To seek approval for a new Digital Strategy 2013/18 encompassing information management, technology, communications and engagement.

THAT:

                     (a)          the Digital Strategy 2013/18 be approved; and

(b)             the Commercial & Commissioning Board ensure that the principles within the strategy inform future commissioning arrangements.

The strategy broadly lays down key guiding principles, supported by a clear delivery plan, which enables Herefordshire Council to meet its current priorities in the most cost effective way.

1.         Continuing to work with the existing ICT strategy (agreed in 2011) has been discounted as it doesn’t sufficiently cover the issues of requiring more flexible ways of working, the rollout of broadband across the county, the increased financial pressures, Information Management as a key consideration, new emerging technologies and social media channels and the need for performance improvement in specific council service areas.

2.         This revised five year strategy has been developed to take account of these changes. It will be important to check our approach however at least annually to ensure that this work remains aligned to the priorities of the organisation and the county (including the Herefordshire 2020 work) and that our approach locally adopts new technologies that continue to emerge. This must be managed in a way that delivers benefits to Herefordshire whilst minimising any risks associated with early adoption of new technology.