Fastracking the digital revolution in the public and third sector
In June, Trustmarque participated in a roundtable discussion on how to speed up digital transformation within the public and third sectors.
Three years after the Scottish Government last updated its digital strategy, significant progress has been made, particularly in adopting cloud technology and AI-powered automation within the public sector. However, the real challenge lies in scaling these efforts effectively, especially amid a health and social care crisis marked by record-high waiting lists and financial strain on councils.
A recent roundtable hosted by Holyrood, in partnership with Trustmarque and Cisco, brought together digital leaders from across the sector to address the barriers slowing down the digital transition and how to overcome them.
Kicking off the discussion, Denise Calder emphasised the need for consistent policies to speed up digital adoption, pointing out that fragmented clinical systems across Scotland are a major barrier.
Meanwhile, David O’Neill from Cisco called for a ministerial decision on a unified data and technology management approach, stressing the importance of building blocks shared among digital directorates to outline a national information governance policy. He noted that while new platforms and technology are crucial, they cannot solve the issue without a consistent approach to information.
Rick Ure, Service and Solutions Director at Trustmarque warned that unless a quick solution is implemented, a cycle of disunion will persist, with organisations resorting to siloed solutions under pressure.
“As we wait for that to be solved, the pace of change and the pressures put on every organisation don’t slow down. This means that everybody then quickly starts solutioning themselves within little silos again.”
Rick Ure, Service and Solutions Director at Trustmarque
Robin Johnston from Cisco added that cohesive data is essential for technology to be an effective enabler, pointing out that disparate data cannot support exceptional customer experiences.
Sheila Paisley of North Ayrshire Council highlighted the importance of a reliable data supply chain to simplify digitisation processes, enhancing customer satisfaction and demonstrating the value of data collection to citizens.
Jane Fowler cautioned against a top-down approach, arguing that councils have different needs and won’t simply follow ministerial directives. She pointed out the inefficiency of having multiple systems for similar functions across local governments. Calder and others underscored that building meaningful relationships is crucial to overcoming a culture of fear that slows down change, with cybersecurity being a key area requiring organizational-level attention due to its evolving nature and high recruitment costs.
Recent cyber-attacks, such as the one on NHS Dumfries and Galloway, highlighted the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures from the start of any digital transformation project.
Attendees agreed that the government should appoint someone to oversee cybersecurity guidance across the public sector. Calder added that while experts know what needs to be done, translating this into a practical and affordable standard that the public sector can adopt uniformly is essential.
The discussion also revealed significant issues in communication and collaboration across sectors. Panel members noted that better coordination is essential to avoid duplication of efforts and wasted resources.
Chris Myers from the Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership emphasised that creating a network of people, not just systems, is vital for progress, especially in rural areas with limited resources.
Laura Rowlinson pointed to a tech skills gap as a significant barrier to seamless digital transition, advocating for improved training and retention of talent.
Calder suggested that a shared leadership approach and infrastructure support can facilitate collaboration and leverage good practices across sectors. However, the public sector’s co-dependence on government and private sector decision-makers remains a constraint.
The roundtable concluded that a central role is needed to coordinate digital efforts and facilitate a network of shared information.
Rick Ure noted that having someone at the epicentre as a facilitator is almost more important than central legislation. This coordination is crucial for achieving effective digital transformation in Scotland, ensuring that the benefits of digital advancements are fully realised across the public sector.
