Norfolk County Council: at the forefront of innovation
Feature
Wifi symbol made up of binary code

Norfolk County Council is leading the way with technology such as IoT, satellite, and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life for residents and create a more connected, efficient, and responsive community. Kurt Frary, the council's IT & chief technology officer, explains further

In an era where technology is reshaping the dynamics of governance and public service, we at Norfolk County Council are proud to be at the forefront of innovation, setting and promoting new benchmarks in the public sector. Our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies has enabled us to open new opportunities for our sector, for businesses and residents, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Norfolk County Council has a track record of leading the way through innovation with large scale deployment of Internet of Things (IoT), improving connectivity including using satellite technology, and early adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Internet of Things

We embraced Internet of Things (IoT) technology several years ago by deploying the UK’s largest free to use IoT network, the Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Network. Serving as a platform for collaboration and experimentation with IoT technology for the public sector, businesses and the public.

Gritting lorries

One of the standout implementations of IoT within Norfolk is the deployment of sensors for smart winter gritting. Sensors placed in the ground inform us where temperatures are low and roads need gritting, ensuring that we only treat the necessary areas. This information then informs the gritting team of where to send the vehicles informing gritting routes and ensure that roads are safe during icy conditions. This not only enhances road safety but also reduces the environmental impact by minimising salt usage.

Step into Tech

The “Step into Tech” initiative is another innovative project aimed at fostering digital literacy amongst young people. This program provides hands-on experiences with IoT devices and applications, encouraging young people to explore how technology can be integrated into daily life. By promoting the use of technology to solve problems the Council is preparing its community for the future digital landscape.

Flood sensors

The most recent IoT implementation is being used to tackle flooding issues as flooding poses significant risks to communities and life. Norfolk County Council is proactively addressing this with the installation of flood sensors in Wellney Wash. These IoT-enabled sensors detect rising water levels and issue early warnings through electronic signage, alerting drivers to deep water and safeguarding lives and property. The next step is for real-time publishing of the data over social media.

Connectivity

Recognising the vital role of connectivity in driving economic growth, social inclusion and delivery of public services, Norfolk County Council has been working to ensure robust and reliable connectivity across the region.

Better Broadband for Norfolk

Our ‘Better Broadband for Norfolk’ program has improved regional connectivity and speeds through partnerships with top telecom providers to 200,000 premises across Norfolk. We’ve expanded this success with satellite and mobile mapping initiatives.

Satellite

We are also using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite to provide broadband services including free to use public Wi-Fi, in rural and remote areas including village halls. This technology offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional wired connections, helping to address the digital divide and ensuring access to information and services.

Project Gigabit

Project Gigabit aims to deliver gigabit capable broadband across Norfolk, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to high-speed internet. This initiative addresses connectivity challenges and enhances digital infrastructure, thereby fostering economic growth and social inclusion. This initiative will benefit 80,000 premises across Norfolk, attracting £129 million in inward investment.

Mobile signal mapping

Norfolk’s latest initiative uses bin lorries to map mobile signals for all four network operators. Close collaboration with district councils has enabled the use of their waste trucks to collect mobile network data from every household and business. Working with Streetwave to collect the mobile information, presenting it on a dashboard showing comprehensive mobile coverage data and performance across the county.

Artificial Intelligence

We have been early adopters of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies which underlines our dedication to innovation and efficiency in the public sector. We have learned a lot from AI initiatives informing how services can be transformed and are to be delivered in the future. This includes the use of “off the shelf” AI products like Microsoft Co-Pilot for everyday support and specific technology like Xantura for machine learning and preventative measures.

Co-Pilot

As early adopters of Microsoft Co-Pilot, we have explored how AI and large language models can support our staff, inform services, and transform public service delivery. Enabling 300 staff from across all of our service departments to trial and experiment with the technology to learn where it can add significant value which has demonstrated that AI can help with transcribing meetings and generating case notes significantly reducing the time for frontline staff freeing them to help more people.

AI natural language assistants

We are experimenting with AI-driven assistants designed to support council staff in delivering services more effectively helping them find information and provide answers effectively and efficiently.

Intervention and prevention using AI

Prevention and early intervention is another way AI can be used to benefit people. One example of this is to use machine learning to predict people at risk of falling.

Our “Falls Pilot” project is a remarkable example of how AI can be applied to help people using machine learning to analyse millions of free text case notes to predict people at risk of falling so we can intervene early and hopefully prevent or minimise the impact on the individual as well as NCC/NHS resources.

This is about to be expanded to predict people likely to suffer in relation to social isolation/loneliness and hoarding.

Conclusion

Our commitment to innovation positions Norfolk County Council as a leader in the public sector. Our proactive approach to trialling, learning and integrating new technologies into their services demonstrates a clear vision for the future, one where technology enhances quality of life, drives economic growth, and ensures sustainable development.

By continuously exploring new technological frontiers, Norfolk County Council is not only improving the services it provides but also setting a benchmark for other public sector organisations to follow. We are a team player and share our work and findings with other public sector organisations through groups such as Socitm and the LGA.

The initiatives discussed in this article underscores Norfolk County Council’s dedication to creating a more connected, efficient, and responsive community, paving the way for a brighter future for all of Norfolk’s residents.