Technology
AI and public services of the future
The challenge for Surrey is to work with partners to develop a regional economic ecosystem around AI, and harness the technology in a safe and trustworthy way, says Dawn Redpath.
AI: The future for local government
Last week, Rishi Sunak brought world leaders to Bletchley Park to focus on AI, but what will it mean for councils? Penna and The MJ asked a recent round table just that. Heather Jameson reports.
Time to think harder about AI
As dignitaries depart from the Prime Minister’s AI summit in Bletchley Park, Michael Bracey reflects on how local government could be using the technology
Brum's fiscal firestorm
Birmingham City Council's dilemma highlights local governance struggles, but dire financial circumstances can catalyse positive changes, says Claire Agutter.
Overcoming our culture of austerity
Jonathan Flowers says there may be an opportunity for a new approach that is not defined by austerity, so where there is scope for innovation it’s important to make it count.
Technology’s tremendous gift
The sector has focused on increasing technical proficiency in order to do less, but AI offers the potential for radical innovation if it is confronted and embraced, says Mark Rogers.
Winning plan to leverage AI’s power
Lewis Sheldrake’s AI Labs project offering a framework to bring the power of artificial intelligence into all aspects of council service delivery won him the Local Government Challenge 2023. Heather Jameson reports.
The art of retaining staff in difficult times
Martin Tucker and Emma Haddleton share their views on the positive leadership steps that can ensure your top talent continues to grow with your organisation.
Perth & Kinross in global first
Perth & Kinross Council has become the first place in the world to use spiral-flow battery technology to reduce its carbon footprint.
Technology: a revolution is long overdue in local government
Leo Hanna asks if archaic IT systems have driven local authorities to breaking point.
The IMPOWER Annual Impact Report
IMPOWER's first annual impact report highlighting the results achieved across different projects and markets since January 2022 will be launched at the LGA annual conference, says Sean Hanson
Power through partnership
More than a decade after the Commission on the Future of Local Government, and as we advance towards a General Election, Tom Riordan asks if its core propositions hold good, and he sets out what the sector should want to see in the party manifestos.
Technology can deliver a long-term solution to the discharge problem
Utilising technology is a key way to reduce delayed discharge and support person-centred care, says Julie Tyas.
Embracing the AI opportunity
If we are to make a success of using AI, it’s essential that everyone – local government, academia, industry and residents – is at the heart of the process, says Pam Smith.
View from the Hill
AI will have a major impact on the way organisations recruit, says director at Tile Hill Executive Recruitment Greg Hayes. 'Adopting the benefits as they are proven while exercising caution and retaining human judgement is the obvious path.'
Stellar new story for Ashfield
Ambition and focus are helping Ashfield drive transformational change despite a sluggish national economy and a cost of living crisis, says Theresa Hodgkinson.
Future proofing: the move from analogue to digital can help transform councils
Ashish Gupta explores the major tech upgrade that will help unlock a new era for councils over the next 18 months.
What did the Romans ever do for recruitment?
The reality of today’s recruitment industry is that things have dramatically changed, particularly with processes and technology. But as Philip Emms and Tim Hills explain, talent management is still about ‘people’ – just like the old days
Keeping pace and capitalising on opportunities
Gordon McFarlane sets out the main messages that emerged from this year’s PPMA conference, including the need to build organisational resilience.
Taking the energy network modelling route towards net zero
Chris Anton explains how energy network modelling is helping Perth and Kinross council hit net zero.