Our latest ‘Live Better Connected’ podcast episode features Heather Clark, the Head of City Economy and External Funding, and Julie Bentley, the Digital Programme Manager at Wolverhampton City Council. The pair join our Director of Policy and Communications, Gareth Elliott, to explore Wolverhampton City Council's digital strategy and its impact on the local community.

Digital Strategy In Wolverhampton City Council

Wolverhampton's digital strategy is recognised as a benchmark for best practices nationwide. The council has long understood the benefits that robust digital infrastructure can bring to its residents. During the episode, Heather explains that to ensure no one is left behind, the council appointed a senior-level digital champion to spearhead improvements in digital infrastructure and support residents in getting online.

Heather shares that the political response to these initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive. The digital champion's role has been pivotal in driving these changes, with annual reports provided to senior leaders to highlight the impact of their efforts.

Removing Barriers To Connectivity

One of the council's main commitments has been to eliminate obstacles to the rollout of connectivity. With strong support from senior leaders and councillors, the deployment of mobile infrastructure has been largely successful. Julie explains that the Digital Wolves Strategy ensures all priorities align with the West Midlands Digital Road Map, such as focusing on digital inclusion to guarantee that all residents have access to devices, connectivity, and data.

Engagement With The Mobile Industry

Heather discusses how the council engages with the mobile industry, emphasising the positive collaboration with WM5G. This partnership has led to the adoption of simplified processes and standardised agreements, which have significantly impacted planning success through collaboration with mobile operators. The council's approach provides consistency and certainty, sharing best practices and establishing small cell agreements.

Benefits Of Enhanced Infrastructure

The benefits of improved digital infrastructure in Wolverhampton are manifold. The city can now offer enhanced public services, such as the 700 smart sensors installed on bins across the city to monitor waste levels and improve efficiency. Additionally, better connectivity has attracted more investment, making Wolverhampton an appealing location for both investors and residents.

Cultural Change Within The Council

From the council's perspective, Heather and Julie highlight the cultural shift among employees and officers. This transformation has been driven by the need to adapt to new digital tools and processes, fostering a more innovative and responsive work environment.

Challenges And Future Solutions

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Some areas, known as "not spots," still lack connectivity due to the high costs of connections, making it commercially unviable to improve infrastructure. Wolverhampton City Council continues to seek solutions to bridge these gaps and ensure comprehensive connectivity for all residents.

Tune in to the Live Better Connected Podcast here on YouTube to hear more about Wolverhampton City Council's digital journey and the positive changes it brings to the community. You can also listen back to the episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

‍