The world is changing. We are increasingly dependent on digital systems, processes and databases for daily life. Public sector organisations are no different, and the past decade has marked more changes as Government services make the change to cloud-based ICT.
Based on a recent report from Deloitte (here’s a link to the full report), many public sector organisations are now well on their way to digital transformation. However, there’s still a very long way to go. On this page, we’ll talk about what the report has brought to light and how it’s highlighted where we should be going next. To read a UK-specific version of the Deloitte report, follow this link.
What is a digitally-mature public sector organisation?
A digitally-mature public sector organisation is one that has completed its digital transformation process. It’s now fully digital, having done everything it set out to do.
No Government in the world is digitally mature. Yet. Some are closer to it than others.
Instead, the Deloitte report categorises them as either ‘early’, ‘developing’, or ‘maturing’.
Deloitte defines a digitally maturing government as one with “…a clear digital strategy combined with a culture and leadership poised to drive the transformation”.
In the UK, 64% of public sector organisations were classed as ‘developing’ and 28% were still in the ‘early’ stage of digital transformation, leaving only seven percent to fall into the ‘maturing’ category. In comparison to the rest of the world, this is slightly below the average, particularly in the ‘maturing’ category.
There’s clearly some work to be done.
What are the current issues surrounding digitally-mature government organisations?
The report from Deloitte highlights a few areas that need to be addressed by national and local governments in the coming months and years. Of course, there isn’t time to delve into every detail in this short blog post, so we’d really recommend following the links above to read the reports in full.
Essentially, the main problems boil down to a lack of investment and being rooted in the present.
Without the necessary funds – or perhaps without the correct use of said funds – public sector organisations can’t improve their ICT systems. Many use outdated programs; some still rely on paperwork, even.
Without up-to-date software and systems, the public sector has practically no chance of keeping up with the private. Indeed, 75% of surveyed individuals felt their organisation was behind the private.
While the national digital transformation strategy is there, the UK generally matches or lags behind the global statistics in terms of the implementation of digital transformations. Despite the presence of the overall plan, it’s not quite being put into practice yet.
The survey finds that both ‘workforce and skills’ and ‘leadership’ are significant factors slowing down the digital transformation process, highlighting the need for better training, executive buy-in and technology ‘champions’ to encourage adoption and promote best practice.
Overall, the report concludes that there are three main obstacles to the UK’s digital transformation:
- Rules and regulations
- Lack of flexibility
- Legacy contract awarded repeatedly to the same large corporates
These surely indicate that the UK Government hasn’t made the necessary changes to the law to allow the country to get on with its digital transformation.
There’s hope going forward, but these broader issues must be tackled. We believe the most effective way of doing this will be through training public sector employees and with more input and leadership from the national government.
How can a public sector organisation become digitally mature?
Even though there are problems, it’s nothing we can’t fix. As we’ve talked about, one of the most crucial impacts has to come from governmental leadership. By creating rules, regulations and perhaps incentives to support the digital transformation strategy, we could expect to see far more ‘maturing’ public sector organisations in the years to come.
In the meantime, local government and public sector organisations should focus on training. While leaders, managers, and staff could all benefit from more education and training to encourage adoption, it’s also about the organisation understanding what it does and how it does it. This will help it change the ‘how it does it’ bit from manual process or legacy system to a more modern approach.
Most importantly, digital transformation strategies should be in place. With an effective plan, the organisation can expect to see results much faster, improving productivity and reducing costs.
Some public sector organisations might consider employing external companies to help with their systems management as they make the digital transition. Such companies could help with the digital transformation strategy, build and maintain new systems, and help to train staff.
How can AMDH Services help with digital transformation strategies?
Here at AMDH Services Ltd, we can do just that. Based in the East Midlands, we regularly work with public sector organisations (along with SMEs, charities and churches).
We specialise in designing and implementing digital transformation strategies, a key part of the ongoing growth of public sector organisations. We’re a Microsoft Partner, a VMWare Partner and a Crown Commercial Services Supplier.
We recognise that switching from traditional ICT methods to cloud-based solutions can be a scary time. Our services are specifically designed with you in mind, providing you with reassurance. We’ll always endeavour to make everything fully comprehensive, future-proof and cost-effective pathways possible.
Could your public sector organisation use some assistance when it comes to digital transformation? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us for an obligation-free chat through the form below. If you’d prefer, you could give us a call on 01332 322 588.
