Agenda item

That the refreshed strategy for ICT & Digital services as detailed in the report and the full strategy document as attached at Appendix 1 be approved.

The Lead Member for Customers Services, Procurement & Performance introduced a report that set out the proposed new strategy for all ICT & Digital services at Slough Borough Council for the period 2023 to 2026.

An “adaptive strategy” was proposed that provided sufficient flexibility to respond to the Council’s changing needs, operations and technological advances over the coming years.  The strategy had clear outcomes and would support the delivery of the corporate plan and respond to the direction relating to IT.  The report set out the three core themes which were technological infrastructure and support service improvements; a refreshed approach to digital channels for residents; and a new structured approach to the platforms that would bring together data from across the authority and partners to inform decision making.

The Cabinet discussed a range of issues including the progress on resolving the connectivity issues at Observatory House, the move to a new telephony system and particularly the importance of moving from strategy to implementation to ensure the key outcomes were achieved and ICT was in a position to support the Council’s recovery.  It was asked whether the leadership and resources were in place to delivery the strategy.  The Lead Member highlighted a high quality leadership team was now in place on a permanent basis, notably the AD Chief Digital & Information Officer, and the team was confident the strategy could be successfully implemented.  The next phase of improvements included a laptop refresh and working with each individual service to assess their specific requirements and put in place the necessary provision.

The Cabinet highlighted the importance of improving the use of data in informing decision making at all levels of the Council.  The Chief Digital & Information Officer responded that a Data Strategy Group had been established and was leading this work.  The progress and next steps for the housing system was cited as an example of the joint work between ICT and services.

After due consideration, the strategy was approved.

Resolved –  That the refreshed strategy for ICT & Digital services as detailed in the report and the full strategy document as attached at Appendix 1 be approved.