Technology
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.
Ensuring continuity of care during COVID-19
What happens when home isn't a safe place to be? Julie Tyas discusses how tech is becoming the eyes and ears of social workers during the pandemic.
Using virtual reality technology to understand the needs of children
Alison Alexander says VR is being used in the recruitment and training of prospective foster carers and adopters and across children’s services provision to better understand the impact of trauma.
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’.
Video conferencing first at council meeting
A council used software to help decide key planning applications in what is believed to be the first meeting of its kind in the country.
Transparency tools made available to pension schemes
The first standalone system to provide information on costs from different investment managers to every local government pension scheme (LGPS) and pool has been made available.
Reset for the UK’s high streets
The future is upon us and unless we understand the rapidly changing needs, our high streets will lose their purpose, says John Quinton-Barber - and the pandemic will accelerate much of the digital disruption we’ve seen over the last decade.
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.
Technology should be used as part of a wider response to COVID-19
David Rees says that although technology is in no way a complete solution in social care in response to COVID-19, it can be used in a number of areas to free up scarce human resource.
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.
All change
Stockport is transforming itself into a world class town to complement its world famous neighbour – led by a council that’s at the cutting edge of local government.
AI could save councils £500,000
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology could save local authorities £500,000 in the next 12 months, a survey of UK councils has found.
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.
A plan for social care is finally coming. What should be in it?
Having a clear view about the outcomes sought is key to drawing up a new plan for social care - and it should be developed with the sector and with people with lived experience, say Paul Burstow and Ewan King.
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.
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.
Ready for the revolution?
With the rise of technology in the workplace, Nesta and The MJ asked local government frontline workers and staff about their councils’ approach to innovation. Heather Jameson reports on the results.
Provider chosen for transparency code
Technology provider Byhiras has been selected to develop a platform that will ensure asset managers comply with the local government pension scheme’s (LGPS) code of transparency.
Transforming public services
The decision five years ago to wind up Whitehall’s Transformation Unit resulted in a loss of capacity and expertise, according to Pat Ritchie. Now, the new Prime Minister must embrace post-austerity place-based deals, she believes.
Navigating Digital Transformation
Lucy Woods at legal firm Ashfords shares her top tips for getting the best outcome from digital procurement.
