For public boards within local government, a transformative era is unfolding, profoundly impacting how these entities operate and engage with their communities. Stakeholders are demanding greater transparency and modernised community engagement. Simultaneously, the allure of artificial intelligence (AI) has captivated the world, promising to redefine organisational processes and communication. With all of this going on, it’s no wonder the newest hot topic is digital transformation in government departments.
Yet, amid this progress, anxiety exists regarding exposure to novel IT and cyber risks. Public leaders grapple with the challenge of demonstrating proactive risk management to satisfy increasingly stringent data security and privacy regulations. The conventional approaches to governance are no longer sufficient in the face of these complexities.
With that in mind, how can public leaders forge forward-thinking strategies that harmonise the potential of modern technologies with their inherent risks? Embracing digital transformation emerges as the answer. By harnessing the power of technology, public boards can streamline processes, enhance decision-making and foster robust community engagement.
We explore the driving forces accelerating digital transformation in government and examine how the right technology can empower public committees to navigate the digital era confidently and successfully.
Embracing generative AI in the public sector: A prudent approach
Generative AI has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionising many sectors, including education and local government. While its potential is undeniable, public organisations must proceed with caution, ensuring that appropriate policies and safeguards are in place.
Richard Barber, CEO and Board Director of Mind Tech Group, emphasises the significance of developing an AI framework, drawing inspiration from resources such as the NIST framework. This framework can provide a comprehensive blueprint for organisations to navigate the complexities of AI implementation, incorporating strategies and policies that foster responsible and effective utilisation of this technology.
If your board or leadership does not have an AI framework in place, they should. This should include strategy as well as the policies. Get some training, get some help. Take a look at the NIST framework. It has a 7-page playbook with an AI framework that you can use as a starting point.” — Richard Barber, CEO & Board Director, Mind Tech Group
It is also essential to recognise that AI’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of data it processes. As large language models (LLMs) form the backbone of generative AI, the accuracy and reliability of their outputs directly correlate with the quality of the data pools they are trained on. Therefore, organisations must prioritise data quality to ensure that AI-driven decisions are well-informed and accurate.
Prioritising data security and privacy in the digital age
The proliferation of technology has undoubtedly enhanced communication and collaboration within public organisations. However, this increased reliance on digital tools also magnifies the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. To mitigate these risks, public sector professionals must implement robust data security measures, including secure document storage and granular permission controls for internal communication. This is another central driving force for digital transformation in government departments.
Furthermore, public committees should encourage a culture of cybersecurity awareness among their members and staff. This involves educating stakeholders about potential threats, promoting the adoption of strong passwords, and discouraging the downloading, printing and emailing sensitive documents. By fostering a proactive approach to cybersecurity, public organisations can minimise the risk of data breaches and protect the sensitive information entrusted to them.
Fostering inclusivity and community engagement through technology
Technology plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and community engagement. By leveraging digital tools, public committees can connect with stakeholders who are unable to attend meetings in person due to remote locations, work schedules or other constraints. Livestreaming public meetings, providing access to meeting materials online and enabling virtual participation in discussions enhances transparency, fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating meaningful community engagement.
Resolute Bay in Canada is a compelling example of digital transformation in government departments. . By leveraging technology, Resolute Bay has been able to deliver public meeting documents in the local native language while enhancing public engagement. Their success story underscores the transformative potential of digital tools in modernising public governance.
Streamlining policy development, adoption and publishing
Policy development is an intricate and time-consuming process, often involving multiple stakeholders and numerous revisions. Diligent offers a comprehensive policy management solution streamlining policy development, adoption and publishing. This allows for efficient drafting, review and approval of policies. Additionally, the ability to track policy history, including adoption dates, rescissions and replacements, enhances transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, local governments can no longer afford to rely on conventional approaches. The demands for transparency, modernised community engagement and effective risk management necessitate the adoption of digital technologies.
By embracing the power of technology, public leaders can streamline processes, enhance decision-making, foster inclusivity and navigate the digital era with confidence and success.
