Welcome to this episode of Socitm Says, where we’re diving into the world of data — not the cold, abstract kind, but the warm, human stories it can unlock. Too often, data is seen as numbers on a page or dashboards on a screen. But when used well, it can transform how decisions are made, how policies are shaped, and ultimately how people’s lives are improved.

In this conversation, we explore exactly that. Hear from our two fantastic guests: Darren Rodwell, who led Barking & Dagenham Council for over a decade, and Ben Bennetts, a true data guru who knows how to make the complex simple. 

Together, they share how the council used data to shape policy, deliver outcomes, and reframe the conversation about what local government can achieve.

It’s a fascinating listen - packed with insights you can take back to your own organisation.

This episode of the podcast is a comprehensive exploration of data, the social progress index (SPI), and how one size does not fit all when trying to use it in your local authority. 

Central and local government veterans William Barker and Michael Green are asked questions by David Ogden. Listen to their conversation for ways to use SPI data to impact your strategy and activities.

See more at: www.socitm.net

This Socitm Says podcast sets the scene for why social value is important for public sector – Hear from Hema Patel & Tim Spiers at Oxfordshire County Council and Kurt Frary, Norfolk County Council as we discuss what does good look like and how do we achieve better outcomes across people and place, when it comes to social value.

Sign up to our upcoming Social Value webinar  (22 May 2024) join the discussion.

This Socitm Says podcast sets the scene for why social value is an important topic to explore – starting with the Private Sector. Hear from Hema Patel & Tim Spiers at Oxfordshire County Council and Kurt Frary, Norfolk County Council as we discuss what does good look like and how these challenges vary across different types of communities

Sign up to our upcoming Social Value webinar join the discussion.

Welcome the Socitm Says podcast. In this episode we delve into the dynamic relationship between Generative AI (GenAI) and local government.

Hosted by experts in the field, we explore different aspects of utilising GenAI, ranging from data management and ethical considerations to the potential benefits and drawbacks. As the hosts engage in insightful discussions, you will gain a nuanced understanding of how AI impacts decision-making processes within the world of local governance.  

Enjoy!

This episode of the podcast will focus on the global problem of electronic waste, the IT lifecycle emissions and the responsible disposal of electronic waste to reduce environmental impact, thereby contributing to achieving net zero targets.

This episode of the podcast returns to the annual digital trends report. Report researcher and author Jos Creese reflects on the common experiences and uncommon solutions to recruiting and retaining people with the skills and attitude local government needs. He also draws on personal experience from a sector that can’t compete with others on salary but can offer a complete benefits package that includes positively affecting people and communities.

Our second episode is based on Socitm's recent report on staff recruitment and retention in local government technology services, with contributions from Matt Lewis, SRS Wales' chief operating officer and a Socitm vice-president, and Sam Hall, director of primary, community care and mental health digital services at Digital Health and Care Wales. It is presented by report author SA Mathieson.

Read more about our Transforming Recruitment and Retention report on the Socitm website.

For our first episode, we Invite Jos Creese, Socitm Associate Director, and the CEO and founder at CREESE CONSULTING LIMITED (CCL), to talk us through Socitm's latest Collection - the Public Sector Digital Trends. Jos talks about his involvement, key points of the collection, the unexpected findings and offers word of encouragement to the listeners. 

Find the Public Sector Digital trends collection on the Socitm website.