Dear Colleagues

The message from Government and supported by us all  is “stay home, protect the NHS and save lives”.  By adhering to these principles the digital infrastructure, the applications and functionality it offers is being used like never before.

Digital based services were always considered to be for the future, but the future is now.  Digital platforms enable us to continue to deliver services whilst respecting the guidance and enabling our customers to access those services they require.

Economically speaking digital platforms are now at the centre of the country’s means to deliver, further strengthened by the UK telecoms industry commitment to the NHS  and organisations driven by the unprecedented demand generated by remote and distributed working during coronavirus pandemic.

This has brought into sharp focus that our processes need to be refined to ensure they are fit for purpose in this distributed world. Partners in the DIZ are continuing the work to invest in and expand digital capability throughout the crisis and beyond.

We are also pushing ahead on work with central Government and others to secure further investment, particularly targeting the health and care sector, which is at the forefront of all our thoughts. We are also in touch with national bodies such as the Local Government Association to share that learning with policy makers.

We are also continuing to meet together digitally and exchange information, refining approaches that are working best and the areas that we need to improve for the future.

We would like to know if there is anything you feel we can do better digitally, or if you would like to sign up to receive our weekly newsletter please contact lhalmshaw@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.

Best wishes to you and your families. Cllr Alan Lion, Chairman of the Digital Innovation Zone