Digital News and Resources Hub
Our vision
Our Digital Strategy outlines our vision for a more connected, inclusive and innovative future for our residents, businesses and communities. It supports how we deliver the priorities in Our Council Plan, including fostering a sustainable and prosperous economy, helping people and communities to fulfil their potential, and making best use of resources.
In a rapidly changing digital world, we are embracing technology to improve the way we deliver services, focusing on making them easy to access, efficient and open to everyone in West Sussex. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring no one is left behind, making sure that all our services remain available and accessible to everyone.
Watch the video below for an overview of the Digital Strategy and its key areas of focus.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
West Sussex County Council’s Digital Strategy establishes how we’ll use technology responsibly to improve everyday life for our residents, businesses, and communities. This strategy focuses on
making council services easy to access in a variety of different ways, user-friendly, and efficient while ensuring no one is excluded. We are committed to making sure everyone can benefit from the opportunities digital technology offers, and that all our services remain available and accessible to everyone - whether or not they choose to use digital channels.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks which usually require human thinking - such as recognising patterns, understanding language, or answering questions.
To learn more about AI, discover the Introduction to AI training course, provided by our partners, Learn My Way.
How are we using AI at WSCC and what are the benefits?
At West Sussex County Council, we are implementing AI carefully and responsibly to help improve services for everyone who interacts with us, provide a choice in how you interact with us, make processes more efficient, and support staff in their work.
The AI tools currently available to you are our new AI chat assistants on our website service pages and the AI voice assistants answering calls into our Customer Service Centre. These AI tools can answer common questions quickly, helping you find the right information without waiting, and, by handling simpler queries, these tools allow our staff to focus on more complex or sensitive issues - meaning faster, more focussed support when you need it most.
These tools are also available 24/7 - meaning you can now access support and guidance anytime that suits you.
If you have a more complex enquiry or just want to speak to someone, you can always speak with our customer service team during normal working hours.
These additional tools are there to offer more choice in how you interact with us and more AI chat and voice assistants will be introduced over time.
Digital Tools
What are chat and voice assistants?
Chat and voice assistants are types of computer software or programmes that simulate human conversation via text or voice channels. Companies often use them to answer simple customer questions, signpost to other resources and to better filter customer care needs to the appropriate services. They achieve this either through scripted chat or voice assistants, or by using AI to converse with users about more complex tasks.
You’ll see these tools implemented across our services on the West Sussex County Council website and customer service centre, giving you 24/7 access to help and information as well as more choice in how you interact with us.
Ways you might already be using AI
- Recommendations on streaming services like Netflix or iPlayer. Streaming services use AI to recommend shows or films that you might like based on what you’ve already watched.
- Online shopping recommendations. Items are suggested based on what you’ve bought previously.
- Fingerprint and facial recognition use AI to allow you to unlock your devices.
- Banks use AI to monitor transactions to identify fraudulent activity. Banks also use AI to help filter incoming emails to identify possible scams.
- Search engines like Google use AI to provide an overview at the top of a list of search results based on information collected from multiple websites using keywords.
- Siri, Google Home and Alexa are all types of AI called ‘Virtual Assistants’ and are designed to help you with daily tasks.
For help with using chat and voice assistants, read our helpsheet, or find out more about our resources and support options below.
Resources and Support
Need help with getting online and other digital skills? Free resources and support are available from West Sussex Libraries Digital Support.
Support includes:
- Digital volunteers
- Helpsheets
- Learn my way
- Staying safe online
Digital volunteers
Our team of Library Digital Volunteers offers free support in libraries on a range of digital enquiries including:
- Setting up an email account
- Accessing Learn My Way's free digital skills courses
- Using a digital device to connect with others
- Being safe online
To find out which libraries offer appointments with Digital Volunteers, search our What's On webpage or see the list here.
To find out more or to arrange for some digital support, please contact your local library directly.
Helpsheets
An A-Z list of short guides are available to support you with digital services, including:
To view more, you can read and download helpsheets here.
Learn my way
Learn My Way is an online learning platform with free online courses for beginners, to help you develop digital skills, to make the most of the online world and stay safe.
You can learn how AI is developing and the benefits it brings through an easy-to-follow introduction module, which includes a helpful video. To access the content, you’ll need to sign up - it’s free and gives you access to all topics.
Staying safe online
Information on the latest advice, guidance and information on staying safe online and where to get help and advice.
Latest News
For any news and developments in our Digital Strategy, we'll keep you updated via our regular eNewsletter for residents.
You can also stay up to date by visiting this webpage where we will update you with changes, information and resources as we deliver the Digital Strategy.
FAQs
Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our digital strategy. We will update them when needed and as new developments take place.
Digital Inclusion, Access and Safety
At West Sussex County Council, we’re committed to a digital future that’s inclusive, accessible and safe for all. We want every resident to have the skills, confidence and access they need to get online and stay connected.
We lead the West Sussex Digital Inclusion, Access and Safety Partnership, bringing together organisations across the county to tackle digital exclusion. Our Strategic Framework guides this work, ensuring no one is left behind.
Some of the ways we're helping include:
- Digital support - use our interactive map to find help with skills, data, devices and free Wi-Fi.
- Devices and data - information on where to get low-cost digital devices, data plans, and affordable broadband.
- Digital skills and safety - practical tools and guidance to help you build digital confidence and stay safe online.
Visit our Digital Inclusion, Access and Safety webpage to find out more.