by DOUGLAS SHEPHERD
The delivery of local government services in the Scottish Borders will change markedly in the next few years with sectors ranging from community care to refuse collection undergoing a so-called digital transformation.
There will be admin apps for frontline staff, care home residents will have access to modern technology, and bin lorry crews will be equipped with in-cab devices for "high density route navigation and problem reporting".
A total of eight different digital projects forming part of a £99 million contract extension between Scottish Borders Council and IT giants CGI were outlined in private to councillors in August and September last year before the majority decision was taken to proceed with a deal which will now last until the year 2040.
The various initiatives are available for public scrutiny for the first time after reports linked to council decision making were released in response to a Freedom of Information request. But some of the jargon may be difficult to comprehend.
In general terms it is claimed the programme which was launched last October and will cost the council £5.7 million in the current financial year will bring improved support for SBC's 4,200 FTE (full time equivalent) council employees while providing enhanced services for 115,000 Borders residents.
There will also be "a major contribution to reducing the carbon footprint to net zero by 2045 (estimated at least a 2,000 tonnes reduction in CO2 annually".
And the transformation will enable 1,000 Borders teachers to "have a more automated and wholesome view of a pupil's wellbeing, leading the way with Inspire [education programme] for all generations".
Apparently the overall tie-up with CGI holds out the prospect of annual cost savings of 'up to £3 million (subject to verification) on projects identified to date'.
The Digital Borders Fit For 2024 three year plan will be delivered in four phases, according to the documentation now declassified by SBC.
Phase One includes a digital strategy and road map, Covid support for vulnerable citizens, fleet management and student wellbeing.
In Phase Two there are references to smart street lights, bin sensors, elected members' surgeries, digital care homes and paperless offices.
The third phase is intended to cover enterprise workforce scheduling, automated social care payments, Inspire academy and kit out new schools.
Phase four will see the creation of digital health and social care hubs, classroom of the future, SBC energy efficiencies, payment services and legal services.
A presentation made in private to the council's Finance & Risk Committee last September said: "Our Fit For 2024 programme sets out to ensure that in a constantly changing digital world SBC can meet future challenges, embrace new opportunities and deliver best outcomes".
The proposed vision - "The Scottish Borders will become the UK's first smart connected rural region".
NEXT: THOSE PROJECTS IN MORE DETAIL
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