This Guide is largely focused on the implications of the switchover programme for those services which local authorities may be responsible for running directly or as lead commissioners of services. But authorities will also be discharging their functions through partnerships and by supporting and working with other agencies and services rather than delivering services directly themselves. So authorities can help in raising awareness of switchover, its benefits and implications and may be able to assist in making sure partners have access to information and support.

Councils may find it useful to appoint a switchover co-ordinator as the single main point of contact with our local manager. They do not have to be a technical specialist as switchover will affect most of the council’s work in some way. Ideally it should be someone who:

• Can act as a point of reference within the council so everyone knows what is happening on switchover;
• Knows the council’s strategic focus and operational priorities;
• Has a good relationship with the council’s main partners;
• Can get regular access to leading members and senior officers.

Devon County Council has appointed a lead officer and a lead member to deal with switchover. Senior officers and members have met with the regional manager for Digital TV and there is now a clear strategic approach to switchover covering both internal service preparation and wider issues such as rural isolation, social inclusion, trading standards, the environment and tourism. The chief executive has briefed the Devon Strategic Partnership Board including representatives from District Councils, Fire and Rescue, Police and the Health Service. A communications strategy is being developed to ensure that council initiatives and messages on the strategic priorities are co-ordinated with communications coming from Digital UK. Goy Roper, the Lead Officer, says:

‘Start to raise awareness now and get top level buy-in right from the start. You need to think ahead about how this will affect funding decisions and other priorities for your authority.’