The Use Case of Drones and UAVs in the Public Sector and Local Government

Across the public sector, integrating state-of-the-art technology has become increasingly vital to streamline operations, enhance safety measures, and maximise cost efficiency. Among the number of innovative solutions, drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as transformative tools reshaping the landscape of service delivery in the UK. 

From drone-delivered school meals to initiatives to combat illegal dumping, the use cases of drones in the public sector are yielding remarkable results.

Enhancing Efficiency and Safety

Sarah Peña, head of emerging technology and business improvement at Swindon Borough Council, highlights the significant benefits derived from the integration of drones in social housing roofing inspections. By using drones, councils can conduct inspections swiftly, safely, and with pinpointed accuracy, enhancing transparency, trust and better community engagement across Swindon.

Furthermore, the safety of staff and residents remains protected as drones offer a solution that mitigates risks associated with traditional inspection methods. By minimising the need for scaffolding and physical access to elevated structures, drones enhance operational efficiency and reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency

The cost savings as a result of drone use have long been reported by several organisations, such as Severn Trent Water. For example, Severn Trent Water saved over £750,000 by using drones to optimise treatment processes, detect leaks and create 3D models of assets. As such, drones have proven to be valuable assets in optimising resource allocation and minimising expenditure, from surveying public-owned properties for defects to monitoring coastal erosion.

Exploring Future Applications

Looking ahead, the potential applications of drones in the public sector are vast: for example, Leeds City Council's collaboration with Leeds University to develop drones capable of repairing potholes highlights the innovation that drones and UAVs can offer to service delivery. Elsewhere, organisations tapping into the use of drones in disaster response, environmental protection, and law enforcement, underscoring the sector’s versatility and adaptability to diverse scenarios.

For instance, police forces across the UK are increasingly relying on drones for various purposes, including searching for missing persons and gathering evidence. Wiltshire Police highlight the game-changing nature of drones in enhancing situational awareness and facilitating evidence capture. 

Partnering with Global Resourcing

As the demand for data-driven professionals continues to rise, organisations must align themselves with skilled experts capable of harnessing the full potential of emerging technologies. At Global Resourcing, we specialise in connecting the public and non-profit sectors with top-tier talent in digital, data, and technology. Whether you're exploring drone integration or embarking on a broader digital transformation journey, our team stands ready to support your objectives.