Government ICT StrategyThis strategy sets outs the strategic direction of central government ICT and the key actions that will be delivered over the next 24 months. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Delivery Board will publish a strategic implementation plan, in collaboration with departments and HM Treasury, by summer 2011. All these initiatives will be funded from within existing spending plans. They are all about spending money better, rather than spending more, and will be used as exemplars of the Government’s major projects methodology. The Cabinet OfficeTCO_b13189ce-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2ahttp://www.cabinetoffice.gov.ukFrancis MaudeThe Rt Hon Francis Maude MP,
Minister for the Cabinet Office_b1319c84-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a_b1319f22-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2aWaste, Project Failure, and Economic GrowthReducing waste and project failure, and stimulating economic growth_b131a13e-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2aPart 1DeliveryImproving the delivery of ICT-enabled business change._b131a210-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a11The Government is committed to improving the way it delivers ICT-enabled business change so that investments in ICT support business needs and deliver expected benefits. To do this, government will adopt the right methods and policies and develop a skilled workforce in order to improve and exploit its ICT. By reforming its approach to ICT, government will also help to stimulate economic growth by creating a fairer and more competitive marketplace, with greater direct opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Policy-MakingEnsure that technology requirements are considered earlier in the policy-making process._b131a2d8-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a12Government will ensure that technology requirements are considered earlier in the policy-making process. This approach will be supported by the application of lean and agile methodologies that will reduce waste, be more responsive to changing requirements and reduce the risk of project failure. Large ICT ProjectsMove away from large ICT projects that are slow to implement or pose a greater risk of failure._b131a3a0-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a13Where possible, government will move away from large ICT projects that are slow to implement or pose a greater risk of failure. Additionally, the application of agile ICT delivery methods, combined with the newly established Major Projects Authority, will improve government’s capability to deliver projects successfully and realise benefits faster. Large SuppliersPut an end to the oligopoly of large suppliers that monopolise its ICT provision._b131a468-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a14The Government will also put an end to the oligopoly of large suppliers that monopolise its ICT provision. The Government will streamline the procurement process to break down the barriers that impede SMEs from bidding for contracts. The Government will also create a level playing field for SMEs and system integrators by creating a platform based on common standards. The platform will enable SMEs to invest in new government ICT solutions and allow government to buy directly from them.ReuseReuse and share ICT solutions and contracts._b131a53a-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a15Departments will reuse and share ICT solutions and contracts, rather than purchasing new or bespoke solutions. The mandation of specific open standards will make ICT solutions fully interoperable to allow for reuse, sharing and scalability across organisational boundaries into local delivery chains. Government will not commission new solutions where something similar already exists.Open SourceProcure open source solutions._b131a602-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a16Where appropriate, government will procure open source solutions. When used in conjunction with compulsory open standards, open source presents significant opportunities for the design and delivery of interoperable solutions.Asset RegisterPopulate a comprehensive cross-government asset register._b131a6de-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a17To identify reusable applications, equipment and resources, government will populate a comprehensive cross-government asset register. The Government will also create an online Applications Store to enable the reuse of business applications and components across the public sector. Spending ControlsImplement ICT spending controls to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent more carefully._b131a7b0-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a18The Government has implemented ICT spending controls to ensure that it spends taxpayers’ money more carefully. The ongoing controls on new ICT spending and the use of external consultants and contractors have already released significant savings. In parallel with these controls, the Government has also carried out a rigorous review of its ICT portfolio of projects valued over £1 million to identify those to be stopped, reshaped or allowed to proceed. The Government will continue to publish spending information on projects and specific services as part of its commitment to increasing transparency and driving down costs.Major Projects AuthorityEstablsish the Major Projects Authority as the central scrutiny body to control ICT spending and advise departments._b131a8a0-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a19Major Projects AuthorityBuilding on the success of these measures, the Major Projects Authority has been established as the central scrutiny body to control ICT spending and advise departments at the earlier design stage how best to approach ICT solutions for business delivery needs.
Innovation and Unnecessary InvestmentAvoid unnecessary investment [and] release resources for innovation._b131a990-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a20Through portfolio management of our ICT landscape and the spending controls, we will be able to avoid unnecessary investment. This will release resource for innovation.Buying PowerBecome a single and effective ICT customer. _b131aa8a-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a21Government sourcing of ICT has often failed to deliver economies of scale and the most cost-effective use of taxpayers’ money. The Government will therefore aim to become a single and effective ICT customer which will leverage its considerable buying power to drive down the operating cost of its ICT. Barriers to EntryRemove barriers to allow SMEs, the voluntary and community sector and social enterprise organisations to participate in the government ICT marketplace._b131ab84-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a22Additionally, the Government will remove barriers to allow SMEs, the voluntary and community sector and social enterprise organisations to participate in the government ICT marketplace. Greater transparency and simpler channels for accessing data and government procurement tender opportunities will provide better support to businesses and open a fairer and more competitive market.Large ProjectsMove away from large and expensive ICT projects._b131ac7e-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a23Where possible, the Government will move away from large and expensive ICT projects, with a presumption that no project will be greater than £100 million. Moving to smaller and more manageable projects will improve project delivery timelines and reduce the risk of project failure. Workforce Capabilities[Ensure] that our workforce has the capability to successfully deliver ICT-enabled business change and services._b131ad82-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a24Government has become over-reliant on external expertise from consultants, contractors and interim staff, as well as the recruitment of public sector ICT leaders from the private sector. This has resulted in high costs and an erosion of the skill base within government. It is essential that our workforce has the capability to successfully deliver ICT-enabled business change and services. ICT Capability StrategyPublish an ICT Capability Strategy. _b131ae7c-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a25The Government will publish an ICT Capability Strategy within the next six months, which will set out its approach to increase capability. It will include detail on talent management, the continued growth of the Technology in Business fast stream, and measures to increase the exchange of skills and best practice from the private sector. SROsAppoint SROs with the expectation that they will stay in post until an appropriate break in the life of an ICT project/programme._b131af8a-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a26Continuity in leadership and accountability are critical factors to the successful delivery of an ICT project/programme. Government will appoint SROs with the expectation that they will stay in post until an appropriate break in the life of an ICT project/programme, to reduce the risk of project failure. Agile MethodsApply agile methods to ICT procurement and delivery._b131b098-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a27Government will apply agile methods to ICT procurement and delivery to reduce the risk of project failure. Agile methods allow projects to respond to changing requirements and ensure that the solutions meet business requirements.Government SkunkworksEstablish a Government Skunkworks to develop low-cost, fast and agile ICT solutions._b131b1b0-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a28A Government Skunkworks has been established to develop low-cost, fast and agile ICT solutions. Skunkworks provides a new channel for SMEs and entrepreneurs to participate in government ICT with new and innovative solutions. Skunkworks is embedded into the spending approvals process which identifies where existing products can be reused or solutions developed in-house. Skunkworks is working to develop an environment for SMEs to test their solutions to ensure compatibility within government’s future standardised cloud environment. SMEs and EntrepreneursWork with venture capital, private equity and angel funders to provide support for SMEs and entrepreneurs._b131b2b4-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a29SMEsEntrepreneursSkunkworks is working with venture capital, private equity and angel funders to provide support for SMEs and entrepreneurs as part of its work on wider community engagement. The aim is to help break down some of the barriers to enterprise and agility by tackling common issues such as procurement, scalability and funding. Performance Measurement and BenchmarkingBetter understand spending and capability, and drive performance improvement across government._b131b3cc-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a30Through continued and transparent performance measurement and benchmarking of ICT indicators, government will better understand spending and capability, and drive performance improvement across government.ICT InfrastructureCreating a common ICT infrastructure_b131b4e4-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2aPart 2New Approach[Pursue] a new approach to create the ICT that will deliver the modern public services which citizens and businesses expect._b131b5f2-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a31To carry out its day-to-day operations, government relies on complex and large-scale ICT infrastructure components. However, government departments have traditionally worked independently to design, procure and run their own ICT solutions. This has resulted in an expensive and fragmented ICT infrastructure which often duplicates solutions and impedes the sharing and reuse of services. A new approach is required to create the ICT that will deliver the modern public services which citizens and businesses expect.Consolidation and Cloud ComputingPush ahead with [our] agenda for data centre, network, software and asset consolidation and the shift towards cloud computing._b131b71e-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a32The Government will push ahead with its agenda for data centre, network, software and asset consolidation and the shift towards cloud computing. It will mandate the reuse of proven, common application solutions and policies. These solutions must balance the need to be open, accessible and usable with the growing cyber-security threat and the need to handle sensitive information with due care. Technology StandardsOpen up access to common technology standards will enable the delivery of an open platform to support smaller, interoperable solutions._b131b868-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a33Common technology standards will enable the delivery of an open platform to support smaller, interoperable solutions. By opening up access to this platform, government will be able to procure solutions directly from SMEs rather than predominantly via systems integrators, helping to create a fairer and more competitive ICT marketplace.Cloud ComputingDeliver infrastructure, platform or software as a utility service._b131b994-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a34Cloud computing delivers infrastructure, platform or software as a utility service, giving government the capability to respond to changing operational needs. The standardised cloud platform will also allow developers, especially SMEs, to generate innovative solutions.Standards and Infrastructure[Adopt] a common infrastructure based on open standards [to]l allow for greater flexibility of policies and services delivered at lower cost and within a shorter timeframe._b131bac0-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a35In the past, legacy ICT systems have acted as barriers to the rapid introduction of new policies. A common infrastructure based on open standards will allow for greater flexibility of policies and services delivered at lower cost and within a shorter timeframe.Security StandardsCreate a common and secure ICT infrastructure based on a suite of agreed, open standards which will be published and updated._b131be94-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a36The Government will create a common and secure ICT infrastructure based on a suite of agreed, open standards which will be published and updated. The use of common standards can make ICT solutions fully interoperable to allow for reuse, sharing and scalability across organisational boundaries into local delivery chains. The adoption of compulsory open standards will help government to avoid lengthy vendor lock-in, allowing the transfer of services or suppliers without excessive transition costs, loss of data or significant functionality.Cyber-Security, Information Assurance, and Geen ICT Embed the requirements of cyber-security and information assurance in the common ICT infrastructure, and factor Green ICT standards into the design, delivery and disposal of ICT solutions._b131bfde-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a37The requirements of cyber-security and information assurance will be embedded in the common ICT infrastructure. Green ICT standards that are pivotal to the delivery of improved cost efficiencies will also be factored into the design, delivery and disposal of ICT solutions.Information StrategyDevelop an information strategy that is supported by an architecture framework which will underpin the design of government’s new information systems._b131c114-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a38Managing information effectively and appropriately is essential to the delivery of secure, seamless and efficient operational services. It provides the basis for informed decision making and the platform upon which performance can be measured. Modern, knowledge-based service delivery underpinned by effective information architecture and open standards will support government to build more transparent, trusted and efficient information exchange processes. The Government will develop an information strategy that is supported by an architecture framework which will underpin the design of government’s new information systems.Document Format StandardDetermine the relevant open standard for all government documents._b131c254-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a39The Government believes that citizens should be able to read government documents with the standardised document format reader of their choice. The first wave of compulsory open standards will determine, through open consultation, the relevant open standard for all government documents.EU StandardsWork with the European Union to ensure that its ICT meets legal obligations and aligns its frameworks and strategies with those commonly agreed at a European level to improve the way Member States work across borders._b131c394-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a40In a world increasingly interconnected by technology, government cannot work in isolation. The Government will continue to work with the European Union to ensure that its ICT meets legal obligations and, where applicable, aligns its frameworks and strategies with those commonly agreed at a European level to improve the way Member States work across borders. The Government will work with countries across the world to learn from, share and reuse the best solutions and standards.ChangeUsing ICT to enable and deliver change_b131c646-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2aPart 3Processes and Commercial ModelsStandardising processes and create transparent commercial models_b131c7ae-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a41By standardising processes and creating transparent commercial models, the Government will build a common, flexible ICT infrastructure. This ICT platform will enable the delivery of open, diverse and responsive public services for all.Open MarketOpen up public service delivery to a range of providers._b131c902-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a42ICT is an enabler for opening up public service delivery to a range of providers competing to offer better and more cost-effective services. A common ICT platform provides the opportunity for a diverse range of providers to generate innovative solutions. Commoditised design will enable flexibility and agility of supply. Through opening up the market, costs will come down for the solutions and the platform itself, innovation will increase and services will improve.CollaborationChange the relationship between citizen and government so that policy formulation and service design are developed in collaboration with citizens. _b131ca4c-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a43CitizensICT also provides an opportunity to change the relationship between citizen and government so that policy formulation and service design are developed in collaboration with citizens. Personalised Services and Mobile Devices[Provide] responsive 24/7 online personalised services and delivery through mobile devices. _b131cc72-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a44Innovations in online commercial services have set high standards for an increasingly mobile population. Many citizens’ expectations have shifted from traditional face-to-face, telephone or paper channels to more responsive 24/7 online personalised services and delivery through mobile devices. Transactional ServicesMake citizen-focused transactional services ‘digital by default’._b131ce0c-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a45Easy-to-use, trusted and flexible online transactional services, such as student loans or Jobseeker’s Allowance, reduce the bureaucratic and time burden on citizens. Therefore, the Government will work to make citizen-focused transactional services ‘digital by default’ where appropriate using Directgov as the single domain for citizens to access public services and government information. For those for whom digital channels are less accessible (for example, some older or disadvantaged people) the Government will enable a network of ‘assisted digital’ service providers, such as Post Offices, UK online centres and other local service providers.Third Party Applications and ToolsInvite third parties to build new applications and tools to integrate services and content._b131cf6a-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a46Directgov will invite third parties to build new applications and tools to integrate services and content, increasing the use of mobile technologies to make transactions between citizens and government simpler and easier.Identity SecurityAssure and keep secure the identity of our customers._b131d0be-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a47To make it easier for citizens to access digital public services, it is essential to assure and keep secure the identity of our customers. This will improve interaction while delivering appropriate levels of privacy. The Government is committed to providing 21st-century identity assurance methods and is engaging with the private sector on this.Social Media and E-PetitionsAllow citizens to have increased dialogue and involvement with the Government._b131d21c-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a48Social media and e-petitions will allow citizens to have increased dialogue and involvement with the Government. This will ensure that policy is developed in consultation with citizens.EngagementUse technology to break down barriers and engage with citizens and businesses._b131d384-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a49CitizensBusinessesThe Government will use technology to break down barriers and engage with citizens and businesses, bringing innovation to the way in which policy is formulated and delivered. Through greater digitally enabled engagement and collaboration, the Government will create and deliver policy in an open and accessible forum. This will enable citizens to influence, comment on and contribute to the decision-making process. Public Monopolies and Models of ServiceOpen up public sector monopolies and challenge old models of service delivery to drive improvement across public services._b131d4ec-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a50The Government is committed to opening up public sector monopolies and challenging old models of service delivery to drive improvement across public services. It will promote a public service economy based on open ICT markets with increased participation of SMEs, the voluntary and community sector, and other diverse providers to raise standards across public service delivery.Technology EnvironmentProvide a technology environment that is flexible and usable across a wider delivery network._b131d654-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a51To achieve this, the Government must provide a technology environment that is flexible and usable across a wider delivery network. Opening up the delivery channels of government will require that we share systems with a new range of stakeholders and agencies, while ensuring the security of personal data.Open Data and APIsOpen government data and application interfaces in ways that encourage businesses and social providers to develop new market opportunities._b131d7d0-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a52The Government will open its data and application interfaces in ways that encourage businesses and social providers to develop new market opportunities. For example, the website Mumsnet uses Directgov tools built on standardised interfaces to provide their users with official up-to-date information on schools and family services. Similarly, local authorities use data provided by Directgov application programme interface (API) tools to enable users to access information on a range of national and local services. Public Data CorporationEstablish the Public Data Corporation to bring together government bodies and public data in one organisation._b131d942-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a53Public Data CorporationTo support this opening up of data, the Government will establish the Public Data Corporation to bring together government bodies and public data in one organisation. This will allow developers, businesses and citizens to access data and use it to develop internet applications, inform their business decisions and identify ways to run public services more efficiently.Mobile Technologies, Collaboration Tools, Video and TeleconferencingExploit mobile technologies, collaboration tools, and video and teleconferencing._b131dae6-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a54To connect, mobilise and reduce cost across the public sector, the Government will further exploit mobile technologies, collaboration tools, and video and teleconferencing. These technologies will equip the public sector workforce with the tools to operate flexibly, providing additional benefits to customers. Working flexibly will facilitate the rationalisation of the public sector’s large and diverse property estate, reduce travel costs and carbon footprint, and have a beneficial impact on productivity.New TechnologiesImprove the government's capability to exploit the benefits of new technologies by establishing new approaches._b131ddd4-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a55The Government will improve its capability to exploit the benefits of new technologies by establishing new approaches, ensuring that informed decisions are being made at an early stage. The Government will systematically scan the horizon to identify changes in technology and assess the associated opportunities and risks. A Director of ICT Futures will be appointed to take responsibility for improving the Government’s capability to meet this challenge of fast-moving technology in order to drive change in the way in which the Government adopts a more rapid and open ICT development approach.GovernanceStrengthening governance_b131dfbe-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2aPart 4Lead DepartmentsDeliver the strategy through lead departments accepting responsibility for actions and parts of the ICT infrastructure model where delivery activities are already aligned with their work._b131e194-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a56The strategy will be delivered through lead departments accepting responsibility for actions and parts of the ICT infrastructure model where delivery activities are already aligned with their work. This form of devolved delivery will require new and robust governance. Governance StructureCreate a governance structure to drive delivery and critical early momentum. _b131e37e-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a57A governance structure (see Annex) has been created to drive delivery and critical early momentum. Public Expenditure Committee (Efficiency and Reform)Create a new ministerial committee [to] drive progress_b131e5fe-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a58Public Expenditure Committee (Efficiency and Reform)A new ministerial committee (the Public Expenditure Committee (Efficiency and Reform), or PEX(ER)) has been created which will drive progress by providing a forum for scrutiny and decision making in order to ensure that government ICT is used more effectively to power public sector reform.CIO Delivery Board Establish a CIO Delivery Board to sit above the CIO Council and advise PEX(ER) on progress._b131e7f2-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a59CIO Delivery BoardA CIO Delivery Board, comprising CIOs from the large delivery departments, will be established to sit above the CIO Council and advise PEX(ER) on progress. The Delivery Board will take ownership of the delivery and implementation of the ICT Strategy. This method of delivery will require corporate behaviour and action from all departments.CIO Accountability[Hold the] CIO Council members accountable for implementing the strategy in their organisation and portfolio managing their ICT._b131e9d2-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a60CIO Council MembersThe CIO Council members are accountable for implementing the strategy in their organisation and portfolio managing their ICT. The CIO Delivery Board and CIO Council will be led by the Government Chief Information Officer, supported by the Efficiency and Reform Group based within the Cabinet Office.Leadership[Provide] strong leadership within and across all departments to drive this strategy forward._b131ebd0-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a61Many of these actions represent not just technological change, but changes to the operating culture of government. Strong leadership within and across all departments will be required to drive this strategy forward.Governance ReviewsReview the governance structure as strategy delivery challenges are identified._b131edc4-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a62The governance structure will be reviewed as strategy delivery challenges are identified during the development of the strategic implementation plan. Delivery of the strategy is dependent on a governance structure that:
* nurtures opportunities for innovation;
* scrutinises, measures and enforces compliance with mandated standards and actions;
* identifies successful solutions and leverages their wider adoption; and
* coordinates engagement with suppliers to commoditise services and deliver better commercial outcomes for government. Public Service DeliveryWork with wider public sector interests to ensure the delivery of better public services for less._b131ef68-6082-11e0-ba2d-131c7a64ea2a63The strategy applies to central government, executive agencies and arm’s length bodies. The Government will continue to work with wider public sector interests to ensure the delivery of better public services for less. The Cabinet Office will also work with the devolved administrations to develop a shared vision that aligns with the principles of the strategy.2011-03-312011-04-06OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net