Creating a Digital Vision for Northern Ireland’s Local Government
Sharna Quirke, Strategic Director for Local Government at Hitachi Solutions, discusses our new partnership with Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) to create a digital strategy for local government in the region.
Hitachi Solutions proudly partners with NILGA
While digital transformation is reshaping multiple public services across the UK, Northern Ireland is currently the only region without a digital strategy for local government. However, we’re looking to change that for NILGA through this new partnership.
To do this, we’ve joined forces to develop a regional digital strategy for public service delivery in Northern Ireland, setting a north star for its 11 local councils.
Northern Ireland’s local councils face various issues, from budget pressures to climate change concerns, and simultaneously dealing with rising service demands and public expectations. A regional digital strategy with innovative technology at the heart can provide a clear roadmap to alleviating these challenges.
A regional digital strategy to drive transformation
To drive this digital transformation, Hitachi Solutions has designed a unique approach to identify and benchmark Northern Ireland’s current digital position, agreed on a regional ambition for digital local government services, and identified actions to fulfil this ambition at local and regional levels.
Our approach will:
Ensure a collective voice on the digital future of Northern Ireland.
Collaboratively explore the role of technology in the future of local government.
Collaboratively explore the role of technology in public service provision, social cohesion and creating solutions to local problems.
Identify the value potential of technology.
Ensure technology’s role in enabling and strengthening democracy.
Once set, this digital strategy aims to support its councils in creating stronger cases for funding and investment in the technologies that will drive transformation across Northern Ireland.
Enhancing service delivery and citizen engagement
Digital transformation in government isn’t just about moving services online. It’s about enhancing operational efficiency, enabling more transparency between councils and citizens, and building resilient systems that can adapt to changing demands and emerging challenges.
Citizens today expect governments to deliver services with the same efficiency they experience in other areas of life. A digital-first approach will allow councils to reach citizens more effectively—whether through online portals, mobile apps, or digital consultation platforms—giving residents easier access to the services they rely on.
Incorporating technology into service delivery also means councils can gather real-time feedback, making them more responsive to citizens’ needs. This approach enhances operational efficiency and strengthens community ties, as residents feel more connected to and informed by their local government.
A future where technology empowers citizens and councils alike
A digital strategy for Northern Ireland is about more than modernisation; it’s about building resilient, adaptable local governments that can meet the ever-evolving needs of it’s citizens. The December 2023 Local Government Auditor’s report highlighted the importance of cost-effective, collaborative solutions. The NILGA and Hitachi Solutions partnership is designed to support such collaboration.
In the coming months, our work with NILGA will lay the foundation for a digital transformation that supports government efficiency, civic engagement, social cohesion, and public trust. In an increasingly digital world, Northern Ireland’s councils must have the support and direction they need to thrive. It’s time to bridge the gap and set Northern Ireland up for success in digital government services, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
