Decision details

The Head of ICT provided Members with an update on the digital strategy work and the proposed work programme of actions needed to be delivered. Members were referred to section 5 of the report which listed the achievements to date in respect of the delivery of the Councils digital strategy.  The Head of ICT referenced work in relation to Digital Resident, Digital Skills, Digital Workplace, Digital Visitor and the  Digital Business.   He added that underpinning the above work has seen investment in the digital infrastructure, that has included improved broadband capacity; implementation of a new modernised telephony system in libraries, theatres and leisure centres; installation of additional Wi-Fi in a number of Council buildings; and investment through 21^st Century Schools to transform the learning experience of pupils.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services thanked the Head of ICT and his team for the work completed to date, commenting on the positive work undertaken with the Councils digital infrastructure, which provided further resilience to the Council going forward. The Cabinet Member also spoke of the front facing developments which would be recognised by the customers and service users.

Both the Leader and the Deputy Leader spoke on the work undertaken and the importance of enabling agile working for the benefit of the staff involved and the Council in respect of the office accommodation strategy.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.         To support efforts to increase online and self service opportunities and agree to establish self service pilot projects within Libraries, Leisure Centres and One4all Centres.

2.         To the upgrade and enhancement of the Council’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

3.         To undertake a procurement exercise to replace the existing contact centre telephony system.

4.         To support the extension of digital skill building opportunities for example through Digital Fridays, Child Exploitation Online Protection (CEOP) work and support to Library Service Housebound service users.

5.         To an accelerated implementation programme for Agile Working, building on the success of the pilot projects completed and in line with the requirements of the Council’s Accommodation Strategy.

6.         To procure and implement a suite of productivity and collaboration tools to support the delivery of more effective and efficient service delivery.

7.         To the development of a Digital Support Plan for businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf and receive further reports as appropriate on outcomes being delivered.

8.         To the development of a technology investment programme to ensure that core digital infrastructure remains robust and sustainable into the medium term.

9.         To receive a future report in relation to the business case and options for relocating the Council’s Data Centre facility in response to agreed future plans for Extra Care delivery at the Bronwydd Site.

10.      To a review of data management arrangements at the Council to ensure consistency and security of data use and to procure and pilot the use of data analytical tools to support improved business intelligence.

11.      To support the financial commitments set out in Table 1 (paragraph 9.2) of the report and the outcome from the agreed procurement exercises and fund these through available resources, with the caveat that a further report is required should any additional funding commitments be identified.

12.      To receive further reports on the progress of current actions to deliver the Council’s Digital Strategy, as well as updates on further phases of work and digital transformation opportunities as they arise.

xii. Agrees

N/A