burton reports on the key findings of a PA Consulting/The MJ survey of senior managers aimed at finding out if councils are getting the most from their data.
Transforming our thinking about digital
The mission of the London Office of Technology and Innovation is to boost boroughs’ ability to innovate, build common capability, and to foster digital innovation designed to improve lives, says Philip Glanville.
Expanding the approach to public engagement
There are many ways to make it easier to forge public consensus on the difficult decisions needed for the long-term, says Laurie Smith. Here, he outlines three ‘participatory futures’ case studies from across the globe.
Westminster’s vision for the 2020s
Rachael Robathan outlines Westminster City Council’s vision for the City, with climate and environmental initiatives, digital communications and infrastructure at its core.
Making a difference at ground level
London’s borough of Hackney is unusual in having a single benefits and housing needs service to provide support for vulnerable residents before they become homeless. Rob Miller spent time with colleagues to find out more about how this resource operates.
Predicting the workplace of 2021 (and beyond)
In a lively session at The MJ’s recent Future Forum North event in Manchester Dr Nicola Millard, principal innovation partner at BT, looked ahead at tomorrow’s workplace. Here she outlines the seven ‘Ds’ shaping the future of work
Acting now on standards will enable public sector to reap the benefits of AI
Local authorities using AI will need to establish suitable governance mechanisms, and to be able to publicly demonstrate that the benefits outweigh the risks, says Jonathan Evans.
Overcoming obstacles to digital change
The MJ and Fujitsu hosted a round table debate looking at managing the obstacles to digital change - to explore the issues councils currently face and some of the solutions discovered. Martin Ford reports.
More than 400 councils allow companies to track website visitors
Information about users of council websites – including those seeking help on sensitive issues – are being shared with dozens of private firms, an investigation has found.
Cyber Central transformation
Rather than wait for a private developer to buy land next to the GCHQ building, the council stepped in to ensure the site is used for inclusive economic growth. Heather Jameson talks to acting chief executive of Cheltenham BC, Tim Atkins.
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.