Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

This report provides an update on progress with Digital by Design and sets out an initial implementation plan and other information related to the programme.  For ease of reference, Appendix A summarises the key new capabilities the Programme will deliver.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to discuss the proposed approach to implementing the Digital by Design Programme and to request any further information as necessary.  

Officer contacts Steve Skelton or Paul James on 0161 474 3174/ 5430, or by email on steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk / paul.james@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on progress with Digital by Design and setting out an initial implementation plan and other information related to the programme.  For ease of reference, Appendix A to the report summarised the key new capabilities the Programme will deliver.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support & Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The Scrutiny Committee noted and discussed the proposed ‘agile’ approach to the ‘Digital by Design’ Programme.

·         The changes should ensure that residents continue to be provided with alternative means of accessing council services and information.

·         Best practice and learning from other Council’s further ahead in implementing similar proposals.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Support & Governance)

The Digital by Design Programme involves significant investment of one-off resources to modernise a range of Council services; its focus is on the provision of information, improved customer contact, online self-service, engagement with communities, and the ability to create a more joined-up view of our customers. 

The Executive is recommended to:-

·         discuss and approve the proposal

·         make appropriate provision for the required financial investment

Officer contact: Steve Houston/ Laureen Donnan, 0161 474 3180, steve.houston@stockport.gov.uk / Laureen.donnan@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Support & Governance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider the implications of the Digital by Design Programme for improvements to the provision of information, improved customer contact, online self-service, engagement with communities, and the ability to create a more joined-up view of customers, and resource investment needed to modernise these services. The Programme would also underpin and ‘enable’ a number of other areas of activity to redesign services.

Executive councillors acknowledged the need for the Programme but reiterated the need to ensure that changes took into account the needs of those residents who did not have ready access to digital services.

RESOLVED – That the Digital by Design proposal as set out in the report, including the financial investment required to deliver the programme as set out in Section 7, be approved.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services.

This report sets out the draft proposal for a Digital by Design Programme to better use technology to keep people informed and connected; and to reduce the cost of services.  These issues are presented for discussion by Councillors on the Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee, following the all-Members briefing earlier on 7 July, and ahead of the Executive’s decision regarding the shape of and investment required for the digital programme. Specifically, the Committee is asked to comment on the proposals contained within the report.

The Corporate, Resource Management and Governance Scrutiny Committee is recommended to discuss and comment upon the proposals contained in the report. Members’ comments will be then reported to the Executive meeting which receives the proposals for consideration and approval.

Officer contacts: Steve Skelton on 0161 474 3174 or email: steve.skelton@stockport.gov.uk or Paul James on 0161 474 5430 or email paul.james@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the draft proposal for a Digital by Design Programme to better use technology to keep people informed and connected; and to reduce the cost of services.

The Chair referred to the all-Members briefing held earlier in the evening prior to the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee. The report invited the Scrutiny Committee to comment on the proposals ahead of the Executive’s decision regarding the shape of and investment required for the digital programme.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio holder for Support and Governance (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to answer members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Scrutiny Committee discussed the financial benefits to the Council in view of the significant investment required to implement the proposals. It was noted that the proposals were critical to enable other parts of the Investing in Stockport Programme to be delivered and improve the ‘customer experience’.

·         The need to maintain current systems alongside the implementation of the Digital by Design Programme.

·         The opportunity for Councillors to assist in enabling residents has the tools and skills to communicate with the council digitally and for Councillors to be involved in the implementation process.

·         The need to ensure that security is paramount in relation to personal data.

·         The need to reduce duplication in relation to transactions made on line e.g. as far as possible systems are automated.

·         The need to review the impact on staff including flexible and mobile working.

RESOLVED – That the report and executive proposals be noted.