Hackney to build digital transfer of care tool
London borough to work with NHS and other public agencies on development of platform
HMRC seeks squad of IT managers
Department reveals it is currently recruiting for 23 separate positions
‘What to do when someone dies’ becomes government’s latest step-by-step service
Drive to design end-to-end user journeys continues
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DWP benefit Blockchain trial slammed by digital experts
A Whitehall trial of the use of Blockchain technology for the payment and spending of benefits has raised concerns about data privacy and government control.
Business rate retention reforms could leave local authorities cash-strapped, MPs say
MPs have said that the plan to allow local authorities to retain 100% of business rates while cutting their central government grants could lead to an inability to get resources to councils in need.
The UK civil service should learn from international governments' diversity schemes
Governments around the world have successfully used innovative schemes to build diversity - and technology is proving to be the place to make quick wins, says Joshua Chambers.
UK top in digital public service provision in Europe, Telefonica says
The UK has been ranked first in the provision of digital public services in Europe, according to a Telefonica report measuring the world’s digital economy.
Communities committee to assess digital technologies in adult social care
Local authorities’ use of digital technologies in adult social care is to be assessed as part of an inquiry by MPs.
Nesta highlights digital benefits of crowdfunding for local authorities
Crowdfunding projects offer local authorities the chance to gather data on their communities and access low-cost digital platforms, according to innovation agency Nesta.
Councils fail to boost overall online user experience, Socitm says
UK local authorities have markedly improved their websites’ accessibility for those with disabilities in the past year, but overall user experience has fallen slightly, a survey has found.
Council leaders and communities disagree over digital readiness
Most council leaders are confident in their digital approach, but less than a third of the public agree, according to a PwC survey.
The digital black hole in Britain’s welfare system
The government is not providing the digital skills or the infrastructure needed to make their own Universal Credit programme work, says Chi Onwurah.
Councils aim at £1m savings through service to tackle fraudulent claims
Six councils have signed up to a fraud and error review service provided by the technology company CapacityGrid.
Outgoing Socitm president Nadira Hussain: “The value of a diverse workforce is clear, but the perception remains that tech is about geeky men in darkened rooms in front of screens”
Nadira Hussain says local government IT can achieve better outcomes by using the analytical, negotiating and project management skills of women. Gill Hitchcock reports.
Socitm conference: GLA outlines work on ‘private’ datastore for councils
The Greater London Authority is working on a secure, private version of its London Datastore that will allow boroughs to share sensitive information to help improve services.
Socitm conference: councils 'still battling' multiple channel shift barriers
Local authorities in England face at least a dozen distinct barriers to fully harnessing the power of digital service-delivery, according to research presented at Socitm’s spring conference.
Socitm conference: public sector IT can learn lessons from gaming industry
Advances in the video game industry that have built customer-engagement and provided a rich source of data for developers can be emulated by councils, Socitm’s spring conference has heard.
Gov't names new head for Public Services Network
Mark Smith has been promoted to lead the government's high-performance digital network for public-sector organisations, the Public Services Network.
Local Government Association names digital-transformation funding winners
Thirty-four councils have bagged cash pots of up to £40,000 to develop digital solutions for health and social care integration, welfare reform, and troubled families projects.
Agilisys joins Scottish Borders’ digital transformation programme
IT and outsourcing giant CGI has signed up Agilisys to deliver core elements of its £92m digital-services contract with Scottish Borders Council.
A smarter approach to firefighting: Ensuring joined-up thinking
Microsoft looks at how digital technology can improve firefighter safety
Civica hires Cabinet Office transformation director
Software, technology and outsourcing firm Civica has appointed former Cabinet Office executive director of transformation Ed Welsh as its UK government advisor.
Why shared-services partnerships should be entered 'eyes wide open'
Three London councils are set for an ICT partnership predicted to save £6m a year, but success will require transparency, continual assessment and an exit plan for each authority. Gill Hitchcock reports.
ICO reports data-training improvements at NHS trust
Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust has improved some of the information governance issues exposed by investigations into a series of data losses and thefts, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office.