Socitm today launches its detailed findings into local government’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.
More than 2,500 questionnaires were filled in as part of the organisation’s research into how UK authorities reacted during lockdown and what opportunities there are coming out of it.
The report, jointly produced with the Socitm’s consultancy arm Soctim Advisory, shows swift and decisive action taken by councils, adapting ways of working to maintain delivery of vital services, and protecting the vulnerable throughout lockdown.
There is also clear evidence from the pandemic’s impact, that new ways of working and the efficiency of services need to be secured to avoid falling back to old ways.
Socitm regional director Dave Sanderson said:
“It is clear from the report that councils across the UK acted quickly in the most challenging of circumstances to establish new ways of working. By doing so they protected the vulnerable, continued to support communities and paved the way for new ways of working to the benefit of citizens and council staff”.
Headlines from the report include:
- Prior to lockdown only 5% of staff in worked from home. That figure is now more than 80%.
- More than 40% of staff felt they were more efficient and productive as a result of flexible working.
- There is significant work for local authorities to do to train staff on the ICT tools they need for remote working.
Socitm Advisory Innovation and Insights director Andrew Rogers added:
“This is a great joint report between Socitm and Soctim Advisory. It captures the amazing work that has and continues to happen, throughout UK authorities as they rise to the challenges Covid-19 presents”.