This project's final report and evaluation was completed on 14 May 2019.

Project approach

A working group was established by the Legatus Group (15 councils) and OurSay was selected to deliver the research and recommendations. The working group met five times during the project and a workshop was held to to discuss:

• Summary of key findings in the report, including opportunities/options identified
• Reflections on draft report and to identify a group response to draft report, comprising of surprises, concerns and direct experiences
• Key insights or learnings, options and areas of interest/focus
• Identifying priorities, areas warranting further research and next steps.

Survey an electronic DMI survey (using OurSay’s survey tool) was developed in consultation with the steering group. The primary data gathering exercise solicited responses to the online survey from the member councils, with multiple responses from some. User Experience (UX) Assessments were conducted on all council websites. Efforts were made to engage with all regional councils through the Regional LGAs including through a simplified survey but there was little buy in from these councils.

Project achievements

The need for councils to be actively engaged and to ensure that organisational change for digital technologies is not just an IT project. The varying levels of maturity across the member councils and the report identified the key areas of focus and a proposed way forward.

Project outputs and outcomes

Detailed regional and individual analysis which has also been shaped into four regional clusters showing the varying levels across the index used. There is a series of recommendations and a greater awareness of the role that digital services have for councils.

Project distribution

There was continual interaction with councils through the working group and workshop and updates to CEO’s and agenda item for the Legatus Group (Mayors). The findings were presented at the Yorke and Mid North Regional Forum to councils and community members. The final report will be provided to all councils and posted on the Legatus Group web site. Individual responses provided by OurSay to each council.

Performance measures

The project plan was developed and there was continual interaction with the working group and monitoring by the Legatus Group CEO. The project was based on the Digital Maturity Index presented in a report in 2017 titled Local Government Digital Maturity Index. The final report was also presented to the Legatus Group Management Group (CEO’s) and is being presented to the 31 May 2019 Legatus Group board meeting.

Project evaluation

Approval from working group and Legatus Group Management Group and recommendation to the Legatus Group board to establish a Legatus IT group to progress the recommendations and it is included into the 2019/2020 Legatus Group draft business plan.

Update on 14 September 2018: The funding agreement has been signed.