DfE to gather data on thousands of pupils and parents to support coronavirus policy response
Department is to set up an online research hub to conduct regular surveys
Government agrees cross-public sector deal with Google Cloud
Vendor signs a memorandum of understanding with CCS, including preferential terms and access to technology
DWP’s ‘serious IT challenges’ pegged as key cause of disparity in benefits system during coronavirus crisis
Chair of arm’s-length body praises government response but identifies lower payments for recipients of legacy benefits as one of several ‘rough edges’
Regulator says coronavirus testing data ‘falls well short of expectations’
Head of statistics watchdog tells health secretary ‘it is not surprising data is widely criticised and mistrusted’
New government entities to make ‘significant inroads’ on improving data quality
New teams, standards and projects are being launched, according to update provided to PAC
Passport applications plummet in March
Number of citizens using online and postal service drops by more than half
Rees-Mogg claims ‘compromises of virtual parliament are no longer necessary’
Motion from leader of the House of Commons will be voted on today, as MPs from all parties voice opposition
London Fire Brigade seeks tech tool to record ‘safety events’
Commissioner posts contract notice seeking to log ‘near misses’ and other incidents
Data experts sought as government recruits 30 deputy directors for coronavirus response
Cabinet Office advertises for cross-government positions
Government launches programme to develop IoT ‘kitemark’
Grants available to support improvement of consumer assurance
Virtual voting, remote working and fake news – the tech legacy of coronavirus
Experts discuss what the lasting impact of the pandemic might be for government and the public sector
What next for GOV.UK Verify?
The identity-assurance tool is being used more than ever just as its future grows more uncertain. PublicTechnology examines what might happen to the service in the longer term
How Barnsley Council is building its own IT services and sharing them ‘for the greater good’
The authority’s IT manager Richard Kingston explains why local government needs to collaborate for the benefit of citizens
‘We hope more people will ask for help’ – how an NHS trust is using virtual reality to treat phobias
Patients in the East of England can now use immersive technology to help overcome mental health conditions. Gill Hitchcock finds out more.
How Denmark aims to ‘create trust’ in contact-tracing tech
The CEO of Danish tech firm NetCompany tells PublicTechnology why the country’s existing digital infrastructure could help encourage adoption of its soon-to-launch coronavirus response app
One in six government service assessments ends in failure
PublicTechnology research finds that failing to consider user needs is the most common stumbling block, with a lack of simplicity and intuitiveness also a frequent failing
More must be done to realise the value of geospatial data
Government’s Geospatial Commission has made some promising progress but Leigh Dodds of the ODI believes that increasing the openness of data and enhancing support for local government should be among the next steps
‘We need your data’ – how the ONS is mobilising the power of information in the fight against coronavirus
As the UK enters its ninth week of lockdown, interim deputy national statistician Frankie Kay calls for organisations to bring their data together to address the nation’s challenges
Digital is needed now more than ever
PublicTechnology editor Sam Trendall salutes the outstanding efforts of public sector technologists in helping to respond to coronavirus
Maintaining agile culture while working remotely
A lack of physical proximity need not be a barrier to collaboration and an inclusive culture, according Rasmus Koefoed-Jespersen and Susheel Dodeja of BJSS
The five-point guide to passing a GDS alpha assessment
Clearly understanding your MVP, managing ambiguity, and involving assessors in your project are among the top tips offered by Christina Ehlers of BJSS SPARCK
It’s all about you? Service discovery beyond organisational boundaries
The discovery phase is the time to set the course for transformation. Service-design professionals need to ensure the journey is embarked upon throughout – and beyond – their organisation, believes Gordon Haywood of BJSS SPARCK