We explore what is being done to digitally empower public sector organisations, whether by training staff or improving online accessibility
Creating a digitally empowered public sector emerged as a priority for the new government in the Autumn Budget.
While Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ first Budget raised taxes by £40 billion while increasing capital investment by £100 billion over five years, she also reiterated the importance of digital transformation in improving public sector efficiency.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which is responsible for both delivering key tech policies and digitally overhauling Whitehall, will see a 6.5 per cent average increase in its spending over three years.
The Labour government announced a £22 billion ‘black hole’ in public finances, meaning a need to balance cost saving with efficiency.
A possible answer to this is by speeding up public services through digitalisation.
Increased digital use for councils
One sector that has received recent attention in terms of funding to turn more of their services digital is local government. The Local Government Association (LGA) recently launched a new digitalisation framework, which aims to drive up efficiency, improve public services and connect residents.
Building on the LGA’s Local Government White Paper priority for driving change through innovation and freedom from bureaucracy, the new framework is designed to support councils in using the latest digital technology to help solve some of the biggest challenges facing their communities.
The framework comprises of three missions, six common enablers and six good practice principles, with the aim of using insights and learning from the sector to develop a shared language and approach.
One of the missions is to create digitally-enabled councils that utilise digital technology and data to transform the ways they deliver for residents.
Another is to make sure residents can thrive through digital skills, tools and opportunities (more on this later).
The framework also seeks to digitally-equip places that are underpinned by secure and sustainable digital connectivity and infrastructure.
The Framework’s six enablers are data, connectivity, leadership, capabilities, collaboration and value. Together they offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of a digital age. Its six good practice principles are democratic, ethical, inclusive, sustainable, cyber resilient and user-centric. Together they offer a holistic approach to adapting and transforming through the use of digital technology.
Cllr Alex Coley, deputy chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “Councils are constantly innovating to develop new solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing residents and their communities, but too often these face hurdles or extra costs.
“The digital transformation of an entire sector is a collective endeavour which relies on a shared vision, an inclusive approach and commitment to innovation.
“The LGA’s framework for securing the digital future of local government sets a clear direction for a long and complex journey. We know the rewards of digitalisation can be immense but depend on the sector’s ability to shape its own destiny and navigate the digital landscape as an active participant.”
Cllr Alex Coley added: “These missions are a declaration of intent and a tangible commitment to taking bold collective action on digitalisation to deliver services more efficiently, engage more effectively and create thriving communities well-equipped for the 21st century.”
Improving access for users
Getting online and using digital services may feel like second nature to many people, but across the UK, 12.6 million adults lack basic digital skills and 5.8 million people have never used the internet.
Digital literacy is becoming more and more essential for people to access healthcare, book appointments, keep connected, manage finances, and conduct other vital daily tasks.
Rural communities are most commonly affected by this issue. However, there are schemes looking to help everyone get online.
One example is a new digital champions scheme launched in October to expand support for people to use digital technology in rural Northumberland.
It was announced that digital champions would get full training and support to carry out the role and become part of a network of volunteers promoting digital inclusion. They would be based in village halls and other community spaces across rural parts of the county, offering drop-in support onsite and partnering with local businesses and community groups to reach more people who need support.
Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for corporate services at Northumberland County Council said: “Digital transformation should benefit everyone in Northumberland, and we know some residents will need more support to make use of improved connectivity.”
In the NHS, Digital Champions programme toolkits have been created to support local ownership of digital skills learning and further skills development.
In 2022, there were more than seven million new sign-ups to the NHS App which highlights the increasing reliance of technology to access healthcare.
Digital Champions is a free CPD-accredited 12 month education programme for primary care staff who want to inspire others to embrace digital technology.
It gives all NHS primary care staff the opportunity to become digital champions within their organisation.
They share knowledge, influence and encourage both staff and patients to try digital options to access care.
Initiatives such as these are helping to achieve a digitally-enabled public sector, as well as tech-savvy citizens.