5.30 — weeknotes — drones — Parliament — AI Roundtable

Lots going on as per usual! So much that I didn’t have any brain space to do weeknotes at the end of last week. So a double bubble this week!

One of our projects in flight currently is to create a digital version of our Cemeteries. The project kicked off this week and one of the highlights and a creative use of technology was the fact that they are using drones to map the cemeteries. From this they will be able to create a digital version of the site, to make it easier to manage. Due to our proximity to Heathrow special permits were needed to be arranged to allow us to use them. All good!

On Thursday of last week a number of Officers from Hounslow were invited to the Houses of Parliament by Seema Molhotra MP and Ruth Cadbury MP — the Members of Parliament for Hounslow.

What an amazing afternoon. Firstly we went through the set up and structure of the Houses of Parliament, how it works, how work is done, how decisions are made and the various roles. We failed the general knowledge of the Commons that’s for sure. But was fascinating.

We then had the opportunity to talk about Hounslow and ask questions. Lots to think about how we may work better together.

Finally a tour. It was great to hear about the history, the anecdotes, the practical ways of working and just being there was a privilege. We were even allowed in the chamber. Apparently everyone says it who goes but it was much smaller than it looks on TV. And I was struck but just how much tech there was is such an old and ornate place.

In Hounslow a couple of times this week. Attended CLT on Tuesday for an update on the Digital Delivery plan and a mandate on an Information Governance project we are doing. Annoyingly the tech was only half working but good discussion and the mandate approved. We are doing a bit of a drains up on all things IG in the Council to ensure we are fit for the future.

Thursday was our Hounslow Leadership Group. Update from the Chief Exec on a range of topics followed by an update on the Elections next year and finally some work on the finance challenges. Another packed agenda.

Actually making a bit of headway into the Level 7 work this week — slowly slowly anyway.

A few weeks ago I was part of a round table hosted by Penna focussed on AI — it looked into the current and potential impact the technology may have on Local Government — this has now been published so have a look — https://www.themj.co.uk/AI-The-future-for-local-government/233178

Tune of the week: Confidence Man Firebreak (Edit)