blog.essex.gov.uk

User research in libraries: finding the voices between the bookshelves

“The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” - Einstein Libraries are a goldmine for researchers – but you knew that already, right? I don’t know about you, but I’m old enough to remember …

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We are moving your subscriber data

We are moving our blog to a new platform. 

If you have subscribed to email notifications for one of our blogs, we will be moving your email address to another service called e-shot. 

If you do not wish your email address to move, please unsubscribe by Wednesday 25 February.  

Read more about how we use your data in our privacy policy. 

Building Services That Last: How Architecture & Design Helps ECC Make Better Decisions

Discover how Architecture & Design is helping ECC build sustainable, connected and future‑ready services by bringing clarity, insight and user‑centred thinking to decisions made

Investing in a stronger SEND system for Essex

Councillor Tony Ball updates on the continued investment the council is making to improve the Essex SEND system.

What a Warehouse in Rugby Taught Us About the Future of Our Digital Services

Our visit to CDW’s Logistics and Technical Centre showed us what the future of modern IT operations truly looks like — automated, scalable, and genuinely inspiring

What “Digital” really means and how Essex Digital Service is evolving

Digital is more than systems and software — and in our next blog, we’re unpacking what it really means at Essex. We’ll explore how Essex Digital Service is evolving, the specialist teams behind it, and how digital is shaping better ways of working and better outcomes for residents

Why human trust shapes AI success

Technology alone doesn’t transform services—people do. Discover why psychology, trust, and culture matter more than code in the age of AI, and how Essex County Council is taking a human-first approach.

Supporting the homeless: An information booklet shaped by lived experience

330,410 households were homeless or at risk of homelessness in 2024-25. Compare this to 269,510 in 2018-19 – a 23% increase. Local councils, charities, and other organisations are working constantly to support people experiencing homelessness, but how much of what …

Reflecting on our SEND improvements

Councillor Tony Ball updates on why the latest local area SEND inspection is so important for Essex.

Looking back and moving forward

Hylands House isn’t just a beautiful setting. In December 2025, it became the backdrop for something important. For one morning, Essex Digital Service came together to pause, reflect, and reconnect after a year of change.   2025 was a big year …

Essex Digital Service: Building a Modern Digital Future for Essex

In November 2025, Essex County Council brought together its Technology Services and Service Transformation teams to create a single, modern digital service: Essex Digital Service (EDS).  This new service is a big step toward our ambition to be a leading digital …

Research Ethics and Young People

To engage or not to engage? If you work in research, you’ve likely had a moment where you’ve contemplated whether to include the hard-to-reach under 18 population in your sample. They can provide rich and valuable insights, yet their participation …

Local Government Reorganisation – bringing power back to our communities

Councillor Kevin Bentley on how our proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex will empower local residents.

From Ideas to Impact: Building a Culture of Knowledge Sharing in Data

Sharing is talked about a lot nowadays, house sharing, ride sharing, even reminding your child to share with others (or you if they have a bar of chocolate!). Something that is even more important than sharing chocolate (if that is …

Keeping the pound in your pocket – why less means more when it comes to councils

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, on this weeks Budget, and what this could mean for local government.

A proud moment for Greater Essex – our vision for local government moves forward

Councillor Kevin Bentley shares an important update about the Government's consultation on LGR proposals for Greater Essex.

Continuing Our SEND improvement journey – supporting families and driving change

Councillor Tony Ball shares an update on the SEND improvements being made in Essex.

Frailty in North East Essex: What’s changed in six months?

1 in 10. That’s the number of adults over 65 that are estimated to be frail in England, equivalent to nearly 1.1 million people. That’s over 30,000 people in Essex alone. What’s astonishing is that, for the most part, the severity of frailty can be mitigated.   1,098,109 over 65s could be affected by …

Childhood in Essex

We might all like to think we’re “down with the kids”- I certainly did, until I got stuck into our latest research project! But it turns out, childhood today is a whole lot different from what many of us remember. …

Budget challenges ahead – but Essex is in a strong position

Councillor Chris Whitbread reflects on the financial headlines at the halfway point of the year.

SDinGov 2025

Something special happens in a small corner of Edinburgh every year. When the comedy fans and culture vultures dissipate after the summer’s festival, a new mob comes to town. Instead of the echoes of laughter and applause, something else fills …

Why bigger is better for care – and for Greater Essex

Research shows larger councils can deliver high-quality services efficiently and sustainably.

Marking World Mental Health Day 2025

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration, on the importance of prioritising your wellbeing.

Pharmacy in Essex: Meeting Needs Today and Tomorrow

Every three years, Essex County Council takes a deep dive into how well our community pharmacies are serving residents. It’s called the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) – and while it might sound technical, it’s actually a vital piece of work …

Shaping tomorrow – the future of health and social care in Essex

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration, reflects on a pivotal seminar that’s setting the course for Essex’s health and social care future.

AI Talks: How AI Can Help Us Do More in the Public Sector

Let’s be honest—AI is no longer a thing of the future. It’s arrived and is already embedded within our everyday lives. Whether it’s your phone suggesting the fastest route to work, your streaming app recommending your next binge-watch, or the …

Local Government Reorganisation – putting more power in the hands of local people

Councillor Kevin Bentley explains how Local Government Reorganisation will empower and support people and communities.

Our bold vision for a bright future – the Proposal for Greater Essex

This week is a landmark week for the future of local government in Essex, and I couldn’t be prouder to share why with you. We have just published the final Proposal for Greater Essex, a key moment in our journey to …

Local Government Reorganisation – Proposals emerge, debate continues...

Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley, shares his latest update on Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex.

Reflections on Autism Work Experience Week at Essex County Council

This July, Essex County Council (ECC) trialled a new and exciting entry-to-work initiative: Autism Work Experience Week. As Head of People Analytics, Performance and Insight, I was keen to volunteer our team as the first to take part. When I signed …

Reflecting your priorities in our work to create new councils

Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley, shares his latest update on Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex.

Empowering Early Intervention: Building the Risk of NEET Indicator (RONI) Tool

In Essex County Council (ECC), the Education Directorate is taking a proactive stance to ensure that every young person has the best chance to succeed. At the heart of this mission is ECC’s Education Performance & Business Intelligence (PBI) team, …

LGR in Greater Essex: protecting vital services and achieving a bright future for all

Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley, shares his latest update on Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex.

Tackling inequality for 140,000 Essex residents

Earlier this month, we brought some of our partners together to mark three years of Levelling Up in Essex.

“We need to seize opportunities” – improving the Essex SEND system

Councillor Tony Ball shares what is being done to improve the local SEND system in Essex and supports call for national reform.

Stars align and point the way ahead for Essex’s future councils

Councillor Kevin Bentley, shares his latest update on local government reorganisation in Greater Essex.

Cost of Living Index PART 2: Connecting the dots - How we applied the impact of financial pressure to Type 2 diabetes-related outcomes

We know, readers. You’ve all been waiting with bated breath for our next instalment of the Cost of Living Index blog series! Thankfully, there is no need for any more sleepless nights; we are here to deliver what the doctor …

Central government vs local government

Over the last six months I’ve been on a secondment to the heart of government, the Cabinet Office, after 20 years working in local government across the Essex partnership. I’m here to unequivocally answer the question on everyone’s mind, the …

Less is More: Fewer councils the right option for Greater Essex

Councillor Kevin Bentley reflects on the latest research on council numbers and what it means for local government reorganisation in Essex.