Digital Strategy 2024-2027

Our vision for Carmarthenshire

A Digitally enabled Carmarthenshire

To achieve this bold vision, we must:

What is a Digital Strategy?

Our new Digital Strategy 2024-2027 builds on the progress made over the last four years as we emerged and recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are now fully focused on delivering key priorities and objectives for Carmarthenshire. This new Digital Strategy outlines what we plan to do and how we will leverage digital to enhance our day-to-day operations, transform services, and ensure our County has the digital fabric it needs to thrive. For us to achieve our vision of “A Digitally enabled Carmarthenshire” we will put people at the heart of everything we do; public services “designed for people, enabled by technology”.

Our reliance and dependence on technology to deliver public services demonstrates how pervasive digital is across all sectors and fully integrated in many aspects of our lives. By developing and implementing a considered and well-crafted Digital Strategy, we can continue to enhance our efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness while effectively serving the needs of our communities and businesses in the digital age.

How plans are made: Local, Regional and National Alignment

To ensure strategic alignment, avoid duplication and identify opportunities to deliver multiple benefits, we have worked to ensure our Digital Strategy aligns with local, regional, and national public sector plans and priorities.

This Digital Strategy will help ensure a number of the expected outcomes identified within the revised Corporate Strategy 2022-2027 and Cabinet Vision Statement 2022-2027 can be achieved, which in turn will underpin the delivery of our 4 well-being objectives, aligning to the 7 well-being goals for Wales.

To ensure we attain alignment and a ‘golden thread’ between all levels of Government and relevant partners and stakeholders, we have planned and ensured that all deliverables within this Digital Strategy compliment key local, regional, and national plans and strategies, including:

National

• Digital Strategy for Wales
• Digital Strategy for Health and Social Care Wales.
• Cyber Action Plan for Wales.
• Cymraeg 2050: Welsh Language Technology Action Plan.

Regional

• Swansea Bay City Region Regeneration Strategy.
• Regional Economic Framework for South West Wales.
• Digital South-West Wales: A Portfolio of Opportunities.

Regional

• Corporate Strategy 2022-2027.
• Cabinet Vision Statement 2022-2027.
• Moving Forward In Carmarthenshire.
• Carmarthenshire Public Services Board's (PSBs) Well-being Plan for 2023-28.
• Carmarthenshire Transformation Strategy 2022-2027.
• Our Workforce Strategy 2024-2029
• Carmarthenshire Economic Vision 2030.
• Carmarthenshire County Council Budget Strategy

To ensure effective delivery of this Digital Strategy, business cases and project plans will be developed for key projects and initiatives. Progress will be monitored via our corporate performance management systems. All projects and initiatives will be designed and delivered in-line with the 5 Ways of Working principles.

Digital should be regarded as an ongoing, iterative, continual improvement. To ensure this remains the case, and our Digital Strategy remains a ‘living’ document we will:

• Undertake an annual review, and revise and update this strategy where necessary
• Produce an annual report for this Digital Strategy.
• Review and update all related digital plans and policies.
• Adopt and adhere to the Digital Service Standards for Wales wherever possible.

Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015

The general purpose of the Act, is to ensure that the governance arrangements of public bodies for improving the well-being of Wales, take the needs of future generations into account.

The Act is designed to improve the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales, in accordance with sustainable development principles.

(a) We must carry out sustainable development, improving the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales.

(b) We must demonstrate use of the 5 ways of working:

• Collaboration
• Integration
• Involvement
• Long-term
• Prevention

(c) We must work towards achieving all 7 national well-being goals in the Act:

• Prosperous

  An innovative, productive and low carbon society which recognises the limits of the global environment and therefore uses resources efficiently and proportionately (including acting on climate change); and which develops a skilled and well educated population in an economy which generates wealth and provides employment opportunities, allowing people to take advantage of the wealth generated through securing decent work.

• Resilient

  A nation which maintains and enhances a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt to change (for example climate change).

• Healthier

  A society in which people's physical and mental well-being is maximised and in which choices and behaviours that benefit future health are understood.

• More equal

  A society that enables people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances (including their socio-economic background and circumstances)

• Cohesive communities

  Attractive, viable, safe and well-connected communities.

• Vibrant Culture and Thriving Welsh Language

  A society that promotes and protects culture, heritage and the Welsh language, and which encourages people to participate in the arts, and sports and recreation.

• Globally Responsible

  A nation which, when doing anything to improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales, takes account of whether doing such a thing may make a positive contribution to global well-being.

Wales was the first country to implement a Well-being of Future Generations Act, which provides a shared vision for all public bodies in Wales to work towards. As a public body subject to the Act, we are required to set and publish Well-being Objectives that maximise our contribution to the Well-being Goals.

We have incorporated these Well-being Objectives into the council’s Corporate Strategy, which this Digital Strategy directly aligns to and underpins.

This Digital Strategy, and all subsequent work delivered, aligns to one or more of our 4 well-being objectives: in-turn aligning to the 7 well-being goals for Wales.

Carmarthenshire Well-being Objectives

Well-being Objective 1: Enabling our children and young people to have the best possible start in life (Start Well)

Well-being Objective 2: ObjectiveEnabling our residaents to live and age well (Live & Age Well)

Well-being Objective 3: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe and prosperous (Prosperous Communities)

Well-being Objective 4: To further modernise and develop as a resilient and efficient Council (Our Council)

Well-being Goals for Wales

A Prosperous Wales

An innovative, productive and low carbon society which recognises the limits of the global environment and therefore uses resources efficiently and proportionately (including acting on climate change), and which develops a skilled and well-educated population in an economy which generates wealth and provides employment opportunities, allowing people to take advantage of the wealth generated through securing decent work.

A Resilient Wales

A nation which maintains and enhances a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt to change (for example climate change).

A Healthier Wales

A society in which people’s physical and mental well-being is maximised and in which choices and behaviours that benefit future health are understood.

A More Equal Wales

A society that enables people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances (including their socio-economic circumstances).

A Wales of Cohesive Communities

A society that enables people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances (including their socio-economic circumstances).

A Wales of Vibrant Culture and Welsh Language

A society that promotes and protects culture, heritage and the Welsh language, and which encourages people to participate in the arts, sports and recreation.

A Globally Responsible Wales

A nation which, when doing anything to improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales, takes account of whether doing such a thing may make a positive contribution to global well-being.

Engagement and Involvement

Significant engagement and involvement have been conducted during the formulation of this strategy and will continue throughout the lifetime of its delivery.

To better understand the needs of our residents and the potential barriers to them using digital technology, we are involving them directly. For the first time, we have undertaken public consultation to involve residents and businesses in the development of our Digital Strategy. We’ve also utilised feedback from a range of other public consultations i.e., the residents survey, to align our Digital Strategy to the needs of our residents and businesses.

Ongoing consideration of wider consultations will be conducted as they are undertaken. As part of our annual review of our Digital Strategy, we will undertake further engagement and consultation to better understand the needs of residents and businesses on an ongoing basis.

Partnerships and Collaboration

To strengthen our arrangements for securing effectiveness, efficiency and economy through partnership working in delivering this Digital Strategy, we will continue to undertake regular stakeholder mapping exercises to identify and prioritise the organisations we need to work with and identify opportunities for greater collaboration.

We will review and asses the effectiveness of those partnerships on an annual basis, as part of wider benefits monitoring and annual reporting.

We will continue to utilise the following local, regional, and national forums to engage, consider and deliver on opportunities for wider collaboration with public sector partners and avoid duplication.

• Carmarthenshire Public Services Board
• South West Wales Corporate Joint Commitee
• South West Wales Economic Wellbeing and Regional Economic Sub - Commitee
• Swansea Bay City Deal Digital Board
• Regional Learning & Skills Partnership
• Welsh Local Government Association Digital Advisory Group
• Centre for Digital Public Services
• SOCITM Wales – Society for Innovation, Technology & Modernisation

Governance: Our Transformation Programme

The Council, via our newly formed Transformation Board (2022) and delivery programme, will continue to drive forward transformational service change in a planned and cohesive way. The primary aim of the Transformation Board is to provide a strategic framework and governance to underpin a programme of significant organisational change that will support the Council in achieving its wider aims and objectives.

The Board outline’s how the organisation intends to improve its capabilities and the way that we use our resources to provide more value and benefits to our residents and businesses.

It aims to further accelerate the process of modernisation across the Council, allowing us to continue to deliver high quality, cost-effective services within the context of a challenging external environment and budgetary pressures.

The Transformation Programme focuses on 8 key workstreams:

• Efficiencies and Value for Money
• Income & Commercialisation
• Workplace
• Workforce
• Service Design & Improvement
• Decarbonisation and Biodiversity
• Schools
• Customers & Digital Transformation

This Digital Strategy supports and underpins all 8 workstreams. The Customers & Digital Workstream has been realigned to provide the governance and oversight for the delivery of significant digital initiatives identified within this Digital Strategy. A key strength of our Transformation Board is the strong governance arrangements for overseeing the management and delivery of the programme.

It provides robust and inclusive governance arrangements that aims to encourage and promote creativity, flexibility and learning across the organisation in support of sustainable change and transformation. It is also underpinned by a comprehensive project and performance management approach to ensure effective implementation and delivery of our required outcomes.

Monitoring Benefits

Strong evaluation arrangements are in place to understand the impact of this Digital Strategy, monitor value for money, and asses if benefits have been realised.

We will complete an annual report as part of the overall governance arrangements for our corporate transformation programme. This will include an overview of progress in implementing priorities and projects, a post evaluation of the delivery process and outcomes achieved using data and measures where appropriate; including lessons learned.

We will utilise the criteria and questions of Wales Audit's thematic review of Digital 2023 to guide a our strategic approach, to measure and asses ourselves, and to understand "what good looks like".

We will benchmark and regularly track and analyse a range of metrics and report on these annually as part of our Digital Strategy annual report to help Carmarthenshire make informed decisions, continuously improve digital services, and demonstrate the impact of digital initiatives. Here are some key qualitative and quantitative measures we will use to monitor and analyse trends throughout the development of this 3-year strategy:

Connectivity availability: Measure the availability and quality of digital connectivity (broadband and mobile) across our County.

Digital Skills: Assess digital skills and competencies of our workforce and the wider population.

Customer Satisfaction: Measure internal and external customer satisfaction with our digital services through surveys and feedback mechanisms.

Service Accessibility: Evaluate how accessible our digital services are, in line with industry accessibility standards.

Social Media Metrics: Monitor the use of our social media channels.

Council’s Website: Track the usage of the council's website; measure unique visitors, page views, and time spent on the site.

Email Newsletters: Monitor the growth of the email subscriber list; track open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber retention.

Track the effectiveness of our cybersecurity measures.

Measure the effectiveness of our cyber awareness and GDPR training programs.

Track the number and type of security incidents over time.

Track the number and type of information governance incidents over time.

Measure security related events targeting our council systems over time.

Measure our compliance to industry standards annually.

We will undertake post-implementation and benefits realisation evaluations for key projects. These will include identifying cost savings achieved through the implementation of digital processes and services, ROI (Return on Investment) for digital initiatives and/ or other benefits such as resource capacity or time released due to more effective and efficient digital services.

Devices: Monitor the number and type of devices accessing our digital services online i.e. mobile, tablets, smartphones, laptop etc.

Online Service Adoption: Measure the adoption rates of online services offered by the council and compare with metrics of traditional channels i.e. telephone and face to face.

Internal: Measure the effectiveness of our digital tools for internal communication and collaboration with our workforce.

External: Measure the effectiveness of our digital tools for external communication and collaboration with our residents and businesses.

Citizen Engagement: We will evaluate citizen engagement through online forums, social media, and other channels.

New Technology Adoption: Monitor the adoption of emerging technologies for innovation (AI, RPA etc.)

Digital Transformation Progress: We will assess the progress of digital transformation initiatives.

Paperless Initiatives: Track the reduction in paper usage through digital processes.

Automation and AI: Measure the level of process automation to improve efficiency.

Ability to change: Conduct regular digital maturity selfassessments for all departments and service areas, identifying areas of the organisation requiring support to improve service delivery and drive efficiencies through digital.

Building the Digital Foundations in Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire is the third largest county in Wales covering some 2,365 square kilometres, with the forth largest population at 187,900 people. It is a county of contrast. The agricultural economy and landscape of rural Carmarthenshire coexists alongside the urban and industrial south-eastern area.

The County is characterized by a rich social and economic tapestry that reflects our historical significance and natural beauty. With a population blending traditional Welsh communities and a growing multicultural presence, the social fabric is diverse, fostering a sense of cultural coexistence.

The economy of Carmarthenshire is multifaceted, encompassing agriculture, tourism, and emerging sectors like renewable energy. The picturesque landscapes attract tourists, contributing to the local economy. As Carmarthenshire adapts to modern challenges, digital is playing a pivotal and increasing role in shaping our social and economic future.

The Swansea Bay City Region and City Deal’s proposal aims to help put the region at the forefront of the digital age in a post COVID19 world, focusing on developing Next Generation Digital Infrastructure including improvements to expand the provision of fixed ultra-fast Gigabit capable broadband, 4G/5G and Wi-Fi capabilities to benefit both rural and urban areas of the region.

An enhanced digital infrastructure will enable the region to innovate, trial and commercialise smart internet-based solutions that will transform the economy in areas such as energy, manufacturing and life sciences.

This will effectively support large-scale home working, athe local economy, help address local congestion issues as well as support mainstream delivery improvements/ innovations.

The Welsh Language

The latest Census data for 2021 indicates that Carmarthenshire is home to 72,838 Welsh speakers. This translates to 39.9% of the county’s total population. In 2001 and 2011, Carmarthenshire had the highest number of Welsh speakers of all local authorities in Wales, with 84,196 and 78,048 Welsh speakers respectively. The county currently has the second highest number of Welsh speakers of all local authorities in Wales and remains the fourth highest in terms of the percentage of the population that are able to speak Welsh.

It is vital to emphasise and incorporate the Welsh language into this Digital Strategy to ensure we align with cultural, legal, economic, educational, and social considerations. The Welsh Language is a vital component in the holistic development and well-being of Carmarthenshire in the digital age. We will ensure all our online and digital services are provided bilingually and promoted to our residents and local economy in accordance with the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure, 2011.

Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers, notes clearly that the Welsh language must be part of the digital revolution, which spans across all 5 priority areas of this strategy.

The Welsh Government has committed to ensure that the Welsh language is at the heart of innovation in digital technology to enable the use of Welsh in all digital contexts, and as a Council, we will support and enact on this. Our aim is aligned to that of the ‘Welsh Language Technology Action Plan’ derived from Cymraeg 2050 and we will ensure to plan technological developments so that the Welsh language can be used in a wide variety of contexts, be that by using voice, keyboard or other means of humancomputer interaction.

Net Zero Carbon

We are committed to tackling climate change and acknowledge that we have a significant role to play in both further reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions and providing the leadership to encourage residents, businesses and other organisations to take action to cut their own carbon footprint.

Technology has an ever-increasing role to play in addressing these challenges. This Digital Strategy aims to compliment the Authority’s action plan and with further technological breakthroughs over the coming years will greatly assist the Authority in meeting this commitment.

Throughout the five key priority areas of this strategy there are innovative solutions and approaches that will drive this agenda forward and compliment the significant work already undertaken to improve the flexibility and agility of our workforce and estate.

Once example is ‘Smart Metering’ technology which is being extended to ensure timely capture of energy consumption data across our buildings and estate; which is critical for planning, monitoring, and reporting progress towards becoming Net Zero Carbon.

Schools

It is critical the services and technology we priovide within schools underpins the key objectives of teaching and learning, enabling students to reach their full potential and fulfilling our commitment to the Digital Competence Framework and Curriculum for Wales. To help achieve this we will:

• Align all digital technology to the needs of teachers, learners, the Curriculum and the Digital Competence Framework.
• Strive to continue reducing digital exclusion for learners by working with schools, partners and other stakeholders to improve access to digital resources. The aim is that no learner in our schools ever feels digitally left behind.
• Make digital connectivity and bandwidth the foundation of our school's technology, providing fast, safe and resilient internet connectivity for all schools to the internet and HWB environment.
• Use the Hwb Sustainability Scheme to ensure that staff and learners have equality of access to fitfor- purpose digital equipment, giving a standardised and consistent experience across all our schools.
• Assist schools to achieve efficiency savings without affecting learner outcomes, leveraging corporate contracts wherever possible.
• Deliver a comprehensive support package via a formal SLA for all Primary and Secondary Schools; ensuring a 21st century digital support provision for our young people, staff and all schools of Carmarthenshire.
• Underpin our Schools Modernisation Education Programme (MEP) to support digital learning and digital skills development.

HWB and the HWB Sustainability Scheme

Since 2012, the Welsh Government has been providing schools in Wales with access to a wide range of digital infrastructure, services and resources. The Welsh Government remains committed to delivering a national approach to digital services, enabling schools in Wales to consistently maximise the transformational benefits which digital and technology can have on education; providing a range of digital services which will enable and inspire our practitioners and learners to confidently embed digital practices, while developing a digital culture, competencies, skills and knowledge to underpin the Curriculum for Wales.

The digital tools and resources within the HWB platform support a national approach to planning and delivery, enables sharing of skills, methods and resources between educational practitioners in Wales; supports teaching and learning in Welsh and English and provides equal access to free, classroom focused tools and resources for all teachers and learners in Wales.

To support this, we will:

• Continue to fully exploit the products and services within Welsh Government’s Hwb Learning platform and continue to work with the Welsh Government to be a key contributor and influencer to the all-Wales Hwb programme.
• Ensure that all learners have equal access to devices across every school, thus eliminating barriers to creativity and learning due to outdated or lack of technology; eliminating digital inequality between schools so that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
• Invest in the infrastructure and technology of our schools, including oversight and delivery of Welsh Government funded HWB In-School Infrastructure Grant and HWB Sustainability Scheme, underpinning education provision for the young people of Carmarthenshire.
• Reduce costly physical infrastructure within schools, reducing the capital expenditure required to replace this infrastructure. Reduction of the physical infrastructure within schools also equates to a reduction in the power consumption and a decreasing carbon footprint for each school campus, year-on-year.
• School data is a critical asset. We will ensure that it is stored in the most secure, resilient, efficient, cost effective and appropriate location.
• Provision a secure environment for staff and learners to teach and learn at home, ensuring our students continue to learn when it is not possible to attend school.

Elected Members

Our elected members play a key role in ensuring we embrace the latest digital technology to provide effective and inclusive digital services to our residents.

We will continue to enable our elected members to work in a mobile and efficient way in their communities, using the most appropriate digital services and technologies available.

Our elected members have played a key role in shaping our Digital Strategy and we will continue to engage, consult, and update them on its delivery on a regular basis.

Resources

We are investing a significant amount of additional capital to ensure delivery of the key priorities and outcomes within this Digital Strategy, including:

What we will deliver

Our Digital Strategy has 5 key priority areas.

We will deliver the following work over the next 3 years, under each of the 5 key priority areas, all of which align to our local and national well-being goals.

To ensure ongoing alignment and flexibility, each priority is fixed for the first year with an annual review undertaken throughout the lifetime of the strategy for remaining future years.

Priority Area 1: Digital Services

Priority Area 2: People & Skills

Priority Area 3: Data & Decision Making

Priority Area 4: Technology & Innovation

Priority Area 5: Digital Communities & Economy

Priority Area 1: Digital Services

What it means?

• High-quality user-friendly online services and information for residents, colleagues, and partners.
• Increased access to digital services that are bilingual and user centric.
• Providing personalised digital services designed around the ongoing needs of customers.
• Focusing on digital accessibility and inclusivity to supports all user’s needs.

Why is it Important?

• To ensure we deliver excellent online services and information for customer.
• To meet customer demand and respond to rising and evolving customer expectations.
• To improve customer engagement with access to personalised information and services.
• To ensure access to online services at the customers convenience; ‘anytime, anywhere’ from any device.

How will we achieve this?

• By continuously improving the way we design and build online systems and processes, putting the users’ needs and experience at the heart of our work.
• By modernising digital service delivery using appropriate and innovative technology.
• By ensuring accessibility of information and services on all mobile devices.
• By continuing to develop our understanding of customers preferred digital channels of communication and interaction.
• By ensuring robust information security to protect our customers data and identity.
• By ensuring we meet and exceed current accessibility guidelines and standards.
• Through the adoption of, and adherence to the Digital Service Standards for Wales wherever possible

Title	What we will deliver	Key outcomes	24/25	25/26	26/27
Website and HWB My Account	Continued development of the Council Website and HWB My Account for our customers.	Delivery of council services through one central, personalised point of access, available 24/7 which is simple to use, accessible and inclusive.
Transactional Digital Services	Continued design and development of online transactional digital services for customers.	Increased provision of online services for customers with greater end-toend integration and automation.
Elected Members Portal	Implement and further develop an on-line Elected Members Portal.	24/7 Self-Service access for elected members to a range of digital services, to assist our members and residents.
Customer Services Digital Roadmap	Review, develop and implement a Digital roadmap for customer services and contact centre.	A future proofed, customer focused, and accessible digital experience via our customer services.
Elections and Democracy	Comprehensive digital support for elections and democracy through resilient and innovative technologies and robust cybersecurity.	Secure, transparent, and efficient elections, facilitated by the most appropriate, innovative, and secure technologies.
Digital Support Service	A comprehensive digital support service and helpdesk for all corporate, schools and partner customers.	A proactive, efficient, and effective digital support service that’s capable of supporting 21st century public service delivery.
Delta Wellbeing	A comprehensive digital support and development package, via a formal SLA, for Delta Wellbeing	A resilient and reliable technology provision, advice, guidance, and outof- hours support package for Delta Wellbeing
Digital Schools Support	A comprehensive support package via a formal SLA for all Primary and Secondary Schools	21st century digital support provision for the young people, staff and schools of Carmarthenshire.
Strategic Engagement	A comprehensive programme of strategic engagement across all corporate departments, schools, elected members, and partners.	A strong understanding of the digital needs and aspirations of our leaders, colleagues, and partners, implementing appropriate solutions to ensure effective public services.

Priority Area 2: People & Skills

What it means?

• Prioritising our colleagues by investing in their digital skills and capabilities.
• Valuing, recognizing, and investing in the necessary talents and skills required to succeed.
• Optimising our workforce through the cultivation of modern working practices.
• Being responsive to the needs of our people and services, enabling new ways of working.
• Developing the skills and capacity of the Council regarding data collection and analysis.

Why is it Important?

• Appropriate skills and capability to achieve key organisational aims and objectives.
• Appropriate skills and capacity to effectively operate as a data-driven organisation.
• Improve Digital confidence, culture, and leadership across the organisation.
• Ensure continuous improvement in workplace productivity and capability.
• Support efficiencies and increased productivity through better ways of working.
• Help ensure a healthy and mutually beneficial work life balance for our work force.
• Attract the necessary talent to sustain and enhance our workforce.

How will we achieve this?

• Recognising that quality Digital services and provision is primarily about people.
• Consistently and clearly communicate the importance of Digital skills and capability.
• Encourage and support our people to continuously develop their skills, capability and confidence.
• Consistently consider digital skills and capability needs when designing and delivering services.
• Integrating key policies and strategies with Digital ambitions.
• Ensuring our people have access to appropriate technology, systems, data, and information.

Title	What we will deliver	Key outcomes	24/25	25/26	26/27
Digital Skills Audit	A digital skills audit to identify the current and future knowledge and skills needs of our workforce on an ongoing basis.	An improved ability to attract, recruit, and retain talent. Demonstrating to our people that we value them by supporting them to develop the skills required for jobs of the future.
Digital Learning and Development	An enhanced digital learning and development offer for our staff, ensuring appropriate learning can be accessed from a range of devices and settings.	An improved skills offer to our people that will help us transform, modernise, and regenerate services.
Shared Learning Resources	Well-developed, and shared learning resources to support digital inclusion across our workforce.	Improved workforce engagement and inclusivity, and a workforce that’s digitally confident.
Digital Skills Framework	Implement our new Digital Skills Framework.	A high performance, innovative, and achievement culture. A workforce that has the skills, knowledge, and mindset to use technology effectively and efficiently in their work.
Learning Management System (LMS)	Implement, develop, and exploit a new Learning Management System (LMS).	An improved learning ecosystem that provides our people with engaging, personalised learning content and pathways and supports workforce planning.
Digital Mentors	Identify, train, and support digital mentors across the authority on an ongoing basis who will play a vital role in promoting digital literacy and fostering a digitally inclusive environment.	Peer-to-peer support for our people in a digital workplace. Improved digital skills. Guidance to ensure colleagues feel empowered and confident. Improved sharing of knowledge.
Digital Services Workforce Plan	Deliver a comprehensive annual workforce plan for developing and enhancing the technical and non-technical skills of our Digital Services workforce.	Ensure Digital Services possess the technical and non-technical capabilities to deliver on the Councils strategic objectives in a constantly evolving landscape.

Priority Area 3: Data & Decision Making

What it means?

• Embedding a culture of truly valuing data at all levels of the organisation and across all departments.
• Ensuring that the varying breadth of information and data available to us an organisation is considered in a holistic way to inform decision making.
• Improved information and data sharing internally across the organisation, and externally with partners and stakeholder.
• Exploring the viability of sharing ‘open-source data’ to support transparency.
• Innovative and transformative use of data via machine Learning and artificial intelligence.

Why is it Important?

• Ensures that data and information is collected, stored, analysed, and visualised in a way that maximises its potential for the benefit of the organisation and the County as a whole.
• Ensures that information and data available to us is robust, relevant, and timely allowing decisions to be made based on evidence.
• Simplifies the way that we share data with other organisations and partners making everyone feel like part of a single team working on common objectives.

How will we achieve this?

• Through effective information management and ensuring appropriate data sharing arrangements are in place with all organisations and partners.
• By fully exploiting new technologies and ways of working including open-data / open-source solutions.
• Developing a corporate consistency in the way that we collect and record data, thereby reducing the existence of several disparate data sets for the preference of having a single consolidated version of the truth that users can be confident in.
• By utilising emerging and innovative technology for data collection, storage, analysis, and visualisation to improve decision making.
• Ensure efficient hosting and management of data, systems, and services on appropriate platforms.

Title	What we will deliver	Key outcomes	24/25	25/26	26/27
Information Governance	A robust and comprehensive annual Information Governance work programme, including fulfilling our statutory obligations under the Data Protection Act and ensuring we are up to date with revisions in law being introduced in the UK.	We will ensure the Council’s data and information assets are effectively managed, protected, and utilised to achieve strategic goals and empower data-driven decision-making.
Corporate Data Suite	Develop and embed a comprehensive Corporate Data Suite.	Provide senior decision makers with a comprehensive data suite and access to a wealth of centralised data sets using robust analytics and reporting tools.
Customer Information and Data	Exploration of an integrated data solution for customer information and data	The creation of a ‘single point of truth’ for customer data allowing for seamless interrogation.
PowerBI Business Intelligence	Further adoption and exploitation of Power BI Business Intelligence platform across the organisation.	Enable the council and service departments to better understand and analyse our data to help improve decision making.
Data Storage and Collaboration Platform	Deploy, develop, and exploit SharePoint across all service areas.	A Consistent information sharing and collaboration platform with advanced record management, data retention and classification capabilities.
Digital and Data Maturity Self- Assessments	Digital and Data maturity selfassessments via the annual corporate selfassessment process for all departments and service areas.	Data and evidence to assist in identifying areas of the organisation requiring support and change to improve service delivery and drive efficiencies through digital, data and technology.

Priority Area 4: Technology & Innovation

What it means?

• Investing in innovative, resilient, and agile devices, infrastructure, and systems.
• Driving and facilitating efficiency through technology and innovation.
• Supporting collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
• Ensuring robust cyber resilience via the most advanced systems available.
• Responsibly and ethically embracing artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging tech.
• Underpinning the delivery of quality public services with innovative and appropriate technology.

Why is it Important?

• Improves customer experience and back-office functions through innovative solutions.
• Positions innovation as a catalyst for customer-centric focus in departments.
• Offers flexibility, rapid deployment, and efficient and scalable services.
• Supports secure remote work, allowing staff to work from various platforms and locations.
• Data and voice network connectivity is critical in delivering modern public services.
• Recognises the criticality and strategic value of our infrastructure, systems, and connectivity.

How will we achieve this?

• Replacing and updating outdated legacy systems, infrastructure, and devices.
• Consolidating servers, storage, and applications for improved performance.
• Embracing a cloud first approach where it can enhance resilience, efficiency, and value.
• Virtualising and consolidating voice systems for enhanced functionality and cost efficiencies.
• Optimising collaboration and shared services via connectivity to Public Sector Networks.
• Ensure fast, safe, resilient internet connectivity for corporate, schools, and partners.
• Integrate customer and service user data to minimise duplication and streamline records.
• Invest in cybersecurity technologies to prevent attacks on Council information.
• Thoroughly test business continuity and disaster recovery procedures

Title	What we will deliver	Key outcomes	24/25	25/26	26/27
Artificial Intelligence Strategy	A comprehensive Artificial Intelligence strategy and action plan.	A clear and considered approach towards safely and responsibly adopting Artificial Intelligence capability, where it is appropriate and valuable to do so.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)	Develop and implement RPA across key services, as identified and prioritised via our transformation programme.	Streamlined processes and significantly improved customer experience by reducing the time and resource requirements for repetitive, resource intensive tasks.
Cloud Hosted Systems	Coordinate and facilitate the migration of business-critical applications and systems to cloud hosted environments (where appropriate)	Greater resilience, accessibility, performance and integration for key corporate and departmental systems and applications.
Cyber Resilience & Response	A comprehensive and robust annual cyber resilience and response programme.	Strong cybersecurity standards, measures, policies, procedures, and technologies, continuously strengthening our approach to safeguarding the organisation.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery	A comprehensive programme of work to ensure strong business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and robust and frequent testing and mock exercise for all business-critical infrastructure, systems, and services.	Continuously improved business continuity and disaster recovery plans. An enhanced ability to sustain critical service delivery in the event of an outage and recover effectively and efficiently.
Corporate Infrastructure, Systems, and Services	A comprehensive plan to replace and enhance the organisation’s operational infrastructure, systems, and services including servers, storage, compute, backup and all relevant management systems.	Scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure, systems, and services to meet the growing demands of a modern, capable and digitally sophisticated organisation.
Schools Infrastructure & Technology	Invest in the infrastructure and technology of our schools, including oversight and delivery of Welsh Government funded HWB In-School Infrastructure Grant and HWB Sustainability Scheme.	21st century digital infrastructure and technology to underpin education provision for the young people of Carmarthenshire.
Networks & Connectivity	A comprehensive programme to enhance and develop our data and voice network capabilities across our corporate and school environments.	Exceptional connectivity provides the foundation for communication, collaboration, access to information, innovation, and technology adoption.
End User Devices	Continuously support, sustain, and upgrade our significant laptop, desktop, tablet and smartphone estate.	A workforce equipped with the most appropriate and effective devices, with efficient access to back-office data and systems and an enhanced ability to work in a hybrid way.
Voice Technology	Further develop and invest in our voice technology, continuing our migration away from traditional telephony to an integrated ‘softphone’ environment that’s conducive to an agile, 21st century workforce.	Resilient and agile voice communication platforms that facilitate collaboration and hybrid working.
Building Rationalisation	Resource and fully support the council’s building rationalisation programme.	Comprehensive and realigned technology provision at existing sites, and safely and thoroughly decommissioned sites that are being vacated.
Modernising Education programme	A state-of-the-art Digital fabric at all new school builds and refurbishments including connectivity, infrastructure, systems, and services.	Nursery, primary and secondary schools that are fully equipped to meet current and future education needs.

Priority Area 5: Digital Communities & Economy

What it means?

• Improving the fibre and mobile connectivity of our County.
• Helping to drive awareness, understanding and adoption of fast broadband and mobile.
• Supporting the Digital skills & inclusion of our residents and businesses.
• Collaborating with private and public sector for the benefit of our residents and businesses.
• Supporting residents to exploit the latest digital technology to improve their lives.
• Encouraging businesses to make use of emerging technologies to accelerate productivity.

Why is it Important?

• Our children deserve to live in digitally enabled and informed communities and have the latest technologies available to give them the best possible start in life.
• Every resident of Carmarthenshire should have the ability to access on-line services that can be used to improve their wellbeing.
• Businesses should be encouraged and supported to invest in the County, supporting the local economy and attracting sustainable employment.
• Businesses should have the opportunity and support to innovate and exploit new opportunities.
• Our commercial buildings and assets should have the necessary future proofed infrastructure, facilities and capabilities to thrive.
• Encouraging businesses to make use of emerging technologies to accelerate productivity.

How will we achieve this?

• Building effective relationships with, and working alongside key public, private and third sector partners on Digital across Carmarthenshire.
• Considering the Digital needs of residents, businesses, projects, and partners across all our significant regeneration and economic development activity.
• Consistently recognising and leveraging our significant influence and capability as a local authority to contribute to the Digital infrastructure, skills, and investment of our County.
• Accessing funding to develop sustainable Digital activities in Carmarthenshire wherever possible.

Title	What we will deliver	Key outcomes	24/25	25/26	26/27
Pentre Awel	A state-of-the-art Digital fabric at Pentre Awel including all relevant connectivity, infrastructure, systems, and services.	A world class development with the appropriate Digital capabilities to fully deliver its objectives.
Carmarthen HWB	A state-of-the-art Digital fabric at the new Carmarthen HWB including all relevant connectivity, infrastructure, systems, and services.	A town centre facility with the appropriate Digital capabilities to ensure it delivers its objectives.
Llanelli Town Centre levelling up	Support, advice, and resources to ensure all relevant and necessary technology is utilised and implemented at our Llanelli Town Centre investment project.	A town centre regeneration scheme with the necessary future proofed Digital capabilities to ensure it’s success.
Towy Valley Path	Support, advice, and resources to ensure all relevant and necessary technology is utilised and implemented on the new Towy Valley Path.	A 21st century attraction in the heart of the Towy valley that’s willing and able to embrace Digital developments to enhance the visitor experience.
Commercial assets	Digital support and investment at our flagship commercial assets including Pembrey Country Park, Pendine Tourism Attractor, Llandeilo Market Hall, Town Centre Markets, and the Beacon Centre for Enterprise.	Commercial assets that are fully equipped to deliver on the needs of our business tenants, partners, customers and visitors.
Shared Prosperity Fund	A Digital cross cutting theme within Shared Prosperity funded projects across Carmarthenshire, providing support and expertise wherever necessary..	Grant funding and projects that actively consider and embed Digital needs and thinking within their plans, for the benefit of Carmarthenshire.
Smart Towns	Work with all interested partners, stakeholders, and businesses to deploy Smart solutions and collect and share data to inform placemaking within our 10 market towns and 3 primary towns.	Towns with the confidence and capability to exploit Digital and data to support economic and social prosperity.
Third, public and private sector Digital skills offering.	Work to identify the full 3rd sector, public sector and private sector offering for Digital skills across Carmarthenshire and promote, support, and facilitate wherever possible.	An informed County with awareness of and access to a range of Digital skills and inclusion offerings.
Regional Skills and Talent Programme	Lead and deliver the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme across the region on behalf of all partners and stakeholders.	Bespoke education and training solutions which align to the needs of industry and key local and regional themes, including Digital.
Regional Digital Infrastructure Programme	Lead and deliver the £55 million Digital Infrastructure programme across the Swansea Bay City Region on behalf of all our partners and stakeholders.	Better broadband for residents and businesses. A smart region ready and able to innovate and adopt emerging technology. An inclusive digital landscape that meets our needs.
Connecting Carmarthenshire (Broadband)	Work with public and private sector partners to increase full fibre broadband coverage and reduce nonsuperfast connected premises across Carmarthenshire.	Improved connectivity to residential and business premises. Increased equality of access to online services and resources. A reduction in digital exclusion.
Connecting Carmarthenshire (Mobile)	Work with public and private sector partners to increase coverage of 4/5G mobile connectivity and increased choice of mobile connectivity across Carmarthen.	Improved capacity and scope to deliver digital services to everyone, everywhere. More choice and competition for residents and businesses in mobile connectivity.
Support Resource for Residents and Businesses	Develop Web based support resources for residents and businesses, helping them to achieve better connectivity via relevant funding, schemes, and operators.	An online location to share resources, signpost, help and inform. Share and promotes use case studies of the benefits and usage of Digital Connectivity raising awareness of why better connectivity is so important and how it can be used to help customers and businesses across Carmarthenshire.
Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) switch off	An educational communications campaign for residents and businesses regarding the UK’s migration from the old analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a fully digital network by 2025.	A more informed population who understand what’s happening, why, and any steps they need to take to prepare.