Information management is key to local government

The ability to deliver effective local government in the future is going to depend increasingly on how well information is managed, according to a report from the Society of IT Management (Socitm).

Paul Donovan

The ability to deliver effective local government in the future is going to depend increasingly on how well information is managed, according to a report from the Society of IT Management (Socitm).

The report highlights the need for cultural change in local authorities that has the backing of the most senior managers in the authority.

Benchmarking is seen as crucial to effective information management so that councils can meet the expectations of staff, managers, partner organisations, elected members and residents.

An information management culture does not consist of "dry and abstract topics divorced from everyone's day-to-day jobs. [It] should be presented and carried out in a very participative style, encouraging debate and discussion at all levels and securing the critical ownership that is needed to change hearts and minds", says the report.

Investing in Information is available from socitm.gov.uk or from the Socitm office on 01604-674800