Digital Planning Maturity Assessment
Calderdale's Digital Planning Maturity Assessment (DPMA) results confirmed what the team already suspected about digital skills gaps. But the bigger surprise was a low score on culture and ways of working.
Work began on GIS training and data submission though limited GIS skills within the council meant progress was slower than hoped. The team also recognised the need to bring the whole planning service together, especially with hybrid ways of working meaning the whole team rarely all met face to face.
Learning from Open Digital Planning
Taking inspiration from ODP's collaborative approach, Calderdale organised a planning away day for all staff, using facilitation techniques learned at ODP events and training sessions.
The day began with a seating plan designed to mix teams, followed by 'Get to Know You Bingo' – which went down really well. Staff discovered who had a tattoo, who had a nickname, and who admitted to watching reality TV, prompting plenty of laughter.
Managers from each functional area gave brief presentations about their work and introduced their team members. The team then used a structured discussion technique learned through ODP, designed to make sure everyone could contribute. Staff were asked how the service could improve, and managers collated and summarised the feedback. The day ended with a fun quiz about the teams.
The session closed with a summary of the feedback and a commitment to create an action plan addressing the points raised.
The impact
The away day revealed a real appetite among staff to develop a stronger sense of team, engage with each other, and suggest ways to make a difference. Events like this help to foster a culture where new ideas are welcomed and staff feel confident that their suggestions will be taken seriously.
What happens next?
Managers have met to discuss the feedback and draft an action plan.
Richard Seaman, Corporate Lead for Planning Services, said:
“Our next step is to identify responsibilities and timelines and then circulate the Action Plan to staff. It’s been suggested that there be an item on each team meeting agenda, to report on progress.”
Advice for other local planning authorities
Calderdale's advice to other teams digitally transforming their services is:
- Don't underestimate the value of bringing people together. Digital transformation isn't just about tools and data – it's about creating a culture where staff feel connected, heard and open to change.
- Small techniques, like mixing up seating or using structured discussions where everyone contributes, not just the most confident speakers.
- If you ask for feedback, act on it as following through builds trust and momentum.
“ODP gave us the tools and inspiration to think differently—not just about technology, but about how we work together. That’s what will make digital transformation sustainable.”
Richard Seaman, Corporate Lead for Planning Services