While 2025 is all but gone, it leaves a question in its wake: what can your organisation do now to prepare for a successful new year? December seems like the ideal time to wind down, but — as we’ll set out — it’s also the perfect moment to take stock of your operations and plan ahead, a thoughtful mindset that will benefit you in the months to come.
At Granicus, we work alongside councils and public bodies every day, helping them to navigate change and transformation; this is our advice on how careful planning in December can help you set meaningful resolutions — and achieve tangible results — for January and beyond.
Part 1: How to hit the ground running before the year’s over
If you truly want to make the most of the year’s end, here are five practical actions you can take right now — this very moment — to position your team for success in 2026:
1. Forget your systems; focus on residents’ needs
Residents expect services that are simple, intuitive, and accessible. Begin by mapping your most-used services and identifying friction points. Where do people disengage from your organisation? What causes delays in processing their requests or providing them with assistance?
Tip: Use real user journeys as your guide — not internal processes.
2. Make collaboration your superpower
Transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. Bring teams together for joint workshops or knowledge-sharing sessions. Collaboration across departments — and even across a wider network of councils — can unlock new ideas and efficiencies.
Tip: Schedule at least one collaborative planning session before year end.
3. Audit your digital estate
Legacy systems can slow progress and frustrate users. Review your platforms for duplication, gaps, and — even better — integration opportunities. A clear picture of your digital estate will help you to understand which improvements to prioritise in 2026.
Tip: Create a simple inventory of tools and note where they overlap.
4. Prioritise trust and transparency
Public trust is earned through clear communication and secure data handling. Review your comms strategy and data governance policies to ensure they’re fit for purpose.
Tip: Ask yourself: “If a resident asked how we use their data, could we explain it simply?”
5. Future-proof your operations with scalable solutions
What works today should grow with you tomorrow. Choose tools and processes that adapt to changes in policy as well as to growth and innovation.
Tip: When evaluating solutions, ask yourself, “Will this still serve us well in three years?”
Part 2: New Year’s resolutions for public sector leaders
Once January arrives, it’s time to set intentions for the upcoming year. With that in mind, here are five resolutions to keep your organisation moving forward:
1. Put your residents at the heart of every decision
Resolution: Commit to designing services around the needs of real users — not your internal processes.
Why: Resident-first thinking builds trust and satisfaction.
2. Break down silos to foster collaboration
Resolution: Make 2026 the year of teamwork across departments, organisations, and councils.
Why: Shared knowledge accelerates transformation.
3. Declutter your digital estate
Resolution: Audit platforms and retire the tech that’s slowing you down.
Why: Simplified systems save time and improve service delivery.
4. Build trust through transparency
Resolution: Review your communication and data governance strategies.
Why: Clear, secure practices strengthen public confidence and faith in your organisation.
5. Future-proof your services
Resolution: Choose scalable, adaptable solutions that grow with you.
Why: A resilient tomorrow starts today.
Why this is the perfect time to prepare for the future
Public sector transformation isn’t about chasing trends or efficiencies; it’s about creating sustainable services for the community you serve. By setting clear resolutions for the new year now, you’ll be ready to meet rising expectations and deliver next-generation public services even as the future unfolds.
