Q
The Directorate for Strategy , Transformation and Technology is a brand new RCOT directorate – can you tell us more about what the new team will do ?
A If I was to sum up what we do , I would say that the role of this directorate is to help ensure that everyone else at RCOT has the advice , tools and support they need to deliver great service to members and to each other . We are the directorate that helps .
In practical terms , I think we have three core areas of focus . First , we want to make sure that we hve a robust and dynamic approach to planning that enables all areas of the business to focus on delivering our vision and priorities for members .
We also want to get the business support model working in a way that meets the current and future needs of the business .
The next area is making sure that we have an effective approach to technology and data . This means ensuring that we have the right hardware , software , support , access and training . We also want to make best use of the data and insight we collect to help shape the way we design and deliver services .
Finally , it ’ s about helping deliver our transformation journey . This involves delivering some exciting new projects , but it also means promoting and supporting our values , our culture and new ways of working .
It means investment in new technology and investment in training and support for colleagues . Ultimately , though , transformation is about creating a new approach to ‘ business as usual ’, and so a lot of this work is about how we can harness the experience , insight and knowledge of members and colleagues .
Q
You are responsible for change management , technology and business support , with a lot of exciting new roles currently
A being recruited to ; what are the priorities in both your own role and for your new team ?
Over the next few months , we want to focus on getting that strategic planning process in place , so everyone can see how their work supports the delivery of our vision and priorities .
We want to provide more project management support and tools and to make sure that we get the technology offer and experience where it needs to be . We are also looking at how the business support team can best help teams across the organisation .
Q
How will all of this exciting organisational transformation and change improve the experience for members ?
A These changes will help ensure that the business is focused on delivering the services and support that members want and that we do so in a way that is agile , responsive and delivers a high-quality experience .
We ’ re already working on projects and activities that will improve the member experience and over the coming weeks and months we will be starting to think about other ways that we can improve the offer to members .
Q
You ’ ve had a very successful career to date , when it comes to your proudest achievements , what have been the highlights ?
A I ’ m very proud of the work we did to transform the technology and digital experience for customers and colleagues at Silva Homes . I am also proud of the work that we did to introduce a new change culture at Dacorum Council .
However , it is fair to say that none of this could have been achieved without building a fantastic team and without working in partnership with colleagues and customers . This is the key to success and I look forward to working with members and colleagues as we go on this journey together .
We ’ re already working on projects and activities that will improve the member experience and over the coming weeks and months we will be starting to think about other ways that we can improve the offer to members .”
Words ROB SMYTH , Director of Strategy , Technology and Transformation , talked to Tracey Samuels , Editor of OTnews
February 2023 OTnews 19