What this means for Cheshire West and Chester
What this means for the borough
Our six digital commitments are designed to make services simpler, smarter, and more inclusive. Here’s what they mean in practice:
01
Provide digitally inclusive and customer focused services
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Services will be co-designed with residents and staff, ensuring they are intuitive and meet real needs.
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All digital services will meet accessibility standards, reducing barriers for people with disabilities or low digital confidence.
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Easier-to-use online services mean fewer calls and visits, freeing up staff time for complex cases.
02
Ensure our decisions are data-driven
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Data insights will help target resources where they have the greatest impact.
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Use of analytics to anticipate demand (e.g. in social care or housing) and act early.
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Decisions will backed by real-time performance and community feedback.
03
Be agile and responsive in our delivery
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Iterative development means we can release enhancements quickly rather than waiting for big projects.
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Ability to pivot services in response to emergencies, policy changes or user needs without major disruption.
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Smaller, incremental changes lower the risk of costly failures.
04
Build upon smart, impactful infrastructure
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Investment in scalable platforms reduces technical debt and supports long-term savings.
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Improved connectivity supports remote working, digital inclusion, and economic growth.
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Modern infrastructure underpins automation and integration, reducing duplication and manual work.
05
Protect privacy and data
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Strong data governance ensures compliance with GDPR and builds public confidence.
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Reduced risk of breaches protects sensitive information and avoids reputational damage.
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Transparent data practices make it easier to demonstrate ethical and legal responsibility.
06
Innovate and grow
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Digital innovation attracts investment and supports local businesses.
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Collaboration with tech partners and academia brings new ideas and funding.
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Encourages staff to experiment and improve services, creating a more dynamic organisation.
What this means for the Council
Our six digital commitments are not just principles, they translate into real, measurable benefits for every service area. Here’s what this means for you:
01
Provide digitally inclusive and customer focused services
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Services will be easier to use and accessible to everyone, meeting high standards of inclusivity.
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Residents and colleagues will have a voice in shaping digital services, ensuring they reflect real needs.
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Support will be available for different abilities and circumstances, reducing barriers to access.
02
Ensure our decisions are data-driven
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We will use data and feedback to improve services continuously, making them more relevant and effective.
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Decisions will be based on evidence, helping us target resources where they make the biggest difference.
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Insights will allow us to respond to changing needs, keeping services up to date.
03
Be agile and responsive in our delivery
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Digital developments will be flexible and adaptable, so we can respond quickly to new challenges.
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Services will stay relevant and resilient, even as technology and expectations evolve.
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We will learn and improve as we go, rather than waiting for perfect solutions.
04
Build upon smart, impactful infrastructure
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Investment in digital infrastructure will strengthen connectivity and reliability across the borough.
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Internal systems will become more efficient and integrated, improving how services work behind the scenes.
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Communities will benefit from future-ready technology, supporting growth and sustainability
05
Protect privacy and data
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Residents can trust that personal information is safe and secure, with strong data protection measures.
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We will maintain high standards of cybersecurity, reducing risks and protecting services.
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Transparency will be a priority, so people understand how their data is used responsibly.
06
Innovate and grow
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Digital innovation will support local businesses and attract investment, boosting the economy.
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Residents will have better access to digital skills and opportunities, helping them thrive in a changing world.
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We will create an environment where new ideas can flourish, benefiting the whole community.
Starting well
Mission: The best start for our children and young people, with improved opportunity, a healthier start, greater resilience in families and the best possible support and care when it is needed.
Digital capabilities:
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Digital access to family and community services: Online platforms for families to access early years, education and wellbeing support.
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Data-driven early support systems: Analytics to identify and support individuals or families who may need help.
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Digital engagement for young people: Digital tools like surveys, forums and interactive content to enable youth participation.
Tackling hardship and poverty
Mission: More people feel financially secure as the causes and impact of hardship and poverty address by working alongside residents.
Digital capabilities:
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Integrated digital access to support services: A single digital front door to residents to access financial, housing and wellbeing support.
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Digital inclusion initiatives: Greater access to devices, connectivity and digital skills training for underserved communities.
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Automated help tools: Chatbots and virtual assistants to provide 24/7 guidance on available services and support.
Resilient people living their best lives
Mission: Local people are enabled to flourish, be healthy, happy and independent for longer in supportive communities.
Digital capabilities:
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Connected health and care systems: The secure sharing of information across health, care and community services.
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Remote support and monitoring: Digital tools that support independent living, including virtual consultations and assistive technologies.
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Wellbeing and lifestyle platforms: Promotion of healthy living through apps and online resources tailored to local needs.
Opportunity in a fair local economy
Mission: Local people and businesses contribute to and benefit from a strong and fair local economy.
Digital capabilities:
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Digital skills and career platforms: Tools that connect residents to training, employment and career pathways.
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Online business support services: Digital resources and advisory services to help local businesses grow and innovate.
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Smart infrastructure investment: Enhance digital connectivity and use smart technologies to support economic growth.
Neighbourhood pride
Mission: Residents live in well maintained, connected and safe places with good affordable homes.
Digital capabilities:
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Community reporting tools: Enable residents to report local issues through mobile apps or web platforms.
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Interactive community maps: Provide digital maps of local services, events and community assets.
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Digital planning and engagement tools: Visualisation and simulation tools to involve residents in shaping their neighbourhoods.
Greener communities
Mission: Individuals, public services and businesses take action to move to tackle the climate emergency, achieve net zero, protect the natural environment and adapt to the impact of climate change.
Digital capabilities:
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Environmental monitoring: Dashboards that track and share data on emissions, air quality and sustainability goals.
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Smart resource management: Digital sensors and systems to improve energy efficiency, waste management and transport.
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Behaviour change: Encourage sustainable choices through digital nudges, gamification and community challenges.
01
Supporting delivery of the Borough Plan:
Our Digital Ambition is key to the success of the Borough Plan, enabling council services to be more effective, efficient and innovative. Our comprehensive digital approach helps the council achieve its goals and provide exceptional service to its customers.
02
Supporting our customers, both internally and externally:
Our Digital Ambition aims the enhance experiences for both internal and external customers. Internally, it empowers staff with better tools and resources, while externally, it makes services more accessible and user friendly.
03
Enabling Council services:
Creating inclusive and easy to use digital experiences, supports the council’s goals of simplifying the complex and making services more responsive, integrated and insight driven. Our Digital Ambition also focuses on sustainability by using digital innovation to provide sustainable living, optimise resources and reduce waste.
04
Driving out productivity and value through ICT and digital improvements:
Collectively the automation of tasks, improved communication, enhanced customer experience, optimisation of resources and the fostering of innovation, drives out productivity and value by making the council more efficient, responsive and customer focused.
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