While the actions of UK central government departments and agencies are heavily influenced by central policies and central strategies, such as the recent ICT moratorium, UK local authorities have always had a bit more of a free rein. It’s interesting to note, therefore, that SOCITM, the association for ICT and related professionals in the public and third sectors, has just launched a strategy in which the core themes are fully aligned to the recently delivered central Government ICT strategy. As such, UK Government CIO, Joe Harley has been vocal in his support of the document.
‘Planting the Flag’, which was launched by the Local Government CIO Council Chair and SOCITM President Jos Creese, is based on three key principles: 1. Collaborate, share and reuse assets, 2. Simplify, standardise and automate services, and 3. Innovate to empower citizens and communities. Unsurprisingly, considering SOCITM’s reason for being, there is a heavy emphasis on the importance of ICT being used as an “agent for change”, particularly to enable "unprecendented" collaboration between local organisations. However, the strategy does reject “rigid large-scale technology-led programmes”.
The good news for ICT suppliers is that, based on this strategy, local authorities look set to continue embracing ICT as they attempt to deliver efficient and effective public services within tight budgetary constraints. However, balancing the implementation of national standards and policies, e.g. around the reuse of existing contracts or the sharing of ICT infrastructure, against “local choice and pragmatism” in a sector where one size never fits all will undoubtedly remain a challenge. Mind you, with central government remaining a tough market, there are plenty of ICT suppliers lining up to help local authorities work out how to do it!