Decision details

Proposed decision

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to the adoption of theKCC Digital Strategy 2024-2027.

Reason for the decision

KCC requires a Digital Strategy to coordinate and drive digital transformation activity and to provide an overarching framework that encompasses KCC’s current and future digitally focused strategies and policies.

Background

KCC has a Technology Strategy but has never had a Digital Strategy. The Digital Strategy will focus on how KCC exploits technology to support and facilitate better digital experiences.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Do nothing – discarded.

How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026

This Strategy directly supports KCC response within the KCC Strategy, “Framing Kent’s Future, 2022-26”. Within this, KCC emphasise the importance of further digitising our services to improve the experiences of both our staff and our residents, the significance of investing in our ICT infrastructure and harnessing digital technologies. Substantial investments in technology have already been made, establishing robust architecture, and implementing modern internal tools, such as the enterprise-level Microsoft 365 environment. These advancements have significantly improved our technological foundations, providing a strong basis for the next phase of digital transformation, which will empower staff to excel in their roles, and improve customer experience for the residents of Kent. This is further demonstrated through our commitment to the Local Digital Declaration.

How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future

 The Digital Strategy supports the Council’s Securing Kent’s Future strategy, which states “The Digital Strategy sets out how the council can accelerate digital change to drive further efficiencies whilst also improving service quality and responsiveness.”

Objective Four of Securing Kent’s Future Strategy identifies the requirement for “Further transforming the operating model of the Council” and that “almost certainly, KCC will need to be a leaner organisation” and “drive new ICT and digital capabilities into its core service offer”. 

As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I agree to the adoption of the Kent County Council Digital Strategy 2024-2027.