Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Mullin introduced the item and explained that the revised strategy incorporated learning experiences, growth and ambition since Digital Flintshire was first published in 2016.  It also featured, as a separate theme, the objective to help reduce the exclusion that could be suffered without access to the skills, devices or connectivity needed to take advantage of digital services.

The Chief Officer (Governance) said consultation had been open to all and was undertaken by engaging with members of the public, the workforce and specific user groups that had been identified and it was published on the website.  179 responses were received, all of which indicated support for the strategic aims and ambitions of the Council. 

Feedback indicated four main areas of focus for respondents, which were largely being addressed as part of cross-cutting projects or themes within the Digital Strategy and would be prioritised as work progressed.  The areas were:

·         Planning and information;

·         Inclusion and accessibility;

·         Connectivity; and

·         Website and service provision.

A website group had been re-established to ensure that the website was improved, for example updating online content and maintaining links.  In addition, the website would continue to be streamlined and updated, have an improved search functionality and it would be accessible across all devices, noting that the majority of website hits were from smart phones.

Following the consultation, additional wording had been proposed to incorporate some elements of feedback and a draft response had been prepared for publication. 

The Digital Strategy Project Plan contained a list of all projects within the Digital Strategy which were assigned to a theme and reported against.  It also collated the costs of the projects for the purposes of financial planning.  The revised strategy was appended to the report.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the consultation results be welcomed;

(b)       That the refreshed Digital Strategy for 2021-2026 be approved with the additional amendments suggested in the report; and

(c)        That the Chief Officer (Governance) be given authority to finalise the policy in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Governance and Corporate Services including Health and Safety and Human Resources.