Technology
Overcoming obstacles to digital change
The MJ and Fujitsu hosted a round table debate looking at managing the obstacles to digital change - to explore the issues councils currently face and some of the solutions discovered. Martin Ford reports.
A plan for social care is finally coming. What should be in it?
Having a clear view about the outcomes sought is key to drawing up a new plan for social care - and it should be developed with the sector and with people with lived experience, say Paul Burstow and Ewan King.
Future Forum North: 'Robots will not replace humans'
Robots will not replace humans in the workplace and offices will continue to exist, The MJ’s Future Forum North event has heard.
The MJ Data and Digital: Getting digital right
Working on digital partnerships is fraught with pitfalls. Kirsty Cole and Melvyn Ingleson offer top tips for making sure you get the best out of your digital transformation deals.
Ready for the revolution?
With the rise of technology in the workplace, Nesta and The MJ asked local government frontline workers and staff about their councils’ approach to innovation. Heather Jameson reports on the results.
Provider chosen for transparency code
Technology provider Byhiras has been selected to develop a platform that will ensure asset managers comply with the local government pension scheme’s (LGPS) code of transparency.
Transforming public services
The decision five years ago to wind up Whitehall’s Transformation Unit resulted in a loss of capacity and expertise, according to Pat Ritchie. Now, the new Prime Minister must embrace post-austerity place-based deals, she believes.
Navigating Digital Transformation
Lucy Woods at legal firm Ashfords shares her top tips for getting the best outcome from digital procurement.
Mid-sized cities should be Government’s automatic choice for tech impact pilots
Chair of the Key Cities Group Cllr Peter Box says mid-sized cities are ideally positioned to be the UK's automation pilot areas (AutoPilots)
Bring on the robots
AI could be a great time-saver in workplaces dealing with complex processes, writes Claire Fox, but making work robotic should not be confused with technology’s exciting potential.
How AI is already transforming the workplace
Andrew Grant explains how AI is only a part of Aylesbury Vale DC's 'aggressive digital transformation approach', and he says it needs to be embraced by 'any organisation calling itself modern or relevant.
Accessing key drivers for partnership working
Access to skills, technology and investment were among the key reasons for local authorities to work with the private sector says a recent survey jointly commissioned by The MJ and Serco. Michael Burton reports
Making digital partnerships work
Melvyn Ingleson says that while the expertise of technology companies is genuine, there is an opportunity for councils to re-balance relationships, drive a harder bargain and ensure robust engagement from those you hold accountable for outcomes.
How Gateshead Council Learning & Skills is using tech to deliver quality assurance
Sonya Anderson, senior adult learning and skills manager at Gateshead Council Learning & Skills, explains the value of having an effective self-assessment and improvement planning resource.
21st century leadership, technology and climate change
A number of councils in the UK have declared a climate change emergency. Max Wide says that while better technologies will help, what’s really needed to change behaviour is ‘bold, artful and technologically aware leadership’