It’s been a while since I managed to put finger to keyboard for another blog post – aside from what’s been keeping us busy at work (developing a new strategic framework for digital at Luton, getting a business case for a low-code digital platform agreed, lots of collaborative working with the Uni of Beds on AI stuff, rolling out our CoPilot pilot…etc), I’ve also attending a big family wedding in India, been knocked out by Covid and presented for the first time at the LGA conference in Liverpool last week!
I’ve been to a few LGA conferences, and they are always a hive of ideas and networking, but this was my first time speaking as part of a panel on the Role of Technology and Data in Transforming Communities. I loved the topic, because it wasn’t focusing on the tech, but centred on people and the impact on communities, which is at the heart of what we in local gov are all about.
Alongside myself were Clare Evans from Tewkesbury Council, who spoke about the impact of digital transformation powered by a low code platform has had, Simone Thomas from Chesire West, who spoke about how data is informing the work of the council, and Denys Nazarenko from Kyiv City Council who talked about the power of leadership in driving digital transformation. It was amazing to hear all the experiences and I will definitely be keeping these contacts and reaching out as we progress on our digital and data journey!
I attended a few other sessions, but what I really took home was thinking about the role of technology and data in local government reorganisation (LGR) and devolution. As a unitary that isn’t immediately impacted by LGR, it wasn’t as at the front of my mind as it perhaps needs to be – so definitely something I’ll be giving more thought to. I always say that if we designed a Council in today’s age from a blank piece of paper, it wouldn’t look or operate like most councils do now. Whilst it’s not a blank piece of paper, LGR is perhaps the closest we will get in a long time to designing Councils from the ground up.
And as always, it was lovely to meet so many people – seeing old colleagues and building new bonds, whilst enjoying some sunshine by the Liverpudlian seashore!