GPSJ - SUMMER 2023 - Flipbook - Page 29
IT & IT SECURITY
This approach — which can be
worked at scale while ensuring
that data is handled securely
and complies with relevant data
protection regulations — is
undoubtedly gaining traction.
But while the goal is simple,
the actual data management
process is far from easy. Most
government departments use
multiple databases to collect and
store their information. Some
of those databases might be
on-premises. Others are likely to
be in the cloud. There may also
be hybrid IT environments, where
some data is stored in both
places adding to the complexity.
What’s clear is that DataOps
is certainly a hot topic at the
moment. Whether or not it’s
something that makes it onto the
pages of the NAO report remains
to be seen.
more people to work in
Government IT.
On that last issue, it’s reported
that the digital, data and
technology function grew by
12% between April and October
2022, with the addition of almost
2,200 new employees who have
either joined government IT
teams or retrained from another
profession.
There has also been a move to
offer more competitive salaries for
scarce technical skills.
The CDDO chief executive
finished the update by saying:
“Personally, I’m hugely
encouraged by how much we’ve
collectively achieved over the last
six months, a testament to the
continued dedication of digital,
data, and technology colleagues
in all corners of Government.
GPSJ
“However, the delivery has
not been without its challenges,
and sustained focus on
transformation will be necessary
to achieve our collective aims.”
It will be interesting to see if the
NAO shares those views.
Sascha Giese
The progress made so far
But if you’re looking for an
early indication of why it might
be contained, a recent blog
by Megan Lee Devlin, Chief
Executive, CDDO, provides a
useful insight into the progress
made so far.
Providing an update on the
last six months, she wrote: “The
digital strategy for Government,
Transforming for a Digital Future,
not only equips us with the digital
capabilities to respond well in
crises, it’s also about improving
the day-to-day operation of
Government.
“That means streamlining
existing services to eliminate
manual processing, strengthening
our digital capabilities, better
equipping civil servants to use
data, and replacing cumbersome
and costly legacy technology including systems used for key
public services - with modern
infrastructure.”
The blog goes on to provide
an update on each of the six
mission statements laid out in
the roadmap against which its
progress should be judged.
This includes areas like The
Government Digital Service
(GDS)’ GOV.UK One Login
programme and how it is
approaching systemic barriers
to digital transformation within
Government and encouraging
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR JOURNAL SPRING 2023
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