In the fast-paced world of technology, the question arises: are we keeping our workforce equipped with the necessary digital skills? In the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive Podcast, a panel of experts tackled this pressing issue, discussing the importance of digital transformation in public services and the strategies needed to ensure staff are not left behind.

The conversation featured prominent voices including Hillary Reid from Ayrshire College, Sarah Chamberlain from BCP Council, Laura Cooper from Norfolk County Council, and Penny Syddall from Dorset Council. Together, they explored how digital skills are crucial for successful transformation and how organisations can foster a culture of empowerment and inclusion.

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the role of 'digital champions' – individuals within organisations who possess the knowledge and experience to support their colleagues in navigating technology. Sarah Chamberlain highlighted the significance of these champions in demystifying technology, stating, 'Tech can be frightening to people. What we're really trying to do is make it a thing that belongs to all of us.' This approach aims to alleviate the anxiety often associated with digital tools and encourages a more collaborative atmosphere.

The episode also addressed the importance of leadership in driving cultural change. Leaders must foster an environment where innovation and digital literacy are prioritised. As Penny Siddle pointed out, 'When we launched this project, we wondered if we would get pushback from services, but it helps frontline services do their role better.' By integrating digital skills training into everyday practices, organisations can enhance efficiency and improve service delivery.

Moreover, the discussion touched upon the necessity of tailored training programmes that cater to the unique needs of staff. Laura Cooper emphasised the value of one-on-one support, stating, 'We take a very human first and empathetic approach to how we're working with our tech-terrified colleagues.' This personalised approach not only boosts confidence but also encourages employees to embrace new technologies rather than shy away from them.

As we look to the future, the guests agreed that critical thinking will be an essential skill in navigating the digital landscape. With the rise of AI and automation, the ability to discern and question information will become increasingly important. This forward-thinking perspective is vital for ensuring that the workforce is not only skilled but also adaptable to the evolving demands of the digital age.

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In the latest episode, we address a pressing issue that affects many in Wales: the digital divide. This term refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not, whether due to choice or barriers. It’s a critical social justice and economic issue that has far-reaching implications for individuals and communities alike.

The Welsh government has recognised the importance of tackling this divide, launching the Digital Strategy for Wales in March 2021. This strategy aims to create an inclusive digital society where everyone can benefit from the advantages that digital technology offers. Mission two of this strategy focuses on equipping individuals with the motivation, confidence, and basic digital skills necessary to navigate our increasingly digital world.

Despite these efforts, a significant portion of the population remains digitally excluded. Recent data from the National Survey for Wales revealed that approximately 170,000 individuals aged 16 and over do not personally use the Internet. The reasons behind this exclusion are varied, ranging from lack of motivation and trust in online security to affordability issues related to devices and connectivity.

We explore the concept of a minimum digital living standard, which serves as a benchmark for the essential digital goods, services, and skills required for individuals to fully engage in modern life. This standard is not merely about having Internet access; it encompasses a broader understanding of what it means to be digitally included in today’s society.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the necessity of a cross-sectoral approach to address the digital divide. It is not solely the responsibility of the government; collaboration among public, private, and third sectors is crucial. By working together, we can co-produce interventions that meet the diverse needs of the community.

We also highlight pilot projects being undertaken in Wales to support residents in engaging with digital technology. These initiatives aim to align resources and training with the specific needs of individuals and households, ultimately enhancing their ability to participate in the digital world.

As we conclude this episode, we invite listeners to reflect on the importance of inclusivity in our digital society. It is vital that we design services that cater to the wants and needs of individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access and engage with essential services. Join us in embracing this challenge and striving towards a future where no one is left behind in the digital age.

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In the face of climate change, the urgency for decarbonisation in public sector estates has never been more critical. With public sector estates producing over 9 million tonnes of CO2 annually, the journey towards achieving net zero by 2050 is a shared responsibility that demands immediate action and innovative solutions.

In this panel discussion, experts from the NHS, local councils, and housing groups gathered to explore how local authorities can future-proof their estates through low carbon heating, energy efficiency retrofits, and the deployment of smart technologies. The conversation highlighted the vital role of funding, particularly through the public sector decarbonisation scheme, which has committed over £2 billion to support these initiatives.

One of the standout projects discussed was the retrofitting of homes on the Dudley Fields Estate in Bloxwich. Adrian Andrew from Walsall Council shared insights into the comprehensive range of structural and environmental improvements being made to 85 units in collaboration with Walsall Housing Group. This project not only aims to bring older homes, some dating back to 1937, up to net zero standards but also serves as a model for future retrofitting efforts across the region.

The challenges of retrofitting historic buildings were also a focal point of the discussion. Tricia Ayrton from Rochdale Borough Council proudly shared her experience with the renovation of Rochdale Town Hall, the first grade one listed building in the UK to install air source heat pumps. These efforts demonstrate that while technical challenges exist, ambitious projects can indeed be accomplished with the right planning and partnerships.

As the conversation unfolded, the panellists emphasised the importance of communication and public engagement. Ensuring that residents understand the benefits of decarbonisation is crucial for garnering support and participation. The messaging around these initiatives must resonate with the community, highlighting not just environmental benefits but also the potential for reduced energy bills and improved living conditions.

The panel concluded with key takeaways, stressing the need for a pragmatic approach to transitioning facilities into net zero. Janet Smith from the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust encapsulated this sentiment, advocating for a strategic plan that prioritises core facilities while considering the long-term sustainability of new builds.

As we move forward in this critical journey towards decarbonisation, the insights shared by our panellists provide a roadmap for local authorities and organisations to follow. By embracing innovation, fostering partnerships, and engaging with the community, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future for public sector estates.

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In the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive podcast, Nadeem Khan, a team leader at the housing charity Shelter joined host Dan Benn to discuss the critical issue of possession and eviction notices.

With over a decade of experience, Nadeem shed light on the alarming rise in homelessness due to increasing housing costs and a shortage of affordable homes.

Nadeem explained that possession and eviction are often the primary reasons people seek help from Shelter. He emphasised the emotional turmoil that accompanies these situations, with many clients feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and even angry as they face the prospect of losing their homes. Understanding the emotional impact is crucial for housing professionals, as it allows them to provide not just practical advice but also emotional support to clients.

Throughout the discussion, Nadeem explored typical scenarios clients might face, such as receiving a notice from a landlord or dealing with rent arrears. Nadeem highlighted the importance of knowing one's rights and options in these situations. He provided insights into the steps professionals should take when advising clients, including fact-finding to assess the individual's circumstances and rights to emergency housing.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on the distinction between possession and eviction. Nadeem clarified that while possession is a court ruling requiring a tenant to vacate their home, eviction occurs when the tenant does not leave by the specified date. This distinction is crucial, as it opens up avenues for negotiation and potential delays in the eviction process, allowing clients more time to find solutions.

Emergency housing is another key topic discussed. Nadeem explained that local authorities provide emergency accommodation for those who are legally homeless, but the reality of this housing can often be stark. Many clients find themselves in cramped conditions, far from their support networks, which can exacerbate their already difficult situations.

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In today's fast-paced world, the ability to negotiate effectively is more crucial than ever. Whether you're in the public sector, private industry, or simply trying to strike a deal at home, the principles of negotiation remain the same. In our latest podcast episode, we have the privilege of hosting Andy Archibald, a senior consultant at Scotwork, who sheds light on the art and science of negotiation.

Andy brings a wealth of experience, having worked across the energy and utility sectors, as well as at the City of Edinburgh Council. His insights into negotiation are not only practical but also transformative. One of the key highlights of our discussion is Scotwork's eight-step negotiation process, a tried-and-tested framework that can be applied across various negotiation contexts.

Preparation, as Andy points out, is the cornerstone of effective negotiation. Without thorough preparation, negotiators risk entering discussions without a clear strategy, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes. Andy shares a compelling story of a group that focused too heavily on numbers during preparation, neglecting other crucial aspects of negotiation. His advice? Move beyond spreadsheets and consider all elements that could impact the negotiation process.

As we look ahead to the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, Andy highlights the significant changes it will bring to public sector negotiations. With increased flexibility and freedom, public sector negotiators must be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to maximise value in their deals. Andy's experience in the public sector and with public sector clients underscores the importance of investing in negotiation training to navigate these changes effectively.

Throughout the episode, Andy provides invaluable tips on avoiding common pitfalls in negotiation, such as getting stuck in circular debates or making non-specific proposals. By focusing on constructive dialogue and clear, specific proposals, negotiators can steer discussions towards successful outcomes.

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The world is becoming an increasingly hostile place. With foreign nations often entering the headlines as they breach the cyber security of organisations, it is imperative that government continues to develop its cyber security capabilities.

One of the best ways to go about doing this is by ensuring that systems are secure by design, and in order to learn more about this process, host Dan Benn spoke to cyber security expert George Bathurst. Over the course of more than thirty years, George’s career has taken him to some of the world’s biggest and most famous companies, and has recently seen him heading up Ministry of Defence’s transition to secure by design.

George commented on the importance of following the secure by design model, saying:

“For many years, we’ve seen projects that have just been getting started and they’ve already been hacked. The development servers and things like that have been breached and… whereas three months ago you had a month to respond to a new zero day bug being discovered, with AI now you’ve got just a few hours.”

Moving on to what leaders can do to support secure by design development, George explained:

“Everybody is responsible, but there’s a danger of that becoming meaningless because if everybody’s responsible, nobody’s responsible. Therefore, what management can do is identify the right people across the organisation – not just in the IT silo – who are responsible for certain types of security or making sure a project is delivered, and make sure that they understand and have the training to do that.”

To learn more about the importance of secure by design in the modern world, listen to the latest episode of the Public Sector Executive podcast.

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Episode 64 of the PSE Podcast sees Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council, joining host Dan Benn to talk about her local government background, what the future holds for the city of Nottingham, and the importance of collaboration with the rest of the East Midlands.

Playing a core role in the establishment of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, Sajeeda told Dan about the opportunity that is on offer for the region, saying:

“I believe that the establishment of a combined authority for the East Midlands is a hugely exciting opportunity for the whole region. As a region, we’ve had significant underinvestment for many years and the establishment of a combined authority is to level that playing field in terms of bringing in significant investment for growing the regional economy.”

Looking at Nottingham more specifically, Sajeeda also spoke about the opportunities there are for regeneration and growth for the city:

“We’re one of the few cities that are already starting to rethink how we repurpose our city centres to become spaces that are used for multiple reasons, for living, for retail, for leisure and for jobs so it’s hugely exciting. It’s game-changing in the sense that it’s the start of what I would imagine lots of other places will go through in terms of change for the future.”

You can hear more about Sajeeda's experiences by listening to the full episode.

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It would be naïve to say that major infrastructure projects in the UK have a successful history of being delivered on time and on budget. Whilst there are many good examples of projects that have been successful in this way, the UK is still underperforming when it comes to delivery, with one of the most notable examples – the High Speed 2 rail link – still causing controversy seven years on from its commencement.

In order to explore why major infrastructure projects are failing, and how the issue can be resolved, MIGSO-PCUBED’s David Whitmore joined us on the latest episode of the PSE Podcast. David outlined the evidence that exists to support claims that the nation is underperforming when it comes to infrastructure, saying:

“There’s quite a bit of evidence, unfortunately. Probably the main piece of evidence is that the Infrastructure and Projects Authority carries out an annual review of the performance of public sector projects in the public interest, and we’ve seen consistently over the 10-12 years that they’ve been doing that review, more red in the performance of the projects and less green.

“It’s not just that our baseline performance is worse than it was 25 years ago, it would appear to be getting worse every year.”

David was also asked about the UK’s place in the world, and whether an inability to deliver major infrastructure projects was a UK-specific issue. Bringing in the example of the far-east, David said:

“For me, it’s very much a UK issue – you might argue it’s a western world issue.

“If you take the example of the civil nuclear programme, that – for me- is probably the starkest example…  About 2007 we embarked on a new nuclear programme to build 16 gigawatts of additional capacity; around the same time, the UAE started a programme to build four nuclear reactors. No contest, we’ve got 100,000 engineers and we’ve built loads of nuclear reactors, clearly we’re going to win that race.

“But here we stand today, we’ve built zero gigawatts out of that 16, two of the three projects that started have failed and are no longer in existence… yet in the UAE – using Far East partners and forming relationships with South Korean companies – they’ve built their four reactors.”

To learn more about how major infrastructure projects can be delivered successfully, listen to the latest episode of the PSE Podcast now.

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