GDS Local

GDS Local is a new unit within the Government Digital Service (GDS). It has been set up to strengthen collaboration, share learning and innovation between central and local government and improve digital services for citizens and communities across the UK.

GDS Local will address specific challenges in 3 critical areas:

Developing a strategic vision for local government technology

We’ll work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Local Government Association (LGA), and local government practitioners to co-create a vision for local government technology that includes shared products and components. This will create the foundations for a new, joined-up approach to buying, including IT market reform, and building technology that aligns with the goals of the blueprint for modern digital government.

Unlocking local data potential

In collaboration with partners, we’ll work to break down barriers to data sharing across services. This means teams can better access the data they need to make informed decisions, identify trends and demonstrate impact. Picture housing teams having seamless access to relevant health and social care data to better support vulnerable residents, while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards.

Making GDS products available

We are starting the journey of making more GDS products and platforms actively available to local authorities. This brings opportunities to simplify access to services through GOV.UK App and GOV.UK OneLogin as well as other GDS components. This could mean residents using a single sign-on and identity verification service to access both central and local government services, dramatically reducing form-filling and repeat verification.

GDS Local will work directly with the MHCLG, the LGA and councils to:

• support local authorities to scale digital innovation
• promote shared standards and technology across local and central government
• help make public services simpler, faster and more joined-up
• share knowledge, insights, and best practice across local and central government
• explore new approaches to digital services together
• encourage learning networks to build skills and experience across local and national teams

GDS Local forms part of the GDS blueprint for a modern digital government and contributes to plans to build a more productive and agile state.

GDS Local aims to make digital transformation faster, smarter, and more sustainable through better collaboration. This will help people benefit from services that work seamlessly across local and national government.

You can contact GDS Local directly at GDSlocal-info@dsit.gov.uk and register your interest to hear more by completing this form.