SOUTHEND-ON-SEA CITY COUNCIL
“ One of the biggest challenges is the interconnectedness of everything ”
CAROL THOMAS DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL & ICT ,
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA CITY COUNCIL
The organisation will also remain diligent of its employees ’ welfare as the changemakers of the council and first port of call for digital adoption . The workplace culture of the council is echoed throughout the community — something that Thomas wishes to maintain .
“ The world is changing , and COVID sped up the rate of change ,” says Thomas . “ We ’ re going to see cities bringing nature closer . People have learned to value their time and their families ’ access to nature .”
“ The impact of climate change is something that we all must take note of and do our bit to reduce our load on the planet . I think selfservice is here to say , the ability to do things for yourself and only request a person-toperson service when you really need it .”
A final word from the Director of ICT is that “ technology enables local authorities to do more with less ”. The budget pressures imposed on them are unlikely to ease any time soon , and technology is the key component in enabling change on a shoestring . This also applies to other sectors that support the city , including entertainment and tourism , both of which must adapt to enable its economy to rise .
“ We need to get a lot smarter about our transport systems and how they work , as well as how we use them . But , we must not lose sight of those people who are not digitally literate .” technologymagazine . com 129