Stratford district is quintessential middle England, internationally renowned, and a top tourist attraction for visitors from both home and overseas – due to a certain Bard.
It is predominantly rural and viewed as affluent, but is subject to deprivation affecting individuals rather than whole communities.
The district has a less-than-advanced technical infrastructure (eg, cable, mobile telephony and high speed broadband exchanges).
And this lack of infrastructure impacts on all sectors of the community.
About 12 months ago, my management team considered whether to submit a bid for a new government competition – ‘the digital challenge’.
Previously, we thought there was little merit in putting forward applications for funding pots competing against urban authorities.
However, we saw an opportunity to deliver both culture change and enhance existing use of technology in our service delivery, as well as tackle rural and social inequalities.
The idea emerged to create the Virtual district of Stratford-on-Avon.
The proposal would improve the district’s technical infrastructure, change the way we delivered services, and make us work closer with business, voluntary and public sector partners.
We recognised quickly the simplicity, innovation and value this project could add to all partners and, most importantly, our service users.
Perhaps the corporate training programme Delivering change was beginning to bear fruit.
But would others like our ideas?
After presenting to regional and then national panels, it was evident our idea was liked, finding ourselves to be the only district council in the final 10 vying for the £7m prize.
We completed our final application in January and, like the other nine councils, will know the outcome in mid-March.
So, what have we learned from the digital challenge?
First, we have the confidence to enter other ‘challenges’.
Second, we’ve proved districts do have the talent and ideas to do well.
Third, some of our employees have changed how they view their jobs, so much so that they will be sought-after commodities.
Fourth, we have learned to work better with partners.
And, finally, with perseverance and a motivated team anything is possible… even in districts. n
Paul Lankester is chief executive at Stratford-on-Avon DC
LocalGov Elections: Ones to watch in May
Dr Greg Stride, Senior Researcher, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) provides a primer for the upcoming local elections.
