As London’s collaboration hub on data, digital and innovation for local government, a core part of LOTI’s work focuses on sharing knowledge, building capacity, running projects and influencing change together across London boroughs.

One of the ways we do this is through our communities of practice, which brings together people working in local government in data, digital and technology related roles to share strategic ideas, best practice and case studies that can be learned from and applied to local services. In this blog, I will share our latest communities of practice, hosted on Basecamp, and how you can get involved. 

Member exclusive communities of practice

These communities of practice are exclusive to LOTI’s member boroughs.

Data Networks

LOTI has three Data communities of practice, each targeted at different audiences working within data in local government. 

1. Data Leaders: This is for Heads of Data or equivalent roles. A space to discuss high-level approaches to data, data capabilities, system tools and anything related to developing your council’s data function. This group meets monthly. 
2. Data Practitioners: This is for anyone involved in data projects across local authorities. Although they meet on an ad-hoc basis, the forum on Basecamp provides a space to ask questions and allows for rich conversations and knowledge-sharing when needed.
3. Data Scientists: This is the most technical, and for those who code. This group meets monthly.  

AI Network

This is a space for LOTI members working on AI-related topics from a governance, business, transformation or technical perspective to exchange thoughts, policies, resources and share information with colleagues from other councils. The next meetup is on AI assurance in local government and thereafter they’ll meet monthly.

Smart City Network

This is a network for LOTI members working on smart city related projects and initiatives to share ideas and discuss ways to work together across London. While this group does not meet regularly, the latest smart city events, projects and research are shared actively in this group. 

Open communities of practice

Get Online London Network

Get Online London is London’s first digital inclusion service giving Londoners access to refurbished devices, free mobile connectivity and digital skills training. But we know we must tackle digital exclusion across sectors together, therefore this network is for voluntary and community sector organisations, health partners, councils and anyone working in the digital inclusion space. This network hosts monthly meetings.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Switch Off Group

This group is dedicated to helping London boroughs share resources related to the upcoming PSTN switch off. This group comprises people from many different local government roles who are involved in the switch off including Information Governance Leads, user support managers, Directors of Communication among many others.  

New Service Models in Adult Social Care Group

This group focuses on developing and sharing ideas for improving social care outcomes. This group is for anyone who works in social care and is interested in strategising on how to use data and digital to improve service outcomes. 

Innovative Resident Engagement and Participation Group

This group works to increase resident participation across London. Local government colleagues working on innovative approaches to resident participation use this space to connect, share and collaborate. 

Register your interest to join one of our networks by completing the Basecamp Network form. If you have any questions, please get in touch at contact@loti.london.