Stockport Council a finalist for 3 iNetwork Awards 2023

Stockport Council has been commended for its innovative use of data at the 2023 iNetwork Awards, where it is a finalist in three categories.

The iNetwork awards celebrate digital innovation, transformation and excellence in the public sector. Following a public vote, the local authority has been named a finalist in three categories in recognition of Stockport’s ‘radically digital’ ambitions for the borough.

In the Connected Procurement and Commissioning category, Stockport Council has been shortlisted for its work with partners to develop the Stockport Prevention Hub. The multi-agency hub partnership uses shared IT systems to streamline working practices, remove the IT barriers to partnership working and ultimately get people the right help, when they most need it.

In the 9 months since its conception, the Support Hub has received 4255 referrals, with almost 1400 people being referred on to 73 core organisations, and is the ‘go to’ place for wellbeing support in Stockport.  The shared IT system allows residents to access the help they need in a timely and efficient way

In the the iStand UK category, Stockport Council is a finalist for how it is enabling smarter working through a strategic approach to data. A 2021 Data Strategy detailed how the borough uses data to support its wider Digital Strategy.

The borough has pioneered several data-led projects such as the Family Context Tool, which saves social workers an average of 2 hours per referral, allowing them to spend more time with families and helping ensure the children get the right support.

In a mission to be more transparent with data, Stockport Council has also created the open data portal, the Big Stockport Picture, which allows partners to use and access valuable data to inform key decision-making.

Finally, the borough’s DigiKnow Alliance has been selected as a finalist for a ‘Transforming and Innovating Public Services’ award. DigiKnow aims to get everyone in Stockport online by focussing on data, devices and skills. The Council’s investment in digital inclusion aims to create a fair and digitally included Stockport where everyone has equal opportunity, and no one is left behind by advancing technologies. Digital Inclusion is an overarching theme which links to all of Stockport Council’s One Stockport Borough Plan priorities.

Cllr Malcolm Allan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, commented

“I’m delighted to have so much of our digital innovation work recognised on a national level by being shortlisted as finalists in 3 iNetwork Awards categories. This is a great opportunity to recognise and showcase our commitment to data and digital solutions which demonstrates the hard work of Council Officers and the wider DigiKnow partnership, with its dedicated volunteers. By using innovative technologies to improve services for our residents and everyone who spends time in Stockport, we will continue to put partnership working at the heart of what we do, to improve the lives of residents across the borough. Thanks to everyone who voted for us at the shortlist stage. Fingers crossed we take home one of the top awards!”