Earlier this year, the UK Government released its new ‘Digital, Data and Technology Playbook’. Known as ‘DDaT’, this document defines the path and steps that the public sector should take to work with ICT effectively.
It’s all about objective-based, long-term thinking, with public sector organisations being encouraged to ask themselves questions like ‘what do we want to achieve?’, and ‘how are we going to reach that, making the best use of data and ICT services available?’.
That’s what DDaT focuses on, providing a comprehensive, structured plan for both public and private organisations and their contractors.
The playbook is reasonably long but well worth reading for anyone planning to make the most out of their ICT systems, whether they’re involved with the public sector or not. Follow this link to read it in full.
In this article, we’ll summarise the key policies and explain how the new ‘Digital, Data and Technology Playbook’ will impact public sector ICT for the better, and how to take full advantage of it.
What are the key policies of the new ‘Digital, Data and Technology Playbook’?
DDaT’s eleven key policies can be quickly summarised as follows.
- Commercial pipelines – all public bodies should be publishing ‘what they plan to go to market for’ covering a period of three to five years ahead. These clear commercial pipelines allow contractors and public sector organisations to prepare at least 18 months in advance.
- Market health and capability assessments – a market health and capability assessment is when an organisation or contractor checks the market’s condition. They’ll then use this to design an innovative strategy to improve any weaknesses.
- Delivery model assessments – organisations must decide which delivery model is most appropriate based on the available evidence. They must decide whether to in-source or out-source projects and include a ‘Should Cost’ model.
- Cyber security assessment – all contractors and suppliers must meet basic cybersecurity standards like Cyber Essentials.
- Testing and learning – ideas should be tried out in small groups to better understand what a new product needs to cover.
- Effective contracting – all contracts should maximise value, efficiency and collaboration.
- Open and interoperable data and code – data should be shared between contractors, suppliers and government organisations using accessible (but secure) software.
- Legacy IT and up-to-date products – all software should be kept up to date. If a contract expires soon, plans for the next steps should be made well in advance.
- Assessing suppliers’ economic and financial standing – a supplier in better financial condition can provide a service with less risk. Unbiased, clear assessments should be undertaken to determine their positions.
- Sustainability – all projects should look to the long term and beyond. Environmental, economic and social sustainability is vital.
- Resolution planning – if suppliers fall into financial difficulties, resolution planning sets out in advance what they’ll do to minimise risk to the government.
How will public sector ICT be affected by DDaT?
DDaT sets out how public sector ICT must interact with contractors and clients. It pushes leaders and managers to take outcome-based approaches and plan effectively for all upcoming projects.
With a significant focus on updating old technology, the playbook encourages all public sector organisations to look to the long-term future rather than remain stuck in the past. The British ICT sector is growing rapidly – much faster, in fact, than the rest of the economy. Still, it is widely recognised as being hesitant to embrace new technologies. DDaT instructs leaders to update old systems and invest in training staff.
A commitment to sustainability (the UK aims to be net-zero by 2050) is another way DDaT plans for the future. As arms of the Government, public sector organisations are particularly expected to play their part in supporting environmental, social and economic longevity.
Where appropriate, risk-taking and innovation will be actively encouraged in all industries and organisations, particularly in SMEs and charities, further enabling expansion. As the public sector continues to become more digitally mature, this growth must be protected by increasingly robust cybersecurity. DDaT informs all public sector organisations on how they should go about this.
What can AMDH Solutions Ltd do to help?
In summary, the new ‘Digital, Data and Technology Playbook’ will mean public sector ICT is encouraged to always look to the future, focusing on sustainability and long-term growth.
Here at AMDH Solutions Ltd, we specialise in producing cloud-based ICT solutions for public sector organisations, charities and churches. Our aim is to drive improvement and efficiency by maximising your network’s potential, to help streamline operations and enhance productivity.
The Government is currently actively driving businesses (whether in the private or public sector) to digitally transform. Switching to or upgrading cloud-based software and services is a vital step in this process, encouraging collaboration.
We understand it’s a challenging and sometimes complicated direction, especially for public sector organisations which don’t have the in-house resource or expertise to plot an effective roadmap to successful digital transformation. We’re here to help. We’ll help you overcome any hesitation by working in partnership with you to identify your needs and implement a futureproof strategy that will put your public sector organisation in the best position possible going forward.
Click on the Services tab at the top of this page to read more about where and when we can help, including ICT Strategy and ICT Cyber Security.
If your public sector organisation might be interested in some professional ICT support based on DDaT, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can be reached via email (info@amdhservicesltd.com) or phone (01332 322 588).
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you grow on your digital transformation journey.
