Local public sector IT plan gets detail

27 May 2011

A detailed version of the first ever ICT strategy for public services at a local level has been released by Socitm.

The initial version of Planting the Flag was launched at the Socitm's spring conference in May, with the intent of giving focus on ICT enabled local public service reform for local authorities, emergency services, health, education, and the civil society sector.

The strategy has now been endorsed by government chief information officer Joe Harley, who said its themes "rise to the challenge" of improving public services whilst cutting costs.

"We must also continue to innovate, adopting new processes and developing new products to meet the growing challenges faced by the public sector," said Harley.

"The core themes of 'Planting the Flag': sharing and re-using our assets, simplifying and standardising our services and empowering citizens and communities, are also fully aligned with the actions highlighted in our central Government ICT Strategy."

Urging public bodies to use ICT to collaborate, redesign and innovate in delivering services, the strategy addresses six strategic capabilities including leadership, governance, organisational change, strategic commissioning, shared services and professionalism.