Government Backs Digital Transformation for Public Services

10 Feb 2017 11:03 AM

Government Transformation Strategy (GTS) provides a framework for achieving world-leading delivery of public services.

At his keynote speech at the Reform thinktank’s annual conference, Ben Gummer MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, outlined the Government’s commitment to digital transformation. The Government Transformation Strategy (GTS) details how the Government intends to transform public services and sets out ambitious targets for 2020. 

Responding to yesterday’s announcement of the Government’s Transformation Strategy, Julian David, techUK CEO said:

“With this strategy, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to public services that truly serve the people, and we welcome its recognition that digital transformation is more relevant than ever in the wake of the referendum. Indeed the Government hits many of the right notes in bringing together technology, policy and delivery in creating the public services that our citizens need in times of change. The focus on skills, information sharing and end-to-end transformation aligns with techUK’s key priorities for public services. As ever, the challenge will be in the execution and we look forward to working with the Government to help it achieve its 2020 targets, embracing the full diversity and strengths of UK tech suppliers.

David added, “The imperative to change isn’t just about technologies, it’s about the people that deliver them and use them. That’s why it’s encouraging to see such a determined focus on equipping civil servants with the leadership, skills and support they need for the challenge ahead.

“Improving trust and transparency for users of Government services, with secure systems by default, is also critical. We are pleased to see the commitment to appoint a new Chief Data Officer and to expand the GOV.UK Verify platform to help achieve this.

“Where last month’s Industrial Strategy detailed the Government’s intent to use its purchasing power to support innovative British-based companies, today’s Transformation Strategy outlined how tech-enabled public services can drive that innovation. The document also lays some good groundwork for future thinking on the delivery of public services via local government, which is where industry would like to see further development over the coming years.

Concluding, David stated, “Government must be willing to experiment with new transformational approaches, and harness a competitive supplier landscape in doing so. The UK has a phenomenal opportunity over this Parliament to lead the world in the next wave of digital government transformation, and the leadership shown in this document is a solid start.”