Digital partnership shortlisted for prestigious award

The awards, organised by GovNews in conjunction with the Government Property Agency, recognise organisations that demonstrate maturity in smarter working practices for the UK public sector.

The DIZ is an innovative, cross-border, cross-sector collaboration exploring what digital might mean for a place like this. Funded by Essex County Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Broxbourne Borough Council, East Herts District Council, Epping Forest District Council, Harlow Council and Uttlesford District Council, the partnership also invites the involvement of organisations from the voluntary and community sector, education, health and the private sector.

As well as delivering fibre connectivity to all of the GP surgeries across the area, collaborating to use innovative technology to better understand it high streets, and supporting a number of digital inclusion initiatives delivered by partners, it has also delivered an extensive programme of seminars, speaker presentations and horizon-scanning newsletters on key emerging digital opportunities and challenges. The aim is to ensure the DIZ geography is 'digital ready' so that residents and businesses are best placed to benefit from the opportunities digital can bring.

In a letter of congratulations, Leah Jones, Deputy Director, Workplace Experience at the Government Property Agency said: "I hope that, like me, you view your inclusion on this shortlist as evidence that you are leading the way in creating a smarter, more modernised public sector in the UK. I am delighted that your work is being recognised and I am certain that your innovation and resilience will inspire others.

Cllr Alan Lion, DIZ Chair and a member of Epping Forest District council, said: "Being shortlisted for this award is recognition of the innovative cross-border, cross-sector work the DIZ has delivered, since its formation, in collaboration with our partners. The digital landscape the DIZ operates within is ever-changing and the work we do with our partners is making an important contribution to ensuring our place is 'digital ready' and able to maximise the benefits of digital for those that live and work in our districts and boroughs."

Cllr Neil Reeve, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change at Uttlesford District Council, said: "We are delighted that the excellent work being carried out by the DIZ is getting well deserved recognition.  The partnership really is one of a kind, working across borders to ensure the whole geography benefits from digital opportunities."

For more information about the DIZ and its work programme, visit: www.diz.org.uk

13 November 2024