Two strategies, one ambition: How Digital and Data Work Together

I am both delighted and proud to introduce to everyone the new Digital Ambition for Cheshire West and Chester. As the Director of Strategy and Transformation, it is a privilege to share our vision for a digitally empowered future, one that puts people, communities, and innovation at the very heart of everything we do. The world around us is changing rapidly. Digital technology is transforming the way we live, work and connect with one another. Our residents expect modern, accessible services and our businesses need robust, future-proofed digital infrastructure to flourish. The last few years have shown us just how vital digital inclusion, resilience, and adaptability are, whether in delivering services remotely, supporting vulnerable residents or driving economic growth. This Digital Ambition is more than a strategy document; it is a promise. A promise to harness technology for the benefit of every resident, every business, and every community across Cheshire West and Chester. This enabling strategy has been shaped by listening to you – our residents, our partners, our businesses, and our staff – and our ambition is simple: to make digital work for everyone. We will design services that are easy to use and open to all, use data wisely to make better decisions, and stay flexible so we can respond quickly to change. We’ll build strong foundations that keep information safe, protect privacy, and support innovation. By doing this, we aim to create digital solutions that improve lives and help our organisation grow with confidence. We know that turning ambition into reality will take partnership, passion, and perseverance. We will work collaboratively, with our residents, our voluntary sector, our business community and our staff, to co-design and co-deliver projects that matter. We will prioritise digital skills and inclusion, invest in our people and champion accessibility at every stage. We are also committed to transparency and accountability. We will report regularly on our progress, share what we learn, and be open about the challenges we face. Most importantly, we will keep listening, because your voices are central to this journey. Our Digital Ambition is a living document. It will adapt and evolve as technology advances and as the needs of our communities change. But our commitment remains steadfast: building a fairer, greener, and more connected borough through the power of digital. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to shaping this strategy. Your insights, experiences, and aspirations have informed our approach, and your ongoing involvement will be vital to our success. Together, we can create a Cheshire West and Chester that is not only ready for the digital future, but leading the way. Thank you for joining us today, and I look forward to working with you all as we turn our digital ambition into action.