The Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperability (SAVVI) and Open Referral UK (ORUK) data standards are taking an important step forward.

In our latest blog, we share new pilots with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council that will test the adoption of these data standards, and help councils to identify vulnerability earlier, more consistently, and more effectively.

Read the blog

We recently published the first release of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Digital and Cyber Playbook.

The Playbook is a live resource that brings together practical guidance, council experiences, and templates to help navigate the digital, data, technology, and cyber aspects of reorganisation.

It has recently been updated with a new resource for cyber readiness, covering how a new unitary council can protect data, detect threats, maintain secure access, and keep critical services running from day one.

Access the new resource

Local AI (formerly AI for Local Government) is a new team in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), working with councils to support the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across local government.

In their latest blog, the team shares the areas they are focusing on, their current work and how you can get involved to help shape their work.

Read the blog

The latest blog from Data in Government introduces the Vulnerabilities Working Group and sets out how shared data standards, including the SAVVI framework, can help councils better identify and support people at risk of becoming vulnerable. It explains why common definitions and interoperability matter for more joined‑up, preventative services.

Read the blog

SAVVI's new video shows how the approach has strengthened Wigan Council's ability to identify and support residents who may be at higher risk in emergencies.

SAVVI is now in phase 4, which advances its work across five key areas:

1. improving adoption
2. enhancing assets
3. evidencing impact
4. widening responsible data access
5. deepening engagement

Wigan Council’s experience demonstrates how the SAVVI approach can support emergency planning.

Watch the video

GDS Local is participating in the Innovation 2026 conference, which brings together senior digital leaders from across local government.

Tom Smith, Director for AI at MHCLG, will be speaking at the event on Tuesday 24 March. Tom's session, 'In action: Harnessing AI for streamlined government', focuses on how governments are adopting AI to simplify processes, cut duplication, and deliver services more efficiently. 

GDS Local has developed two dedicated sessions specifically for local government digital leaders on Wednesday 25 March:

• an interactive workshop
• a fireside chat with sector peers

The sessions aim to create space for senior leaders to share insights, work together on common challenges, and strengthen connections.

View the ‘Innovation in Local Government’ agenda, featuring sessions specifically designed for councils.

Join Socitm, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) and Local Digital for a virtual workshop designed to help you navigate LGR confidently with real-world guidance.

Join Beckett to discover how you can bring together legacy telephony estates, remove PBX dependencies, and improve responsiveness using a Microsoft Teams-centric model, enhanced by AI-powered call routing.

An interactive event for councils navigating LGR, focused on delivering the best possible digital and service transformation ahead of vesting day and beyond. Ben Cheetham, Deputy Director for Local Digital, will be attending the event as a guest speaker.

The conference will explore progress in delivering the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, updating legacy systems, reducing costs and innovation.

Access a collection of digital learning resources that have been developed for the sector following research and testing with councils. The resources introduce new approaches to designing products and services.

Access the resources