Midlothian Council has published a digital strategy for the next two years, saying it is not about IT but integrating digital ways of working.
It highlighted plans including a focus on ‘digital first’ for customer services, upgrading the council website, implementing an update service for customers on any contact, looking to increase automation, and introducing more bookable online and face-to-face appointments.
Council Leader Derek Milligan commented: “Responding to the pandemic has also transformed the way the council works, and we are already using technology to allow our services to be more flexible and responsive.
“However, we need to do much more to harness the opportunities that a digital approach can bring. This includes supporting our communities and local businesses to thrive in a digital world and making sure that our children are prepared for the workplaces of the future.”
Vision
The document outlines a vision for a digital council, in which it optimises the technology for working effectively and innovating, digital services that communities want to use, and digital place to enhance the quality of life and economy in its area.
Among its plans in line with the first principle are to use cloud and software-as-a-service where possible, develop a set of architecture principles for decision making, conduct a digital skills audit and review and refresh its existing technology policies.
There are also plans to carry out a data maturity review and set up a Midlothian Office for Data Analytics as a resource for council officers.
On a broad front, the document sets out a digital roadmap for the next 12 months that highlights a series of key projects for the roll out of digital customers services, digital fleet management, Chromebooks among staff, data insights on improving outcomes for children, the phased delivery of standardised reporting and self-service functions for HR and payroll.
Details on the current landscape include an annual ICT budget of £3.84 million, 18,200 user accounts, approximately 250 applications,351 services, 120 supplier contracts, 40 networked offices, over 30,000 devices and 3,500 mobile devices.
Image from iStock, Putilich
