Agenda item

The Chairman invited Tom Denman (Digital Advisor – Productivity) to introduce the report.

Tom outlined the different streams of the Digital Inclusion Programme (DIP), Remote Council Meeting Hub (RMCH), and Digital Case Study Hub (DCSH). Cllr Neil Prior (Deputy Chair) added that the DCSH now features learning from over 90 case studies. Tom introduced two speakers to give short presentations on their experience of the LGA’s support on digital projects and remote working:

i.               Digital Inclusion Programme

Tom introduced Jabed Hussain (Head of Digital Transformation at Achieving for Children) to discuss the DIP. Achieving for Children is a body owned by Kingston & Richmond Borough Council. Starting from a very low point of digital engagement, DIP funding enabled the development of a comprehensive digital strategy running across three key streams: meeting recording, analytics in early help, AI Chatbot for digital help. Jabed spoke with particular reference to the chatbot service which is being targeted at vulnerable children and families which has improved engagement and freed up resources. 

ii.              Remote Council Meeting Hub

Councillor Roger Blaney (Chairman of Planning Committee from Newark & Sherwood District Council) outlined his experience of remote working processes. The COVID pandemic forced an immediate halt on the work of most committees except for bodies with urgent statutory responsibilities including the Planning Committee. The committee made early use of remote working tools and legislation, with a case study produced to discuss pros and cons of this. Working alongside legal and Democratic Services, the process was further developed to enable more effective working and inclusion for local residents. He gave an overview of what has been implemented. Moving forward Newark & Sherwood District Council will be implementing remote meetings for the remainder of 2020.

Following the presentations, the Board members raised the following points:

·       Discussion of engagement levels due to increased digital working through the COVID pandemic. Several members highlighted that remote attendance among elected members and the public at meetings has been generally high in comparison to physical attendance pre-COVID pandemic.

·       There was a consensus that strides made on improving digital engagement in recent months should not be lost. Further efforts are needed to improve the overall standards and culture toward digital. Questions remain however around digital poverty and what authorities can do to ensure the most isolated and vulnerable members of communities have access to resources.

·       Some points were raised around running engagement events such as “Be A Councillor” training as online sessions. Members highlighted this would improve accessibility citing well attended recent events.

Tom gave additional information on upcoming webinars which will focus on steps taken by councils to improve digital engagement and remote workstreams.

The Chairman thanked Roger and Jabed for their time.

Decisions

The members of the Improvement & Innovation Board noted the report. Officers to continue their work providing support to authorities on remote working.