Innovate
We will be a driving force for innovation across the organisation. Maximising value from existing technology and investing in emerging technological solutions where there is clear value for the council and our residents.
2026 to 2029
Technology &
Digital
Strategy
How we'll use technology and digital to deliver our priorities and build smarter, faster and fairer public services for North Northamptonshire.
Introduction
We were established as a council in April 2021. As we evolve, we are putting technology and digital at the heart of everything we do.
As reliance on digital systems and emerging technologies such as AI increases, our aim is to build on our strong foundations to deliver smarter, faster, fairer and more efficient services.
This strategy sets out a focused approach to ensure technology supports the aspirations of the exemplar council we aim to be — customer-focused, respectful, efficient, supportive and trustworthy in all that we do.
Our Vision
We will be an exemplar council. We will use technology and digital intelligently and responsibly to improve public services, empower our workforce and deliver better outcomes for our residents and communities.
Strategic Purpose
By maximising the potential of digital services, we are seeking to enhance outcomes for residents, businesses and colleagues across North Northamptonshire — supporting service improvements, organisational efficiency and long-term financial sustainability.
Our Strategic Framework
Three pillars that guide how we deliver our guiding principles — ensuring our strategy is actionable and effective.
Collaborate
Embedding technology and digital at the heart of the organisation. Delivering technology hand-in-hand with our services ensuring impact and efficiencies for colleagues and residents.
Enable
Empowering our colleagues and residents to achieve their goals. We will ensure technology services are secure, robust, optimised, accessible and have dedicated wrap-around support and continuity plans.
Our 6 Guiding Principles
These principles are at the heart of our strategic approach and will inform our priorities, activities, culture and how we will deliver our vision.
Engage, Collaborate & Partner at every level
Provide secure, accessible and consistent technology services
Support a culture of digital learning and upskilling
Drive efficiency through innovation
Demonstrate value through transparency and accountability
Surface data wherever and whenever it's needed
Our Digital Journey
April 2021
Where we were
Technology staff and processes were inherited from four legacy district and borough councils. The IT estate was fragmented and outdated, with many systems duplicated across separate geographical areas, processes and teams.
2026
Where we are today
The original 5-year technology strategy has been successfully delivered. Solid foundations are now in place: a consolidated 'One Council' technology approach, newly formed digital services, and modern accessible web and customer relationship management available to all colleagues and residents.
2029
Where we will be
Technology will foster and promote innovation and collaboration. The council will be fully fluent in technology, digital and AI. Technology and digital will be a core enabler of transformation, focused on improving outcomes for residents and lowering the costs of services.
Clear Outcomes for Residents & Colleagues
By building on our values and principles, we will deliver tangible and measurable benefit to all our residents and colleagues.
Simple, Seamless Services
Easier, faster, more intuitive journeys; joined up processes that cut duplication.
- Intelligent webchat
- Near real-time request updates
- Single digital guides
- One-stop dashboards
Personalised, Proactive Support
Anticipatory help and timely nudges tailored to individual needs.
- Reminders to interact with services
- Tailored local activity updates
- Personalised benefits and financial advice
Safe, Secure & Ethical Technology
Confidence in responsible AI, transparent data use and strong security.
- Ethical AI and data use
- Confidence personal data is safe
- Easy to access digital services
Digitally Confident Communities
Skills, tools and guidance that help everyone use digital effectively.
- Guides and workshops in community skills hubs
- Skills support for small businesses
- More residents able to self-serve
Connected, Collaborative Council
Joined up working with services and partners to improve outcomes.
- Fast interactive reporting and response
- Free Wi-Fi in public spaces
- Tell us once for life events
Innovation that Delivers Real Value
Practical use of modern tools that speed responses and improve quality.
- Fast responses, first time resolution
- Simplified digital interactions
- Ethical, transparent use of AI