6.11 — weeknotes — Remembering Steve Curran — Windsor Castle — AWS/KCL Event

A fortnight note this time. Not bad as I think that is the first of the year.

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of former Leader of the Council — Steve Curran last week.

He made such an impact on so many people in the Borough and will be dearly missed. An immensely powerful and emotional Q&A last week with the Chief Exec taking some time to remember an amazing man.

Steve was part of the Member interview panel who interviewed me when I joined Hounslow. He made me feel welcomed at ease but had a clear vision of what he wanted in the Council, what he wanted in the Borough and then what he wanted from me. I think we have delivered a lot of his ambition when it comes to Digital and Digital Inclusion — his legacy in the Borough will certainly live on.

Tributes paid to former Council leader Steve Curran | London Borough of Hounslow

Windsor Castle

At the start of last week I had two days at Windsor Castle as part of a St George’s House and Socitm consultation with colleagues from Socitm and across public and private sector. I am very fortunate to get to do these things in my role.

Towards Connected Places: Insights into Actions. It was an intense 24 hours, but important to physically come together to have these discussions — wasn’t something you could have done via Teams.

During the discussions we weaved together connected and sustainable places with digital, data, technology, and (of course) AI! However the focus was always the outcomes to the people and communities that we serve — which is so important.

As always ensuring that we make the results of the day very practical for our members. Including the launch of AI@Socitm — AI@Socitm — Socitm

Was great to spend time with PresTeam as well as making some great new connections. The conversations will continue…

AWS /KCL — Impact Accelerator Event

Highlight of this week was the AWS session in London. We were involved in the inaugural event last year and pleased to say that we have been involved again this year.

Over the past few months Neil and the team have been supporting our team in the development of their solution to our challenge — improving the process and management of the FOI process.

Friday was the end of the work, that bought all the teams together to AWS building in London to present their work. There were 7 groups and we had a presentation from each group on their work and what they have developed. And once again I was blown away by their solutions, their innovations, their passion and technical skills.

Some of their solutions were almost ready to go live in a council environment — just so impressive.

Thanks to AWS and KCL for organising and involving us again…

Tune of the week: Elbow — One Day Like This