UK Public Sector Digital Awards underline the power of social technology

Last week I attended the UK Public Sector Digital Awards at London's Guildhall. K2 Advisory had the pleasure of presenting the "Best Sustainability Initiative", which recognises organisations that demonstrate best practice examples of sustainability in action. The very worthy winner was Warrington Collegiate – based up in Cheshire. The organisation opened new state-of-the-art facilities after a £27 million redevelopment to the main campus and has been committed to reducing CO2 in a variety of ways. For example, reducing incoming mains optimisation as well as installing solar panels in pursuit of renewable energy sources. Smart-metering systems have been installed which can shut down gas, electricity, water and air conditioning units automatically and recycle energy where possible.

One of the themes I took away from the night is just how significant IT has become in making big changes in the social context at a very local level. For example, the Best example of Citizen Engagement Award recognised a partnership across South Yorkshire that brings together councils, health, emergency, voluntary groups, transport and investment agencies. Its aim is to provide access to information and services. In other words, 'joining the dots' so that public sector agencies deliver a more efficient and more effective service to the pubic at large.

But what is also fascinating about these types of events is not just hearing about the winners' stories, bur hearing about the stories of the people you can chat with over dinner (in between clapping for the winners!). I had a chance to catch up with Katherine Wheatley (@wheatleyk), a consultant from FutureGov who explained a couple of projects where social technologies are used to improve the care of vulnerable people in the community. For example, "Casserole" is a project currently running in Redhill Surrey, to connect people who might be able to cook an extra serving at dinner to share with an elderly neighbour. You simply sign up online and you're connected with someone living close-by who either needs a meal or can cook a meal. Very simple, very effective.

The service is evolving all the time as those running the service learn more: "One area that is already emerging is the importance of a text service in communicating with all involved. Another area which has been highlighted is the importance of knowing what to ask at the sign-up stage - for example knowing more about the person in terms of what they do, where they work and who they might know already in the Casserole project. We've found that when it comes to matching up people and introducing them, having this kind of information makes it easier for people to understand just what type of person the Cook or Diner is." Murtz Abidi, FutureGov.

Wheatley herself has been focused on another project, called Patchwork. The project brings together numerous bodies, including local authorities and charities such as Barnardos, to understand how social technology can contribute to keeping children safe. FutureGov has now joined forces with Lichfield and Staffordshire's Strategic Partnerships to develop a prototype to support front-line practitioners.

The UKPDSA not only provide an uplifting evening for those who attend, and a pleasant boost for those who walk away winners, but they're an excellent reminder of the extent to which technology is a force for good.

Read the winners' list in full here.