Methods Sector Local Government

Our professional teams understand the challenges of local authorities after years of austerity such as budget constraints, rising costs, and unfunded mandates.

Critical needs like ageing infrastructure and social services need to be addressed while adapting to technological advancements, cyber security threats, and rising public expectations for efficient, equitable services.

We work with councils across the full spectrum of transformation, from advising on strategy to working with users to design and build improved digital services. We use technology, data, and innovation to modernise and transform the way local services are delivered.

Working collaboratively to build resilience, transfer knowledge, and cultivate skills, we leave you with the capability to independently drive continuous improvement.

From 4 hours to 15 minutes

Swindon Borough Council addressed significant challenges at its Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), where peak days saw 1,000-1,200 vehicles with 4-5 hour queues. By implementing a technology-driven solution, the council introduced an online booking system with QR code entry. This innovative approach automated manual checks, simplified resident visits, and created a more efficient customer experience while reducing operational costs and managing site capacity through data-driven technology.

Photograph of the HWRC QR code barrier in place in Swindon

Photograph of a road in Swindon with Ai green boxes ont he floor picking up potholes from the moving vehicle the camera is attached to

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address street issues

Working with the Council, we developed an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) and AI solution to transform maintenance reporting. By integrating real-time video streaming, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, and advanced deep neural networks on refuse vehicles, we created an intelligent system capable of automatically detecting and classifying urban infrastructure issues like potholes, graffiti, and fly-tipping. The solution aimed to proactively identify issues, improve location accuracy, and enable more efficient workforce management, ultimately enhancing public service responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Decorative photographs of Methods employees in our London office

Birmingham City Council

Designing a new Digital Strategy

Methods collaborated with the council to develop five strategic themes by engaging various stakeholders through an agile, human-centred design approach, embedding digital innovation into the council's decision-making and operations.

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Swindon Borough Council

Automated QR code system transforms Swindon's waste management

Swindon Council aimed to leverage technology to streamline service delivery, automate manual processes, and enhance customer experience while reducing resource costs.

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Swindon Borough Council

From concept to delivery in 3 months

Developing a ground-breaking Proof of Concept that uses object detection and machine learning to enable streamlined and channel-agnostic reporting of street issues, combined with advanced data visualisation to predict issues and expedite fulfilment.

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Lincolnshire County Council

Delivering Digital Transformation at pace

In a 3-week discovery, Methods transformed the council's digital landscape by rationalising 65 processes into 43 improved digital transactions, reducing 16.5k pages to 400, and consolidating 32 microsites, delivering rapid and impactful digital change.

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