Local government organisations launch framework for digitalisation

Three local government organisations have launched an outcomes-based framework to support digitalisation programmes.

The framework was produced by the Local Government Association (LGA), the Society for Innovation, Technology and Modernisation (Socitm) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Solace), to promote a common language and shared strategic outcomes for councils. The plan is for this to support them when working with central government, private, voluntary and community sectors and with each another.

The framework includes 12 strategic outcomes: connectivity, data, democracy, ethics, inclusion, leadership, local productivity, organisational capability, partnership, security and resilience, services and value. These were set out in a report by Socitm on a consultation at St George's House.

The report highlights Socitm's strategic priorities which are to build upon the response of the public sector to Covid-19; to sustain step changes taken by local public service providers; and to harness digital cultures, capabilities, technologies and data.

The LGA has started a procurement process for a lead supplier for the delivery of a local government digitalisation almanac. In the tender document, it says that this will enable councils to build a strong digital culture, prioritise work programmes, self-assess strategic aims, mitigate common challenges and learn from best practice.

Deputy chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board Cllr Neil Prior said: “During the pandemic, we saw more than ever before our reliance and need to be able to access services online.

“Councils are already leading the way in providing online services and meeting the digital needs of their local communities.

“However, this partnership working together will set out a common language which will enable us to take this to the next level, better engage with local and central government, and deliver digital services more effectively for residents.”

President of Socitm, Huw McKee said: “This agreed language and shared strategic aims puts our sector in a strong position to positively influence engagement with central government, which ultimately benefits digital delivery in the communities we serve”.