Features
Technology, transformation and talent: is the public sector meeting its biggest reform challenges?
Local and central government experts joined a recent PublicTechnology webinar discussion exploring strategies to modernise public services and their progress so far
Digital minister: ‘I’m one up from a Luddite – but I am grasping this enthusiastically’
PublicTechnology met with the recently appointed Heather Wheeler, who reveals that...
Great expectations: Government unveils new digital and data strategy
A new three-year plan sets out ambitious objectives for departments’ use of tech, including a...
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Technology vs ideology: what will define the future of government work?
A recent PublicTechology webinar discussion saw an expert panel examine the major issues that will shape how civil servants work for years to come
EXCL: Wall of silence surrounds plan for nationwide collection of citizens’ internet records
Online notice reveals controversial trials are to be expanded into a national service – about which government, law enforcement, watchdogs and all the UK’s major ISPs declined to answer questions from PublicTechnology
Supercharged: Inside the ONS plan to become a data-science 'powerhouse'
Five years after being established, the Data Science Campus of the ONS wants to do more to help address government's biggest policy issues – while still retaining its innovative edge. PublicTechnology finds out more.
‘Typical hostile environment treatment’ – Home Office leaves thousands of Turkish nationals waiting more than a year for visa decisions
Applicants tell PublicTechnology that they have been provided with little information on the processing delays that mean they cannot leave the UK – even for births or funerals – and struggle to prove their right to live and work in this country
‘HMRC is on track to break up our largest IT contracts – and create the organisation we need for the future’
In this exclusive Q&A – and ahead of a keynote presentation at PublicTechnology Live this month – the tax agency’s CDIO Daljit Rehal discusses his transformation priorities, including reforming the supply chain, tackling legacy IT, and a major push towards low code
'We want to set the digital agenda with and for Wales'
The Welsh Government has created an agency to drive technology innovation throughout the country’s public services. Its recently appointed co-leaders, Harriet Green and Myra Hunt, tell PublicTechnology about their digital plans for the nation
UK’s asylum backlog has doubled since 2020 – and Home Office cannot say how many interviews it conducted last year
Information is not in a ‘reportable format’ according to immigration Kevin Foster, as other data shows more than 85,000 are now waiting for a decision – and department declines to provide an update on new casework system
EXCL: Government withholds information on anti-disinformation unit
PublicTechnology’s attempts to find out more about the Counter-Disinformation Unit were rebuffed after a minister was consulted
Can government destroy its legacy?
As much as half of government’s near-£5bn annual spend on IT is dedicated to the maintenance of ageing or unsupported tech. A range of digital leaders tell PublicTechnology about the issues they face with legacy, and how they can be addressed.
Year in review: How technology defined 2021’s biggest stories
Digital and data once again had a starring role in supporting – and, occasionally, hampering – government’s work this year. PublicTechnology looks back at the most significant events.
Why are many more PCR tests coming back void?
The rate of inconclusive results tripled between summer and autumn, while some patients have reported receiving notice of void results that were then rescinded. PublicTechnology investigates.
How DWP hired 13,500 new work coaches – without meeting a single one
Faced with a Herculean hiring drive as coronavirus restrictions took hold, the department could not recruit candidates in the usual ways. PublicTechnology finds out it what did instead.
Borders and benefits – which government tech initiatives got a Budget boost?
A rundown of the departments and programmes that received support for digital ambitions
The business case for IT upgrades and a surfeit of sign-ins – five things we learned about the future of digital government
At techUK’s recent annual public sector tech conference, government’s digital leaders discussed their plans for the months ahead and the challenges they currently face. PublicTechnology listened in.
Cabinet reshuffle: What does it mean for digital government?
Julia Lopez, the minister responsible for GDS and CDDO, has moved departments – but the digital divisions may now receive more attention from the top of the Cabinet Office
‘Unsettling and very stressful’ – Home Office letter warns settled EU citizens of benefit cut-off
Following a government ‘data-matching exercise’ recipients of a recent government mail-out were warned they could be stripped of rights and payments – despite already holding settled status. PublicTechnology investigates.
What next for the NHS GP data collection scheme?
Today was supposed to mark the commencement of data-gathering for the controversial GPDPR scheme – but plans are now on hold. PublicTechnology recaps the story so far.
Will government reconsider digital-only status for EU nationals?
Having hitherto steadfastly maintained its opposition to issuing physical documents to recipients of EU settled status, the Home Office recently met with campaigners to listen to new proposals. PublicTechnology finds out more.
Cyber Week: what now for the UK’s data-protection regime?
The EU may have granted its former member state adequacy, but there will be many more issues to resolve in the coming years
‘Location is no longer an arbiter of trust’ – what the future of work means for security
PublicTechnology catches up with Richard Meeus from Akamai to discuss how the events of the past year have changed not only how organisations work, but how they protect their workforce
Cyber Week: How government, police and business are working together to protect Scotland
Public and private sector entities support the work of Scottish Business Resilience Centre in protecting organisations across the country from cyberthreats. CEO Jude McCorry tells PublicTechnology about a busy year.