Introduction from Cllr Louis
We are living in a world that is constantly changing. To many of us, trying to keep up with the pace of new developments can feel bamboozling. This change can be seen most clearly in the world of digital technology.
Across the world, new innovations present great opportunities for an improved quality of life; quicker, cheaper and more effective services; easier communication; and higher living standards. They also present challenges, to established ways of working, and to national security.
The role of a good digital strategy is to grasp this context, and navigate a path that ensures strong, secure foundations; effective, efficient working arrangements that provide better value to council-tax payers; and the ability to adapt and adjust to new innovations, circumstances and events in a way that maximises our effective operation and security.
In all this, digital technology is there not to control, but to serve, to be the ever-improving tool that allows a worker to do their job; the council to deliver value-for-money services, and residents to enjoy more fulfilling lives.
Set in this context, our new digital strategy sets out how we will respond to local needs, and how we will make it easier for everyone to get the services they need, when they need them. As we move into a new era for local government, preparing for devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), this is more important, and more timely, than ever.
I am ambitious for what we can achieve, and I am determined that we work tirelessly to achieve it. This strategy is a clear and effective statement of that ambition and that determination; I am happy to commend it and look forward to getting started on the exciting, ambitious work that will bring it to fruition.
Cllr Derrick Louis TD VR MBA CDir FRSA FIoD
Cabinet Member for Transformation, Essex County Council