Blogs

Stephen's Blog: 9 December 2024

Reflecting on Rebel Torfaen

Insights and impacts on the Digital Flooding programme 

Recently our Rebel Torfaen groups were asked to consider a ‘problem statement’ relating to how best to maximise the use of digital solutions across the council.  

Following discussion between the digital team and the Rebel Torfaen facilitators, the following prompts were agreed for further exploration:  

• Examples of great technological solutions that make life easier.
• How might we apply these to the functions of the council? What would the benefits be?
• What would be the potential barriers/challenges to implementation and how might we overcome them?
• How might we measure success? 

The approach

Three groups of ‘Rebels’ met over a two-day period. A brief overview of the problem statement was shared with the Rebels in advance. 

Feedback was collated by the facilitators, summarised within 24 hours and shared back with the Rebels to encourage continued ownership of the product.  

The Rebel workshops explored the potential of digital solutions in enhancing local government functions. The findings from these workshops, aligned with the objectives outlined in Digital Flooding programme also highlighted new avenues for innovation and improvement to be explored. 

Raising awareness 

Rebel Torfaen participants identified a variety of technological solutions that simplify everyday tasks, such as online banking, AI tools, and digital booking systems. 

This resonates with our project's aim to improve awareness and understanding of digital solutions either already available, or being developed, across the organisation – such as the use of Artificial Intelligence, chat bots and live chat, bookings, and online applications. 

We will be publishing case studies and running a series of show and tells (short and sharp sessions) to introduce solutions and explain how teams are already making use of them. By integrating case studies and demonstrations, we can showcase the transformative power of these technologies, much like the examples highlighted by the Rebels. Their feedback underscores the importance of continuous and widespread engagement to foster a culture of digital literacy, insight and adoption. 

Keep an eye out for the following case studies and show and tell sessions coming soon on Swoop: 

• Digitising the waste induction process 

• Digital translation requests 

• The use of Copilot in Social Care 

• Streamlining communications with Adult Community Learning customers using Gov.Notify 

Skills, Capability, and Capacity 

The Rebel discussions emphasised the need for improving digital skills and capabilities among staff, which is a core objective of the Digital Flooding Programme. 

The group’s suggestion of deploying Digital Ambassadors ties in nicely with our Digital Champions Network but suggests there may be an opportunity to redefine purpose and ensure the network is better supported. 

By leveraging our learning platform, Thinqi, we can support staff in developing the necessary skills to harness digital tools effectively. The Rebel Torfaen group's emphasis on personal interaction and digital coaching sessions will be considered as we develop our training and targeted improvement plans – which will be crucial for addressing the digital skills gap and fostering increased digital literacy and capability across the workforce.  

Governance 

Governance and compliance were recurring themes in the Rebel workshops. 

Participants highlighted the potential for concerns about privacy, data security, and the need for robust policies and procedures. These insights are directly reflected in the Digital Flooding Programme's objective to ensure that our governance frameworks support digital ambitions and align with strategic principles. 

The Rebels' feedback validates our commitment to establishing strong governance structures, which are essential for the safe and effective implementation of digital solutions. This will be supported by training and support to increase awareness and understanding. 

Innovative contributions 

One of the most exciting contributions from the Rebels is the idea of creating an open environment for sharing ideas and innovation. 

I would love to develop this into a network that identifies topics for quarterly hackathons, where 'wicked issues' are addressed in a day through collaborative efforts. 

Such an initiative would not only foster innovation, but also encourage cross-departmental collaboration and rapid problem-solving. 

If anyone wants to be a part of something like this, please get in touch with me so we can start shaping it together.  

Additionally, the Rebel Groups all referenced the Torfaen App and the digital team will be picking this up and reviewing as part of their 2025/26 service plan to make improvements and enhance the user experience where possible.  

The conclusion 

It was really timely in the development of the Digital Flooding Programme to engage with the Rebel Torfaen groups, and I would like to thank all those who took part for their hard work, insight and interest in this topic. The groups have each provided invaluable insight which has validated and enriched the Digital Flooding Programme and findings have been presented to the council's leadership team.

I’d encourage others to come forward and use the Rebel Torfaen groups to test their thinking and assumptions and to help shape decision making. All councils are facing up to well documented challenges and difficult decisions. 

In Torfaen, we are fortunate to have access to Rebel Torfaen, Rebel Youth and neurodiverse groups to challenge established thinking and assumptions, and provide alternative perspectives which can inform and improve our decision making capability.  

Regards

Stephen

Stephen Vickers
CHIEF EXECUTIVE/PRIF WEITHREDWR