Agenda item

(a)  Noted the update to the modernisation and remediation activities being undertaken by the ICT & Digital Team and the next phase of work, as well as the ongoing risks, issues and challenges as the work continues,

(b)  Approved the next steps as set out in Appendix A, including the adoption of more automated processes, the upskilling of staff in the use of modern technologies and the building of a more coherent digital offer for residents.

The Leader of the Council introduced a report that updated on the progress of the ICT & Digital modernisation and remediation work approved by Cabinet in March 2022.  The report set out the work to-date, changes to the portfolio of projects based on the learning of the past year and the plan for the next year.

It was noted that the update had been considered by the Corporate Improvement Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on 24^th October 2023 at which various aspects of the progress were tested and constructively challenged.  Overall it was noted that good progress had been made, particularly in building solid foundations which would lead to new technology delivering improvements for residents in the future.

One major project that had been successfully completed recently was the data centre move.  This was a significant project and the IT team had worked very long hours over the weekend to complete it to ensure services and staff were not disrupted.  The Cabinet thanked the IT team for their hard work to ensure the move went smoothly.

The Chief Digital & Information Officer summarised other areas of progress set out in the report, which would in time improve customer service and the customer experience when engaging with the Council.  The update and next steps were noted.

Resolved –

(a)  That the update to the modernisation and remediation activities being undertaken by the ICT & Digital Team and the next phase of work, as well as the ongoing risks, issues and challenges as the work continues be noted; and

(b)  That the next steps as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved, including the adoption of more automated processes, the upskilling of staff in the use of modern technologies and the building of a more coherent digital offer for residents.