Technology

RBS meltdown: IT lessons for us all

The Royal Bank of Scotland’s problems highlight important issues for the public as well as the private sector. Not least, how well many public sector IT systems do Read more

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NHS information is power

IT development is a good place to test out the benefits of local autonomy in the new NHS. It’s time for joined up information-gathering Read more

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Telehealth: fact or (science) fiction?

The government is keen on promoting the benefits of telehealth and telecare in the NHS. But it’s less enthusiastic about coughing up the funds that could make it all happen Read more...

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Growth figures: the state we’re in

Today’s sluggish growth figures show that the government has got to completely reconsider the role of the state in boosting the economy Read more

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Services on the line

We need to transform our public services so that the public can continue to receive high-quality services but at a reduced cost for the taxpayer. We think that part of the answer lies in harnessing the potential of information technology. Read more...

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Mines of information, by Paul Sandford

Sharing services should not be seen as a quick fix for shrinking budgets – but done properly it can give finance departments better skills and data Read more...

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IT: got to have a system, by Ian Magee

Deep within the confines of Whitehall – surrounded by layers of bureaucracy, virtually guaranteed anonymity for civil servants and confusing accountability  mechanisms – rests government IT. In spite of well publicised high profile failures, government IT continues to be insulated from the realities of government. Political priorities change, as do customer demands, but the system governing IT in government has not adapted to this rapidly changing environment, where external pressures and expectations on systems remain uncertain, sometimes until the very last stages of a well-intended plan. Read more...

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Digital debut, by John Thornton

The coalition government has yet to publish its ICT plans but more electronic provision of services is likely to be near the top of the list Read more...

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Efficiency savings: doing the business, by Nick Sawbridge

David Cameron recently set out the government’s plans for modernising public services. He argued, in a speech at the RSA in London,  for reform to be driven by greater competition, choice and independence for institutions.  Meanwhile, the Comprehensive Spending Review has encouraged the public sector to review all services and ensure they are operating as cost-effectively as possible.  Combined with the decentralisation of powers, these factors mean local authorities have the opportunity to drive real change throughout their organisations.  So just how can these services work more efficiently, engage with citizens and communities more effectively and reduce cost without damaging services? Read more...

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Come clean on growth, by Steve Lang

Today’s publication of the Centre for Cities annual city index makes for interesting reading. The report, which ranks the economic performance of cities up and down the UK, find that while many are bouncing back quickly from recession, the recovery is likely to be unevenly spread across the country. Read more...

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