Digital Directions: What's next for councils?

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.

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. 

We're kicking off with a candid, strategic conversation featuring two of the sector's most insightful leaders. Host Lisa Trickey is joined by Catherine Howe, Chief Executive (Adur & Worthing / Dorset Council), and Kit Collingwood, Chief Digital Officer (Royal Borough of Greenwich)Tune in for a discussion that moves beyond the buzzwords and into the reality of reimagining public services. You'll hear insights on:Building digital-native leadership teams and a culture of innovation.Why digital is one of the last levers for making services better and cheaper.Moving beyond rigid 'agile' rituals to focus on what really creates change.The leadership mindset required to be comfortable with experimentation and risk.