A pair of bodies established by the Scottish Government have unveiled a new group intended to help set the strategy to build digital skills across the public and third sectors

The Digital Office for Scottish Local Government has unveiled a new nationwide advisory group to help authorities across the country grow their tech skills.

The Digital Capability Advisory Group (DCAG) has been created by the Digital Office, working alongside government body the Scottish Digital Academy. The group has been established to develop, lead and coordinate efforts to boost the digital credentials of the public and third sectors throughout Scotland.

The work of DCAG covers “people, skills and systems” and, in making improvements in these areas, the ultimate aim is “ensuring that organisations can efficiently design, build, and maintain high-quality digital services”. 

The group has a mandate from the Digital Directorate of the Scottish Government, which created both the Digital Office and the Scottish Digital Academy.

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Over the coming months, DCAG will be expected to create a national “joint action plan to support the delivery of digital capability standards”. After doing so, the group will be tasked with providing leadership to support the progression of activities aligned with Scotland’s Digital Strategic Plan”, while also “exploring new operating models to enhance professional learning and development across public and third sectors”.

Also on the new body’s to-do list will be “fostering collaboration on procurement, funding, and resource-sharing to scale digital solutions and improve efficiency across organisations”. 

In a press release, the Digital Office said: “The DCAG will provide guidance and advice on matters related to digital capability, including profession management and professional learning. It will advocate for the adoption of the Digital Scotland Service Manual’s resources and best practices while acting as a ‘critical friend’ in challenging existing systems and recommending improvements.”

Verity Hislop, senior project manager, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, added: “A Digital Capability Advisory Group in the public sector not only drives informed decision-making but also promotes cost savings and operational efficiency. By leveraging shared resources and cross-functional expertise, it reduces duplication of efforts and encourages collaboration. This leads to streamlined processes, optimised use of existing capabilities, and more effective solutions to complex challenges, ensuring that public services are both innovative and cost-effective.”