Digital Public Services that Benefit Citizens - : Impressions from the recent GovNet 'Digital Government' conference, ExCel Centre, London

What a great two day GovNet conference at Excel Events this week! It was one of the largest #technology and #digital events across the UK for the public sector for a long time.

It was brilliantly executed by GovNet , coordinating 100s of suppliers, over 200 speakers, multiple streams of presentations and panels, and a huge footfall of public sector digital and technology professionals.? And it required a complete replanning from May, because of the general election!

I was particularly delighted to see such strong support by government agencies and professional organisations ( Government Digital Service , Department for Science, Innovation and Technology , BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT Socitm , Crown Commercial Service , and more). All had brilliant, highly visible and informative stands. Their commitment to the event was as commendable as it was valuable.

In between chairing 7 panels and moderating loads of amazing presentations over the two days, I spent time getting lost (truly) amongst the ‘forest’ of supplier stands, talking with them about the innovations they offer and their experience of working with the public sector. I learned so much about how fast things are moving, and the critical role that the wider IT industry has to play in public sector digital programmes.

From the event there were some clear ‘take ways’ for me:

????????????? Suppliers have a key role above and beyond selling stuff. They usually have real insight into how technology can truly transform the public sector, as well as a much more informed understanding or risk, police and context … and we need to get them directly involved in digital innovation.

????????????? The public sector is doing some fantastic work, often in difficult circumstances (e.g. too little money or political backing, and too much bureaucracy). Often the projects are invisible or certainly less publicly visible than they should be. ?I wanted to list examples here - but there are frankly so many it's hard to single them out! I am following up on several, including the amazing Solent Breezes mobility project as its in my local area.

????????????? Pan-public sector working remains too hard. No public body is ‘an island’ and the success in improving citizen outcomes depends on collaboration, data sharing, policy alignment and joint programmes. There are good indicators of progress, especially in local/central government collaboration and the ‘joining of the dots’ planned by DSIT on DDaT. But it remains a fundamental barrier to the next generation of digital progress in the public sector

????????????? Data matters more than systems, and systems matter more than technology. In the enthusiasm for new technology, we run the risk of ignoring the foundations and perpetuating a legacy challenge. But our data maturity is, in general low. My worry is when we don’t know what to do, we start with an AI project or buy a shiny new system.

????????????? We need to have more rigour in our use of terminology. We talk of ‘digital transformation’ and ‘citizen experience’, but often this obscures what we really mean in terms of impact, change and investment. The panels I was involved in quickly unpacked the detail and practical implications .. but back in the office we are sometimes 'strong on vision and strategy' and lighter on the practical things that need to happen.

The lasting impression I was left with was the palpable enthusiasm, ingenuity, vision and practical delivery across the public sector, despite an often unfavourable climate (i.e. a lack of investment and prioritisation over the last decade).

From local councils to the biggest government departments, I saw innovation and delivery at speed. I saw highly experienced and professional leaders harnessing the potential technology and new ways of working to transform citizens experience. I saw a drive for inclusivity and equality, and a commitment to the role of public digital to improve the lives of all citizens.

We have a new government, new technologies, a revitalised relationship across the public sector and with IT suppliers. With these ingredients we have good cause for optimism that the UK can regain a reputation of being a global digital leader in public services.