Lokaal Signaal, Enhancing Local Social Policy through Fieldworker Insights

Ben Schmidt on 19 November 2025

A digital platform enabling first-line professionals to report and address social challenges in their communities

Una plataforma digital que permet als professionals de primera línia informar i abordar els reptes socials a les seves comunitats

Lokaal Signaal is an initiative aimed at strengthening local social policy by effectively capturing and utilizing insights from first-line professionals such as social workers, teachers, nurses, and volunteers. These individuals, often referred to as the “eyes and ears” of their communities, are in direct contact with vulnerable citizens and are well-positioned to identify recurring social issues.

The project provides these professionals with a user-friendly digital tool to report observed challenges, which are then aggregated and analyzed by local authorities and social organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that the insights lead to informed, timely interventions and the development of targeted actions to address systemic problems.

The project is also nominated for the Innovation Delivery Award at the European Social Services Awards, highlighting its potential impact on local social policy.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Cross-cutting intervention, Information and planning, New service, New technological tool, Pilot project, Self-management and participation

Location

Flanders, Belgium

Partners / Funders

VLAIO (Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship), Tree Company

Genesis

Lokaal Signaal was developed as part of the Flemish government’s Programma Innovatieve Overheidsopdrachten (PIO), which supports the creation of innovative solutions for public sector challenges. The project was initiated by VVSG in collaboration with various stakeholders, including local municipalities and social organizations, to address the need for a systematic approach to capturing and acting upon insights from first-line professionals.

Implementation Level

The initiative is currently in its pilot phase, with nine municipalities actively participating: Bornem, Dendermonde, Eeklo, Gent, Kortrijk, Mortsel, Oud-Turnhout, Roeselare, and Sint-Niklaas. These municipalities are working together to refine the platform and its processes, aiming for a broader implementation in the future.