To receive information on the Digital Transformation Programme and consider the value for money for the Council.

Contact:  Michele Leith, Head of Human Resources and Development, tel 01743 254402

The Head of Human Resources and Development as Senior Responsible Officer [SRO] for the programme updated Members on the Digital Transformation Programme.  Members noted that there had been two recent Member Briefings and that the Business Case had been confirmed by Full Council.

In response to a Member’s query about future IT links with the NHS and patient records, the Head of Human Resources and Development explained that this was a complex issue. Collaborative working was being undertaken with the view to enabling both the Council and NHS to have a single view of the service user.

The Head of Human Resources and Development advised Members that there had been no bench marking of current satisfaction levels amongst service users but agreed that this would be useful and that she would consider the best ways of achieving this.

Members noted that the £21m investment in the Digital Transformation Programme would have a staggered return with some immediate savings and increases in productivity, whilst other returns would take longer to achieve.  It was suggested that regular updates on progress should be presented to the Committee. 

The Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance explained that the business case had been based on assumed costs and associated cashable and non-cashable benefits. He continued that he anticipated constant revision of these figures as the programme progressed until it reached the stage of implementation, when final costs could be identified.  He advised that the Committee could monitor the progress of the programme using the revised business case.  In response to a Member’s question, the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance suggested that once the stage of contract negotiation was completed it would be useful for Members to review progress.

Members noted that during the Design Phase the organisation would specify the systems which were required and consideration would be given to how these integrated with other Council systems.  The Head of Finance Governance and Assurance confirmed that performance management would be part of the design process.  He continued that once the Design Phase was completed there would be a better understanding of the Council’s requirements.

Members discussed the cost of communication with the public and delivering a better service at a decreased cost through greater use of signposting technology and web based transactions.  A Member requested the provision of baseline costings at a future meeting.

The Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance confirmed that it was too early to include the anticipated financial benefits of the Digital Transformation Programme in the Financial Strategy. He continued that the Financial Strategy would be adjusted once the benefits were realised.

Members posed the issue of cyber security.  In response, the Head of Human Resources and Development explained that this was at the heart of the Digital Transformation Programme and the Council had robust security policies, the use of Cloud storage should provide greater security. The Technology and Communications Manager added that as security improved the threat level continued to rise.  Staff training would increase security awareness.  The Head of Human Resources and Development was asked why culture change appered to ba a small block on the governance chart.  She replied that culture change was broader than Digital Transformation; that the programme for culture change encompassed DTP, Commercialism, Mobile and Agile working and Customer Experience interactions.  She continued that she expected to report on progress in the autumn. 

Members noted that many of the existing Council systems such as Care First were now at the end of their lifespan and there was no option other than to replace them.  The Head of Human Resources and Development confirmed that all new systems would be PSN and N3 compliant where necessary.

RESOLVED: 

That Members receive regular updates on the progress of the Digital Transformation Programme.

The report was noted.