Local Digital Strategy The Epping Forest District Council says that society is going through a period of profound change. Smartphones, computers and digital devices have transformed lives. Almost anything can now be done online. While big companies like Amazon and Google grab the headlines, the council says that the adoption of technology has also proceeded at pace in the public sector. There are many different factors driving the change including faster and more efficient services delivered at lower cost to Council Tax payers. Climate change has played a part as the council reduces traffic congestion and its carbon footprint. There have been unforeseen benefits. The early adoption of the digital strategy allowed many staff to maintain services by home working throughout the Covid pandemic. There was no need to come to the office or meet in person. The consultation of focusing on the first of the council’s key digital strategy themes – digital access to services. The full list is • Digital access to services – available online 24/7 for connected residents and visitors who use the internet every day.
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Digital People - Giving our people the tools to do the job and develop digitally for the future. Smart Data – Using the information we gather in ‘smart’ ways to create and maintain better services for you.
Secure and Modern Systems - Keeping you and your information safe and secure with automated systems designed to deliver services to you as quickly and efficiently as possible. More information is contained within a Digital Strategy summary on the council website—www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk If you need help with getting online, the council is emphasising that traditional forms of contact are not being taken away. It says staff are still available when residents need to talk - on the phone, face to face or through the post. Not everyone has adopted or adapted to the new technology at the same speed. Any local resident who is struggling to use a digital device at home during the pandemic, can request a home visit and support from the Voluntary Action Epping Forest Community Responder team. Email - communityhub@vaef.org.uk or call: 01992 910 701.
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