Nov 03

Status Report on Open Source Software

This paper sets out to explain the background to Open Source Software (OSS) - what it is, what it is not, how it developed, and how it differs from proprietary software. The paper gives an overview of the debate on OSS, summarises some recent developments in both the policy arena and the marketplace, and takes a look at the different business models.

Nov 02

EURIM Guide to Modernising Government

This guide sets out the structures and players in Central Government departments and agencies providing a detailed directory and analysis of roles and responsibilities.

Sep 02

Briefing 37: Making IT Work - The pre-conditions for public sector systems success

Key Messages: - Lessons from past public sector ICT project failures are not being learned.

The application of good practice must be spread, and government has already made progress with improvements in training, the provision of excellent guidance material and evident commitment to e-government. However, there is still a risk that the mistakes of the past that led to expensive ICT failures will continue to be repeated, because culture, process and administrative structures remain unchanged. Electronic delivery is not a relevant target unless it improves accessibility, ease of use and quality of service.

Sep 02

Briefing 36: Interoperability - joined up Government needs joined up Systems

Key Messages:-  Successful interoperation relies more on management structure and policy than pure technology.

Interoperation of computer systems is essential for joined up government, but it is often seen purely as a technical issue. If government requires computer systems to interoperate successfully, it must commit to the construction and maintenance of an appropriate administrative environment where accountability, ownership, responsibilities and benefits are clearly defined and shared, and data management as well as interface standards are applied.

Sep 02

Briefing 35: Modernising Government - Time for the Next Steps

Key Messages:- Much progress has been made but cultural change is still needed

Government has recognised the challenges of introducing major change and the need to equip public servants with the requisite skills.  Now attention must focus on service benefits to the citizen.  Modernising Government is an ongoing process and delivery of programmes and services should be prioritised according to need.  Roll-out must be accompanied by strategies to encourage take-up and test demand and efficacy. Cultural change within the civil service is still a pre-requisite for success.

Feb 02

Briefing 33: The Critical Success Factor - Delivering Modernised Government through Programme Management

Key Messages;- programme management techniques are essential to deliver e-government projects.

Government objectives are valid, OGC guidance is good, but the skills, processes and culture needed to achieve e-government are lacking.  Programme management techniques must be embedded within the operations of departments or actions will not be consistently benefits driven, decisions are taken too slowly and desired outcomes will not be realised within the necessary timescales, it at all.

Jul 01

Briefing 32: Change Management for e-Whitehall - Delivering change in the public sector

Key Messages - Cultural and behavioural change is the key to real e-government

The automation of existing practices will not deliver citizen-centric e-government;- fundamental behavioural and cultural change is needed. Strong leadership and compelling motivation are the key to bringing about this change, but it also relies on setting clear goals and benchmarks, better use of role models, and improved collaboration between departments, external agencies and the private sector. Barriers to progress include Treasury funding mechanisms which constrain business planning within traditional departmental silos, lack of motivation and incentives for change, lack of high level accountability and the continuing focus on administrative process rather than the end user.

Jul 01

Briefing 31: Integrating Service Delivery - National and Local

Key messages: -Integrated delivery systems are needed to avoid social exclusion 

To deliver services online successfully, technology must be used as a tool, not an end in itself.  Consumers need a mixture of delivery systems, which must be fully integrated.  Even if 2005 targets are met, modernising government is a complex and long-term task which will rely on better use of secondments and outside expertise, more cross-reference between departments and improved training and incentives.

Jul 01

Briefing 30: Making a Reality of Consultation

Key messages: - Consultation processes are in urgent need of review 

Due to the tendency to implement framework legislation by regulation and to devolve powers to un-elected bodies, consultation processes need urgent review. Consultation exercises need better co-ordination, better forward planning and proper budgeting.  Consultation documents should be more accessible, processes more transparent, and the results shared more widely between departments and with consultees.

Apr 01

Thoughts For Your Manifesto

Key messages: - Changes in policy are pre-requisites for achieving modernised government 

e-Government means more than applying technology to current service delivery.  Fundamental changes in process and culture are required to meet the changing expectations of citizens or risk disintermediation.  Campaigning political parties must be aware that Government must take a leadership role, must bring about cultural change from the top, and be proactive as user and enabler.

Oct 00

Briefing 29: A Shock to the System:  Joined up Electronic Government

Key messages: e-Government is much more than automating existing services - it involves a major change

Although there will be widespread benefits, online delivery of Government services involves fundamental change in culture, process and practice. This will not happen without leadership and full commitment at the highest level of both government and civil service. Government must build on the achievements of the private sector and others to develop a citizen-centric approach, and must learn from the failures of previous projects.