Digital Directions: What's next for councils?

What does digital transformation look like when it’s rooted in place?Across local government, digital and data teams are often seen as back office functions. But behind the scenes, they are helping redesign services, strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for communities.In the latest episode of Digital Directions: What next for councils? we explore how councils are transforming communities through digital and data.Host Lisa Trickey is joined by three leaders driving change in their places:Simone Thomas, Data Insights Lead, Cheshire West and Chester CouncilClaire Evans, Director for Transformation, Tewkesbury Borough CouncilAtika Mohammed, Director for Digital, Data and Technology, Luton Borough CouncilIn this episode, you will hear practical insight on:Leadership in place - Why digital needs a seat at the top table, and how aligning digital ambition with a clear place vision (such as Luton 2040) helps prioritise what really matters.Turning data into action - From improving hospital discharge pathways to using AI enabled contact centres to reduce waiting times, the discussion highlights how better use of data is freeing up capacity and supporting preventative approaches.Culture before technology - Why technology alone is never the answer. The conversation explores building digital pioneers, investing in apprenticeships, strengthening data skills across the workforce, and creating a culture of collaboration and experimentation.Designing with communities - How councils are using co production, neighbourhood models and user centred design to ensure transformation works for everyone, including those who are often least heard.Running through the episode is a clear message: digital transformation is not about systems. It is about people, relationships and impact.

Local government is at the heart of delivering a modern, digital UK.To achieve the government’s ambitions, delivering transparent, next-generation public services, boosting productivity, and driving inclusive economic growth, we need a unified approach. In this special episode of Digital Directions - We are diving into the launch of GDS Local, a fundamental shift that extends the power and resources of the Government Digital Service directly to councils. In this special launch episode, host Lisa Trickey is joined by decision-makers at the very top of the sector:  The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister for Digital Government and Data  Theo Blackwell MBE, Chief Digital Officer for London  Steve Sharples, Head of Digital Services, Liverpool City Combined AuthorityThis isn't just high-level policy talk. We dig into the practical realities of how central and local government can finally "rewire the state" together.1. The 'GDS Local' Offer Minister Murray outlines how the new initiative moves beyond 'top-down' directives. We discuss how councils can access central tools and standards to fix the legacy supplier market and break down data silos.2. The Gov.uk App Vision Imagine a single app where a resident can check their council tax, report a missed bin, and renew their passport. We discuss the roadmap to integrating local services into a unified national experience.3. Productivity & AI in Action We look at real-world examples from Liverpool and St Helens, where AI is being used to free up social workers for complex cases, proving that digital transformation is about staff wellbeing as much as efficiency.

Digital Exclusion isn't a fixed reality. Its a shifting vulnerability. In a world where digital isn't a luxury, but an essential, how can councils build services that are prepared for this? This is the central question in our new Digital Directions episode, ‘How can we ensure the digital world includes everyone’ The discussion, hosted by Lisa Trickey, explores this as a core challenge for residents. But it also turns inward, examining how can councils deliver a digital-first service to the public if staff aren't digitally included? It’s a challenge that highlights a crucial link: our internal capability is fundamental to delivering truly inclusive services to our residents. To explore these questions, Lisa is joined by an expert panel:Jason Tutin (Head of 100% Digital Leeds, Leeds City Council)Dr. Emma Stone (Director of Evidence and Engagement, Good Things Foundation)Grace Perks (Digital Adviser, LGA)

Our latest episode of Digital Directions: What next for councils? provides a candid look at laying the essential technology foundations for long term resilience, agility, and innovation.Host Lisa Trickey is joined by a fantastic set of Digital Leaders from the sector who are navigating these challenges daily:Matthew Wallbridge, Chief Operating Officer at Hillingdon CouncilOpama Khan, Director of Technology and Workplace at Hackney CouncilMadeline Hoskin, Assistant Director for Technology at North Yorkshire CouncilIn this episode, you will get practical insights on:Redefining Technical Debt: Learn why the shiny, new AI product you're pitched today could become the restrictive legacy system of tomorrow. The conversation explores how to evaluate new tech and avoid being locked into contracts that stifle future innovation.Building on Solid Foundations: Listen to the discussion on the criticality of getting back to basics like enterprise architecture, data standards, and product lifecycle management, the essential steps before you can effectively leverage emerging technologies.Moving from Talk to Action: This isn't just about sharing ideas; it's about sharing the work. Hear the call to build once and share many times across councils, with guests offering to openly publish their strategies and business cases to help other councils accelerate their pace of change.

How can councils avoid spending precious time and money on services that don't meet resident needs? This episode of Digital Directions dives into the practical application of user-centered design (UCD) as the essential link between a leader's vision and on-the-ground delivery.Host Lisa Trickey is joined by a panel of experts to share hands-on advice:  Annie Heath, Head of Technology, Data and Experience at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council  Phil Rumens, Digital Services Manager at West Berkshire Council  Sarah Slate, Digital Advisor at the LGAIn this discussion, you will learn:  How to foster an evidence-based culture that moves teams from assumptions to decisions grounded in real user research.  The practical methods your teams can use—like "rapid reviews"—to quickly identify service improvements without lengthy projects.  Why co-designing with residents is a powerful tool for improving accessibility and building services that genuinely meet community needs.

What truly drives digital change? Is it the technology we implement, or the culture we build? In our latest episode of Digital Directions: What next for councils? we discuss that leadership and culture are the real engines of transformation. This series features candid conversations with the people leading and delivering change, and this episode gets to the heart of how to create an environment where innovation can flourish. Host Lisa Trickey is joined by two executives sharing their invaluable, first-hand experience: Alison McKenzie-Folan, Chief Executive of Wigan Council Richard Brooks, Executive Director for City Operations, Birmingham City Council Tune in for insights on: Why digital transformation is less about technology and more about culture, values, and focusing on people. The critical role of psychological safety and how leaders can foster it by asking ‘What have we learned?"’ instead of ‘Who is to blame?’ when things go wrong. How to scale innovation from small, successful projects to create systemic, council wide change. The practical leadership behaviours from kindness and compassion to courage, that are essential to enable transformation.