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Contents & Welcome
Digital transformation of the public sector
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced it will be expanding, bringing in experts in data, digital and AI to unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one roof.
In this issue of Government Technology, Crown Commercial Services provides an update on the Procurement Act and Socitm explains what makes a connected place and how they are already in action.
techUK will investigate ways to win the public’s trust when it comes to digitalisation and ISACA will look at how to protect against cyber attacks in the public sector.
We’ll also have a look forward to DTX and UCX, coming up in October.
Polly Jones, editor
Monitors
DIGITAL
DSIT unites efforts to transform digital public services
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced they will expand in both scope and size bringing in experts in data, digital and AI.
This will be from the Government Digital Service (GDS), Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), and Incubator for AI (i.AI).
DSIT said this will unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one department.
The move will drive forward the digital changes needed to overhaul the British public’s experience of interacting with the government, so it becomes personalised, convenient, and timesaving – for example, by providing people with just one way to login and prove who they are so they can quickly access the government services they need. It will also help remove roadblocks to sharing data across the public sector.
This will form part of wider efforts to launch DSIT as the digital centre of government, working closely with the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, to maximise the potential of digital, data and technology to deliver for the British public.
Secretary of state Peter Kyle said: “Britain will not fully benefit from the social and economic potential of science and technology without government leading by example. So, DSIT is to become the centre for digital expertise and delivery in government, improving how the government and public services interact with citizens...
LGA launches digitalisation framework
The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched a new digitalisation framework.
The mission-driven framework aims to drive up efficiency, improve public services and connect residents.
The new framework builds on the LGA’s recent Local Government White Paper priority for driving change through innovation and freedom from bureaucracy and is designed to support councils in using the latest digital technology to help solve some of the biggest challenges facing their communities.
The release comes just after it was announced that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will expand in both scope and size.
The framework includes three missions, six common enablers and six good practice principles.
The three missions cover digitally-enabled councils that utilise digital technology and data to transform the ways they deliver for residents; digitally-empowered residents who can thrive through digital skills, tools and opportunities; and digitally-equipped places that are underpinned by secure and sustainable digital connectivity and infrastructure.
The six enablers are data, connectivity, leadership, capabilities, collaboration and value. They are designed to offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of a digital age.
Finally, the six good practice principles include democratic, ethical, inclusive, sustainable, cyber resilient and user-centric and are intended to be democratic, ethical, inclusive...
Around 100 projects receive funding to deliver AI services
Companies developing AI to improve safety on construction sites, reduce time spent repairing the railways and cut emissions across supply chains are among a number of projects set to receive a share of £32 million in government funding.
Almost 100 ground-breaking projects have been awarded financial backing as the government continues its mission to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI so everyone is better off.
A total of 98 projects will receive the funding, involving more than 200 businesses and research organisations spanning a range of sectors including public services, driving efficiencies and reducing administrative tasks.
Minister for digital government and AI Feryal Clark said: “AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services.
“That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – backing a range of projects which could reduce train delays, give us new ways of maintaining our vital infrastructure, and improve experiences for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.
“We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition.”
One of the projects to receive funding is V-Lab Ltd, which has been given £165,006 to further develop software powered by AI to help people train in the construction sector...
Broadband boost for rural homes: READ MORE
Scottish Government funding for innovative energy projects: READ MORE
Government forms partnership to teach ChatGPT Welsh: READ MORE
New AI training courses for Civil Service: READ MORE
Scottish government announces funding for zero-emission buses: READ MORE
UK joins global digital trade agreement: READ MORE
Council encourages public engagement with air quality monitors: READ MORE
TECHNOLOGY
Funding boost to deliver innovations in healthcare and cybersecurity
Five new hubs to develop practical use of quantum technology in areas like medical scanners, secure communication networks, and next-generation positioning systems have received £100 million in government funding.
The hubs will be based across the UK, in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Oxford, and London.
Announced by the science secretary Peter Kyle, the hubs will bring researchers and businesses together to use their scientific expertise and talent alongside the commercial know-how and resources to develop groundbreaking quantum technologies that will directly impact people’s lives in areas like healthcare, security, and clean energy.
The government said the new innovations in quantum will not only help deliver their mission to kickstart economic growth by creating new technologies in hubs that can be sold and exported to drive up GDP, but by innovating in the science and technology industry, will support the delivery of their mission to rebuild Britain with future-proofed cyber security systems...
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The colour of chaos is blue
CrowdStrike’s ‘logic error’ caused the world’s technological landscape to be plunged into chaos. Getech looks at how ChromeOS can make your existing systems more resilient against future issues
Large swathes of the global IT landscape broke down on Friday 19 July when a faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike triggered a widespread outage. This unprecedented event sent shockwaves through businesses and governments worldwide, disrupting critical services and operations, impacting everything from healthcare to transportation and finance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in complex IT infrastructures, especially in organisations that have built on existing systems over many years. As the public sector increasingly relies on technology to deliver essential services, ensuring system resilience and business continuity has never been more critical.
The CrowdStrike incident
A ‘logic error’ caused by a faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that was intended to enhance threat detection on Windows devices, inadvertently caused widespread system crashes that impacted millions of computers around the world. Flights were grounded, people couldn’t withdraw cash, card payments went down and worst of all, NHS GP and cancer-treatment appointments were cancelled, dealing another blow to our already beleaguered health service.
ChromeOS as a solution
ChromeOS offers a compelling alternative to traditional operating systems. Its cloudbased architecture leverages the same
benefits that Google enjoys to deliver its own services including the search function, Gmail and YouTube, in addition to built-in ondevice resilience and security features such as Verified Boot that checks the operating system against a known safe version before booting up, promises access to technology and services when you need it. By shifting core functionalities to the cloud, ChromeOS reduces the risk of system-wide failures caused by local hardware or software issues.
Was there any impact on ChromeOS devices?
No, CrowdStrike’s implementation on ChromeOS was not impacted by the recent update that reportedly caused the Blue Screen of Death. In fact, it’s not even possible to cause disruption, as CrowdStrike’s solution on ChromeOS is agentless so no software is installed locally. This design, combined with inherent security measures that restrict thirdparty access to low-level system functions, reinforces ChromeOS’ robust defence against disruptions and ensures that devices remain unaffected by vulnerabilities that plague other operating systems.
Funding support for local authorities and NHS Trusts
Getech, Google’s #1 Premier Partner in the UK and Ireland and approved IT distributor on CCS frameworks such as NHS Link 3, in partnership with ChromeOS, has secured funding for local authorities and NHS Trusts to undertake a managed Proof of Concept to identify use cases within your environment that can be better served and managed using ChromeOS. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact our team of Google specialists today on 01473 240470 or email team@getechenterprise.com
The strategic advantage of channel shift for UK councils
Channel shift offers cost savings while at the same time enhancing service delivery, operational efficiency and citizen satisfaction
Simply maintaining essential services amidst increasing costs and constrained funding is challenge enough for local authorities. But there is also the ever-increasing demand from citizens for enhanced service levels which more closely mirror those experienced in the private sector. Against such a testing backdrop, UK councils are exploring channel shift strategies in order to transition their services from traditional face-to-face, telephone and postal interactions to digital platforms. This strategic move offers numerous advantages that are pivotal in enhancing service delivery, operational efficiency, and citizen satisfaction.
Cost efficiency
One of the most compelling reasons for channel shift is the significant cost savings it offers. Reported cost-figures against each channel of communication vary, but there is certainly a stark contrast between the cost of a face-to-face, telephone or postal transaction compared with the financial efficiency of digital services. Consider the resources required to host and equip post-rooms and call-centres – expensive tech and power-hungry premises. This isn’t about replacing traditional communication methods such as paper. Rather, it is about finding the optimal communication blend. Reducing the cost to deliver ensures sustainability in the services whilst enabling additional resources to be assigned to enhance the handling of vulnerable citizens and more complex requests. But channel shift is much more than a cost play.
Accessible, resilient and sustainable
Digital services provide unmatched convenience, enabling residents to access services 24/7 from any location.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of digital resilience. Councils that had invested in digital services were better equipped to maintain operations and serve residents during lockdowns. Moreover, digital services can contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for paper and lowering the carbon footprint associated with travel to council offices.
Operational efficiency
Channel shift also enhances operational efficiency. Automation of routine tasks through digital platforms frees up council staff to focus on more complex issues that require human intervention. This shift not only improves the speed and quality of service delivery but also boosts staff productivity and job satisfaction.
Improved user experience
The user experience is significantly enhanced with digital services. Residents can complete transactions, access information, and submit requests through user-friendly websites, intuitive forms and mobile apps. The implementation of self-service portals and chatbots further simplifies interactions, making it easier for residents to navigate council services.
Data on service usage and resident behaviour can be analysed to identify trends, optimise services, and make informed decisions.
Shifting away from legacy
Investing in channel shift provides UK councils with strategic advantages that extend beyond cost savings, and expert consultative advice is available to support in the transition away from legacy. By embracing channel shift, organisations will be better positioned to address budgetary challenges and meet the changing needs of their citizens, ensuring sustainable and efficient service delivery for the future. M
The Procurement Act 2023: a Crown Commercial Service guide to implementing open frameworks
With the Procurement Act’s implementation just around the corner, Crown Commercial Service tells you what you need to know
The Procurement Act 2023 is currently set to take full effect on 28 October 2024, bringing with it a slate of changes to the regulations that govern procurement in the UK – that is, to the rules that dictate the way money is spent on the buying and selling of goods, products and services. A number of these changes will see adaptations made to the kinds of frameworks available for use by buyers and suppliers. Currently, the kind of framework set up by Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is what is
called a ‘closed’ framework. This means that once a framework is awarded, no new suppliers are able to join that particular agreement to offer their products, goods or services to public sector buyers during its lifespan. However, the new regulations will offer the opportunity for CCS frameworks to be developed in different ways to allow for innovation and flexibility in public sector procurement. Among the changes included in the new Act is the concept of open frameworks. E
F What are open frameworks?
As the Cabinet Office’s guidance states, open frameworks are a scheme of successive frameworks that may last up to a maximum period of eight years.
In similar style to a closed framework, when a specific agreement is first established, it will include those suppliers whose bids meet the criteria for inclusion.
However, this list of suppliers must be reopened at least twice to allow further suppliers to bid for inclusion, providing more opportunities to suppliers to win work through CCS frameworks and more choice for public sector buyers in how they fulfil their procurement needs.
This new flexibility in how frameworks are designed and managed will give CCS the
ability to ensure the needs of the market for any agreement are met in the first instance, while also allowing for changes and innovations in that market during the agreement’s lifespan.
This similarly allows suppliers to evolve their offerings through the lifespan of the agreement, whether through increasing their product or service range, or by revising their pricing in line with the market, and permits buyers to be more ambitious and inventive with their procurement aims.
What are the benefits of an open framework for CCS?
The open framework concept provides a number of benefits for the procurement process for CCS. These include that suppliers can
choose to be readmitted with their initial bid in order to stay on an open framework for the full term (a maximum of eight years), or to leave a framework in the scheme and recompete for the next, enabling them to potentially offer more competitive prices or additional services. Suppliers who were not awarded onto the previous framework have a chance to bid again when the framework is opened, offering new and innovative goods or services, better prices or social value incentives.
There are more inclusion opportunities within markets where the supplier base is changeable and/or contains a high number of suppliers, including SMEs and VSCEs. A stable specification remains in place for longer periods of time, aiding procurement in markets where demand is constant and
unlikely to change, such as common goods and services.
The open framework must open at least twice, but CCS can both increase the number of reopening points if necessary, and choose when to reopen an agreement so that this process produces maximum benefit to the market it is working in.
As an open framework must stay on substantially the same terms, CCS can resource-plan effectively for these reopening points to ensure a smooth transfer from one iteration of the scheme to the next
However, it is still worth noting that an open framework format will not always be the best choice for a new commercial agreement. For example, in markets where there are few suppliers or little diversification of suppliers, it may be better to opt for a 4 years closed framework.
CCS will continue to use a “Most Advanced Yet Acceptable” approach to designing our commercial agreements, allowing CCS to consider which style of framework would be most advantageous to buyers and suppliers when awarding an agreement.
This approach has been central to CCS’s implementation of the Procurement Act, helping to find the sweet spot between familiarity and innovation and ensuring buyers and suppliers alike are able to maximise the benefits of this landmark procurement reform.
Further help and guidance
You can find out more information about the Procurement Act by visiting our dedicated webpage , and you can also read our guide to preparing for the Procurement Act
You can also visit GOV.UK to sign up to the Cabinet Office mailing list, to be kept up to date with all of the latest information and guidance and for information about signing up to dedicated Procurement Act training. M
www.gov.uk/government/collections/
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How Surface Pro 10 and Laptop 6 are levelling government with AI
Government agencies need tools that boost productivity, streamline workflows, and optimise resources. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 10 and Laptop 6, designed with government in mind, offer a powerful solution
AI-driven productivity
The new Surface devices harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise work. Integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) accelerate AI features like Windows Studio Effects, enhancing video calls, and live captions, making content accessible for everyone. The dedicated “Copilot key” instantly summons AI assistance for tasks like document retrieval, data analysis, and meeting summaries. This allows government employees to focus on critical decision-making and strategic initiatives, not tedious tasks.
Versatile performance for a variety of roles
The Surface Pro 10 is a versatile powerhouse, adapting to the diverse roles within government. Whether in the field as a tablet, in the office as a laptop, or in meetings as a presentation tool, the Pro 10’s powerful processor and 5G capability ensure seamless performance, even on demanding tasks. For office-based staff, the Surface Laptop 6 delivers unmatched productivity. Its robust processing and enhanced thermal capacity make quick work of data-intensive tasks like complex analysis and report generation.
XMA: maximising government budgets
Government agencies often operate within tight budgets. XMA understands this. We effortlessly handles the entire process
for Surface devices, from assessment, procurement, to deployment, ensuring government agencies get the best possible price and value. This allows resources to be allocated to other crucial areas like infrastructure, training, and citizen services.
Security and sustainability: core priorities
Both devices prioritise security with features like Enhanced Sign-In Security and SecuredCore PC certification, safeguarding sensitive government data. Additionally, Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the increased use of recycled materials and the devices’ repairability, aligning with environmental goals.
A new era of government efficiency
The Surface Pro 10 and Laptop 6, combined with the XMA procurement program, represent a transformative solution for government. By harnessing the power of AI, enhancing productivity, and optimising resources, these devices empower government employees to tackle complex challenges and deliver essential services more efficiently, all while ensuring the best possible value for taxpayer money. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
Ready to bring AI to your agency? Contact XMA at 0115 846 4000 or email microsoftsurface@xma.co.uk today.
Imagining connected places
& community engagement
Once upon a time…
Back in June, I became Socitm President. I am so proud to take on this role for several reasons. Not only do I get to lead an amazing charity helping drive positive change across public service, but I also have more opportunities to connect with brilliant people working so hard across the public sector.
Socitm is a fantastic organisation on a mission to provide its members with resources, learning, know-how and access
to a network of public sector professionals working to drive transformational change. Central to all of this is Socitm’s Institute, where the organisation’s policy and research team sit.
During Socitm’s annual President’s conference in June, the first part of a significant piece of research and analysis was published. It was introduced to delegates using some imagery from fantasy fiction – featuring a plucky hero, dragons, unicorns, and a wise old guide. I won’t use that here! But it was a creative way to approach the topic of Connected Places.
With a new Government, our timing proved to be spot on. So much of the work in this collection is of direct relevance to Labour’s Five Missions.
What I want to do here is introduce Connected Places (so far) to you. And demonstrate – as we did at our conference in Birmingham –that perhaps it’s not as far away as we might assume.
What is a connected place?
It’s somewhere that enables people, communities and places to thrive. We connect public policy with the latest technology so everyone can benefit.
What makes up a connected place?
The first phase of published research looks in depth at four of eight components:
1. Health and wellbeing
The policy
Design places and communities that prioritise health and connectivity; create environments that support healthier lifestyles and improve the quality of life for all; and deploy resources in ways that understand and adapt to the needs of individuals and communities.
All easy to empathise with, but harder to define. It’s more than just ‘digital health care’.
Public services are fundamentally about ‘wellbeing’ in everything that we do – services, data, processes, resources, and technology.
Connections should reflect local geography, demography, and other community characteristics – including the interests of minority groups.
The practice
Some examples of policy in action include Leeds City Council: Project using IoT for social housing and NHS E
Written by
Carol Williams.
Socitm president 2024-25 and director of transformation & digital (SIRO) at Walsall Council
F England: Virtual wards or hospital at home.
2. Community resilience
The policy
Enable public services and communities to be resilient to changing threats and risks; foster resilience to build stronger bonds, enhance preparedness, and create a sense of belonging; and plan for incidents and their response to them in a joined-up way.
It’s critical for public bodies to work together, and with private sector partners, to understand, track, mitigate and deal with these risks for the communities they serve and protect.
The practice
Examples of this include Christchurch City Council (New Zealand): Smart Christchurch; Lincolnshire Resilience Forum: using geospatial tech in emergency planning; and NCSC Connect Places: Cyber security principles .
3. Energy and environmental sustainability
The policy
Foster awareness and education about sustainable practices; empower residents to make informed choices to minimise their ecological impact.
Our contention is there is a growing need for clean, ethical, affordable and sustainable technology and data practices to create wider economic and social value and wellbeing in a place.
In the realm of AI and information, there’s potential for enhanced understanding of energy sustainability and environmental impact, but it’s a politicised area.
Digital methods can inform community preparation, behaviour change, and counter misinformation. These are all crucial for transitions such as electronic vehicles and waste management.
The practice
Cases in point include: Barnet Council: BarNET ZERO Challenge | Engage Barnet ; Blackpool City Council: Silicon Sands – Blackpool; Airport Enterprise Zone (blackpoolez.com) ; and Derbyshire County Council: Deploying air quality sensors.
4. Democratic and community engagement
The policy
Create opportunities for residents to engage with decision-making processes that affect their lives; consider how to develop democratic infrastructures in the
digital age, with appropriate ‘checks and balances’ for accountability and oversight.
In recent decades, technology has had an increasing impact on democracy and free speech, with concerns growing about ‘fake news,’ the impact of social media and the abuse of power through technology.
On one hand, technology has given more people a voice and better insight into what is happening that will affect them. On the other hand, technology has been used to manipulate decision-making and opinions, from public vote to national elections.
The influence of powerful individuals, organisations, and even foreign governments has threatened the very basis of modern democracies.
The practice
Sample projects include NESTA: The rise of digital democracy; San Francisco: Launches multilingual election tool; and Test Valley Borough Council: “Everything we do is driven by our communities”
Discover much more about all these elements
For more information, see the following: Connected Places: Insights into Actions; Infographic: Imagining Connected Places; Socitm members can log in and read the current research.
More to come
Now we’re looking ahead to the rest of the collection, to be published later this year. More policy research is underway, but there are already plenty of examples of these in practice.
5. Travel and mobility
The research
How a comprehensive approach to mobility can transform economic, social and environmental sustainability.
In practice
For example: City of Edinburgh Council: Our Smart City programme; Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council: AI sensors tackling congestion hotspot ; and Estonia and USA: Cities transforming transportation.
6. Economy and business
The research
How to empower local economies through creating ecosystems of digital opportunities, businesses and skills.
In practice
This could cover: Network Rail: Geofencing: innovative technology to improve trackside worker safety ; and Northern Ireland: Innovators are enabling global smart city development .
7. Education, skills, and jobs
The research
How education, skills and jobs in a digital age can generate equality, prosperity, and wellbeing.
In practice
Some examples include: Civica and Solace: Do councils have the time and skills to keep up with tech? ; Microsoft: Technology Can Help Unlock a New Future for Frontline Workers
Sunderland City Council: Community digital health hubs.
8. Data
The research
How data insights can generate better decision-making, greater equality, and improved targeting of resources.
In practice
This covers things like: Barcelona: City data is “more accessible than ever”; Barnsley Council: Using UPRNs to build a Vulnerability Index; and Leeds City Council: LOOP: Resource Data Collaboration.
What are you doing?
I’ve shared some of the ideas, inspiration, and case studies in the collection so far. With more to come! Use them to progress your efforts to build strong, connected, and happy communities where everyone benefits from technology. And if you have your own examples of Connected Places in practice, tell us! We always want to know about the innovative work taking place in local public services. M
FURTHER INFORMATION socitm.net
Maximising the potential of solar lighting
Scott Pengelly, lighting solutions manager at Urbis Schréder, shares Insights on harnessing solar power for optimal lighting solutions
How do seasonal variations in sunlight and weather conditions impact the efficiency and output of solar power systems?
Significantly. Seasonal variations significantly impact the efficiency and output of solarpowered lighting systems. The biggest challenge arises during autumn and winter when daylight hours decrease, just as the demand for light increases. For example, in December and January, the average daylight is around eight hours, leaving 16 hours of darkness. This means a solar system has only a third of the day to recharge, yet it needs to operate for two-thirds of the day—posing a considerable challenge. Conversely, during the summer, 16 or more hours of daylight are available to charge the system for just eight hours of nighttime operation. Weather conditions also affect the solar irradiance, and therefore impacts the charging potential of the system. It’s worth noting that a solar system only requires daylight
to charge and generate energy - whether this is bright sunshine or thick cloud cover, a solar system will still generate energy but on a significantly different level.
Shadowing on the other hand, has an even greater impact on the efficiency of solar energy generation than weather conditions. Placing a solar panel in an area with significant shadowing—whether from nearby buildings, vegetation, or poor orientation towards the sun—can drastically reduce its efficiency. In the UK, the optimal setup is to incline the solar panel between 35 and 40 degrees from the horizontal and orient it due south. Anything away from this and you will see some type of impact.
What can be done to ensure that solar is a viable solution all year round?
Proper planning is crucial. Quite simply, good planning prior to any installation of a solar powered lighting scheme is absolutely key. This will ensure factors such as lighting levels, hours of
operation, control mechanisms, dimming options, and optimal orientation is planned out way ahead of getting to site.
The first step is optimising the size, angle, and orientation of the solar panel. Selecting the right panel size to match the product it powers can be done efficiently beforehand. We like to think of it as a linear relationship between the amount of light needed and the system to deliver this. If more light is required, we need a larger panel, bigger batteries and a brighter light source. As this scales down, element of the entire system can too.
Solar powered lighting is very much like the EV car market, really. As drivers we know that an EV is going to be different in terms of range, charging, operation and maintenance and have had to change our attitudes around this. When that happens, most people are willing to take up the new technology and amend their behaviour to suit. This shift in mindset is necessary for adopting off-grid lighting technology as well. We must adapt our approach to align with the capabilities of this new technology.
Typically, as with traditional lighting systems, the planning process starts with the question, “What am I trying to achieve?” Once the desired outcomes are clear, planning can focus on meeting those objectives. Starting with the product, without considering what it was designed to achieve, is likely to leave users despondent about this technology.
What challenges could be encountered when integrating solar power into the existing highway network, and how can these be overcome?
Without a doubt, the easiest way to power exterior lighting is still to connect this to a mains power source. This provides consistent, on demand power throughout the entirety of the period it is needed.
While connecting exterior lighting to a mains power source remains the easiest solution, solar power integration presents unique challenges. The primary challenge is ensuring consistent lighting levels throughout periods of darkness. Achieving this with off-grid power requires one of two approaches: using large solar panels with significant battery storage or employing switching and dimming controls. Both options are viable, but considering commercial factors, dimming and controlling exterior lighting is the most practical approach. By reducing the energy required to run an LED light source throughout the night, the need for large panels and batteries is minimised.
Scott Pengelly, lighting solutions manager, Urbis Schréder
Scott Pengelly, lighting solutions manager at Urbis Schréder, has extensive experience in engineering, product management, and sales. He excels in delivering innovative, sustainable lighting solutions and has significantly contributed to numerous high-profile exterior lighting projects, demonstrating his expertise and leadership in the field.
Typically, users of outdoor spaces reduce throughout the night after the initial busy periods. This is where technology like presence detection can be highly effective, allowing lights to operate at full power only when someone is present. At all other times, the lights can run at 10-20% of full output, providing adequate illumination while conserving energy.
In summary, the key to successful integration is delivering the right light, in the right place, at the right time. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact: Scott Pengelly, lighting solutions manager spengelly@urbis-schreder.com Urbis Schréder, smart lighting solution provider for the UK https://uk.schreder.com/en | 01256 354446
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Bridging the trust gap: overcoming public scepticism in technology in public services
Heather Cover-Kus, head of central Government at techUK, looks at how to win the public’s trust, with contributions from Tess Buckley, programme manager for digital ethics and AI safety at techUK
New ideas often face scepticism
Technology plays a vital role in modernising and enhancing public services, improving efficiency, accessibility, and delivering cost-savings. However, implementing and adopting new technologies in government often faces public scepticism. Addressing this confidence gap poses challenges, including lack of public understanding, ethical concerns, past implementation failures, and perceptions of powerlessness. To rebuild public trust and ensure equitable technological advancements, governments can bridge information gaps, enhance digital inclusion, and promote transparency in decision-making.
Understanding the trust gap
The relationship between citizens and government technology is nuanced, shaped by a history of both progress and setbacks. Past incidents, such as data security breaches and implementation challenges, have left individuals wary of emerging technological initiatives in the public sector, with broader trust issues in government playing a role in the lack of technology integration. Privacy concerns remain a critical issue in the trust debate. Many citizens worry about how their personal information is collected, stored, and used within government systems. These concerns extend to fears of potential E
Cyber tools alone aren’t enough:
A wake-up call for the public sector
Over the past decade, the public sector has embraced emerging technologies, enhancing efficiency and service delivery. However, this rapid transition from legacy systems has also introduced new vulnerabilities. In today’s digital landscape, public sector organisations are prime targets for increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. While many invest in advanced tools to counter these threats, relying solely on technology isn’t enough. Without proper management, these tools can strain IT teams and fail to offer complete protection. Robust and comprehensive cybersecurity measures are essential to safeguard against these evolving threats.
The limitations of security tools
Imagine your organisation has implemented the latest cybersecurity tools. You feel secure, believing that your sensitive data is protected. But then, a breach occurs. How could this happen despite having top-tier technology? The reality is that cybersecurity is not just about the tools—it’s about how they are deployed and managed.
Even the most advanced security tools are just one piece of the puzzle. They can make tasks more efficient a nd enhance security, but without the right processes and skilled personnel to manage them, they can become as ineffective as a complex machine with no one to operate it.
The human element in cybersecurity
The real challenge in cybersecurity lies in combating dynamic and innovative threat actors. Unlike static systems, cyber attackers are constantly evolving, discovering new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and disrupt operations. This is where the human element becomes critical. Without trained professionals and well-defined processes, even the most sophisticated tools can fall short.
Proactive, not reactive
Effective cybersecurity in the public sector is about more than just defending against attacks—it’s about continually improving your security posture. This requires regular risk assessments, flexible response strategies, and learning from real-world incidents. Ensuring that your team can effectively use the right tools and that these tools work for you, not against you, is essential.
The role of a cybersecurity partner
A trusted cybersecurity partner is invaluable for public sector organisations facing complex digital threats. They don’t just help you maximise the effectiveness of your tools; they guide you in developing a comprehensive, risk-informed cybersecurity strategy.
At Reliance Cyber, we offer end-to-end cybersecurity services, from managed security services, through to data loss prevention and incident response. Our Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) are staffed by SC-cleared analysts and technicians, many of whom are ex-military, ensuring top-level security expertise. As trusted security service providers for numerous public sector organisations, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of cybersecurity excellence.
We’re dedicated to safeguarding public sector organisations in today’s digital landscape WHAT WE DO
We understand the challenges public sector organisations face. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with our cybersecurity experts and receive a complimentary report with tailored recommendations.
F surveillance overreach, an issue that needs to be addressed with assurance techniques such as open communication and feedback mechanism for transparency.
We may also reflect on the information gap between technology creators and users, as well as the persistent digital divide in our society, as situations that can exacerbate public mistrust. The uneven distribution of technological access and literacy across different communities has created a trust deficit, particularly among marginalised groups. This disparity not only hinders the equitable implementation of government technology but also perpetuates a cycle of mistrust among those who could potentially benefit most from these advancements.
There’s a clear need for more effective communication channels and collaborative efforts between government entities, industry and the public regarding the development and deployment of new technologies.
Challenges in building trust
To bridge the trust gap in government technology, key challenges include the lack of public understanding, ethical considerations, the impact of past implementation failures and perception of powerlessness.
Clear communication and public engagement are key elements of securing trust in public sector technology
Above all is the need to enhance public understanding of emerging technologies. The complexity of AI and other advanced systems often leads to misunderstandings and misinformed fears. It is crucial to improve technological fluency among citizens, dispelling myths and fostering a more informed public discourse about these tools and their applications in government services.
Ethical considerations, particularly around bias and fairness in AI systems, present another significant hurdle. The UK Government has adopted a cross-sector and outcome-based framework for regulating AI, underpinned by five core ethical principles: safety, security and robustness, appropriate transparency and explainability, fairness, accountability and governance, and contestability and redress. These ethical principles have been operationalised through assurance mechanisms and standards, colloquially referred to as tools for trustworthy AI. E
F Developing and implementing ethical frameworks is essential to ensure that government technologies serve all citizens equitably and don’t perpetuate existing societal biases.
Past implementation failures continue to impact the uptake of new initiatives. Overcoming this requires good news stories which showcase successful use cases, ethics by design principles to proactively avoid harm, and establishing clear pathways for public redress and recourse. This means not only delivering effective technological solutions that include ethics by design but also being prepared to address and rectify issues transparently when they arise.
Another challenge is seen in combating the perception of powerlessness among citizens regarding technological advancements in government services. There’s a pressing need to facilitate meaningful citizen involvement and public engagement in the development and deployment processes of technology to support adoption and appropriate use. By doing so, we can foster a sense of ownership and partnership that is crucial for building trust.
Addressing these challenges is not just a matter of improving government efficiency; it is about creating a more trustworthy public sector that can effectively serve all citizens.
Overcoming the trust issues
While it is always easier to secure trust early than to rebuild it once it has been broken, the principles are the same in either case. To overcome trust issues, government needs to undertake in clear communication, actively seek public engagement, work to improve digital skills in the community, and have clear accountability for when things go wrong.
Clear communication and public engagement are key elements of securing trust in public sector technology. Explaining which technology is being employed, how it works why it is needed, and being honest about its benefits
Key challenges include the lack of public understanding, ethical considerations, the impact of past implementation failures and perception of powerlessness
and risks reflects an open and transparent approach to public sector technology. A notable example of public engagement was the People’s Panel on AI event which was held on the margins of the AI Safety Summit in November 2023. The Panel brought together 11 representative members of the public randomly selected by the Sortition Foundation to attend, observe and discuss key events. The session produced a public report giving their verdict on AI and their recommendations to government, industry, civil society and academia for further action. The experience of this participatory decision-making process was reviewed and discussed at techUK’s 2023 Digital Ethics Summit .
While the People’s Panel on AI showcased the fact that you don’t need to be a technical expert to consult on the deployment of public sector technology, having digital skills and digital literacy can indeed help to build trust. A sound foundation of skills makes the public more willing to engage with the technology. A study by the University of Manchester shows that a lack of access to skills is one of the main barriers to adopting digital technologies. Conversely, they found that adopters of digital technologies tend to rate higher in both digital and nondigital skills.
Adopters of digital technologies tend to rate higher in both digital and non-digital skills
Finally, as many newspaper headlines can attest to, technology adoption is not always infallible, and having a clear accountability structure for situations where incidents may occur can help to build trust that they will be managed properly. The accountability for government technology will be balanced between government bodies, regulators and industry. Knowing that where responsibility lies will help to overcome trust challenges. As we discussed in this piece, trust is paramount for the successful implementation of technology in public services. As governments leverage digital solutions to enhance efficiency and accessibility, it is important that they prioritise building and maintaining public confidence to ensure that we achieve the benefits that technology adoption in public services may bring. M
www.techuk.org
3 3M™ Bright Screen Privacy Filters
Shield your screens from prying eyes while experiencing best-in-class brightness and exceptional clarity. 3M™ Bright Screen Privacy Filters utilise nanolouver technology to help you deter visual hackers while enabling up to 85% light transmission for the intended user. This makes them approximately 25% brighter than competing privacy screens.
How to avoid visual hacking
As more information is moved to the digital sphere, 3M looks at how their Bright Screen privacy filters can protect your information
In the digital age, the line between the physical and virtual worlds is becoming increasingly blurred, especially within the government and public sector where sensitive information is the currency of operations. As we navigate this interconnected landscape, the protection of on-screen data emerges as a paramount concern. It’s not just cybersecurity measures that guard against remote intrusions; it’s also about shielding information from prying eyes. This is where 3M Bright Screen privacy filters come into play as an essential first line of defense.
Visual hacking
Imagine a world where every glance at a screen could potentially compromise national security, citizen privacy, or lead to the loss of intellectual property. Government officials and public sector employees often work in environments where confidential data is displayed on their screens, vulnerable to visual hacking – the act of gleaning sensitive information with nothing more sophisticated than the human eye. In such scenarios, the importance of privacy filters cannot be overstated.
3M Bright Screen privacy filters
3M Bright Screen privacy filters are the unsung heroes in the quest to safeguard data. These innovative products use advanced nanolouver technology to ensure that screen data is visible only to the person directly in front of the laptop. Anyone trying to view the information from a side angle would see nothing but a blackedout screen. This technology is a game-changer for anyone handling classified or sensitive information in public spaces, be it a bustling government office, a mobile workstation, or a coffee shop.
But why are 3M privacy filters the first choice? It’s simple: trust and reliability. 3M, a brand synonymous with scientific ingenuity and product excellence, has been at the forefront of privacy technology for years. Their privacy filters are designed with a precise balance of clarity and protection, ensuring that users
can work comfortably without sacrificing the confidentiality of their data. Moreover, these filters are easy to apply and remove, offering flexibility for different work scenarios without leaving any residue on the screens.
In addition to their technical prowess, 3M Bright Screen privacy filters also protect screens from scratches and fingerprints, extending the life of devices – a cost-effective benefit for budget-conscious government and public sector agencies. Furthermore, by reducing the risk of data breaches that could lead to costly investigations and loss of public trust, these filters offer an additional layer of security that complements digital encryption and access controls.
In conclusion, as we continue to navigate a world where data is both our most valuable asset and our greatest liability, the importance of protecting on-screen information cannot be overstated. For government and public sector entities, 3M Bright Screen privacy filters are not just a tool but a necessity, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential, and trust in public institutions is upheld. It’s a small investment in a screen accessory that can prevent a potentially large and damaging breach of information.
www.3m.co.uk https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/ en_GB/privacy-protection-UK/
CCoE gives up the complex
The Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and is already progressing towards its vision of making the UK the safest place to live, work and play online
The CCoE is an organisation which has has brought together some of the UK’s leading cyber security experts with the goal of assisting any type of organisation, including local authorities, to understand and protect against cyber risk. It has been created with the backing
of iESE, a not-for-profit consultancy, which has an established track record of helping local government and other public bodies improve. It has been wonderful to see how willing local authorities have been to engage with the CCoE. One of the major pieces of work we have done in the sector so far to help us and local authorities get a clear understanding of their cyber risks was to conduct the first ever passive scan of all 382 councils in the UK in Q2, 2023. We repeated this in Q2, 2024 to allow us to see if there had been improvement.
The passive scan uses a tool which scans the internet to discover online infrastructure, assets and shadow IT. It checks for misconfigurations, security vulnerabilities and exposed data, presenting a prioritised set of risks. All the information found would be available to anyone online who knows how and where to look, including an amateur hacker. A bespoke report was created both years for each council which included action points they could take to combat their risks. While the individual results are confidential, what we have seen year-on-year is that 110 of those scanned had reduced their vulnerabilities, 221 had stayed the same and 51 had got worse. If your organisation has not downloaded its reports yet, go to page 3 of the most recent issue of our magazine Transform here .
Written by Kurtis Toy, Chief Exec. CCoE
Kurtis Toy, Chief Exec. CCoE
The scans offer a small snapshot of cyber vulnerability and we found many of the teams we engaged with were already aware of many vulnerabilities and were actively working on them, however we are also aware that as technology constantly evolves so does the attack surface, therefore trying to secure all avenues as well as existing and legacy infrastructure can be a heavy burden to manage.
We know navigating this ever-changing landscape is difficult for local authority leaders with many competing priorities and limited budgets. Together with myself, a fully qualified vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer), the CCoE Advisory Board keeps abreast of cyber threats and constantly assesses new products coming to market. Through collective purchasing power we can source military-grade protection at high street prices.
Layering up
We know a layered approach to cyber security is more effective than settling on one solution. The CCoE has also been carrying out a wide range of pilot research projects with various sectors to understand what risks they face, with the aim of creating off-the-shelf ‘Protect’ packages encompassing a range of tools to help mitigate cyber risk. We have already launched Councillor Protect and will be launching Parish and Town Council Protect soon. Councillor Protect gives access to software, training and support that best protects the individual and their laptop or desktop and mobile phone. It is designed for individuals working solo without any central IT infrastructure and can be purchased as a standalone for individuals or bulk bought by councils.
The elements being trialled in many of our completed and ongoing pilots include a passive scan, tailored advice from a vCISO, NCSC-assured online cyber training aimed at both board level and all employees and
licences for a groundbreaking endpoint and server protection solution developed in the US defence environment called AppGuard. What has been really refreshing is that even local authorities that are very switched on with cyber security have still been open to engaging with the CCoE and, surprisingly, when we have looked at these organisations, we have still found ways they could improve. Through our network of cyber experts we can help with identifying and securing a wide range of vulnerabilities, even ones that may not have made it onto the risk agenda yet, such as physical security
We know that in the current environment, with the existing and evolving threat level, no local authority can afford to stand still. Due to 2024 being dubbed the ‘year of democracy’, with key elections being held worldwide, the increase in frequency, scale and complexity of cyberattacks globally, Vladimir Putin being quoted as saying “Russia’s borders do not end anywhere”, and the boom in AI tools, there is valid concern that local authorities may become even greater targets for attackers.
While defences need to protect our organisations time and again, attackers only need to get it right once. Consequently, we must stay as far ahead in our cyber defences as possible. M
ccoe.org.uk
Ensuring public sector safety in the digital age
Chris Dimitriadis, chief global strategy officer at ISACA looks at how public sector organisations can protect themselves
Earlier this year, several hospitals across London were subjected to a sophisticated cyberattack that had devastating consequences for patients. With more than 1,000 planned operations and over 3,000 outpatient appointments postponed, the attack caused huge disruption for the NHS in the capital.
Cyberattacks are undeniably on the rise. In the UK alone, as many as half of all businesses report having suffered a cybersecurity breach or attack in the last twelve months.
But they are also becoming increasingly sophisticated. Hackers are moving at pace with technology and honing their skills to inflict maximum damage on their victims. Ransomware attacks remain the most acute type of cyber threat facing most UK organisations. And these are becoming increasingly more sophisticated.
Typically, organisations with complex supply chains face far greater risk. If one element of that chain becomes compromised, the whole organisation can be brought down. This means that when it comes to cyberattacks, nothing and no one is off limits, including public sector institutions such as the NHS and the Ministry of Defence.
So, how can organisations in the public sector better protect themselves against the threat of impending cyberattacks?
Regulation is being implemented
At the State Opening of Parliament in July, King Charles III announced the new Labour government’s plans. One of these plans was the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, something that has been welcomed with open arms by the technology and cybersecurity industry. E
F A significant way that the bill is set to protect public sector organisations is by proposing to enforce universal standards across supply chains. This will mean that every single company within the supply chain of a service such as the NHS, for example, will be required to comply with a certain standard of cybersecurity protection.
62 per cent of respondents reported that their cybersecurity team was understaffed
Of course, it’s a positive step in the right direction, as bad actors can capitalise on any small weak link in a supply chain and launch an attack. The next move will be for this Bill to be followed through, introduced and enforced by the new government sooner rather than later to avoid further damage in the meantime. But regulation alone isn’t the only answer.
There’s strength in numbers
While implementing and enforcing regulation is vital when looking to protect organisations – both public and private – from succumbing to cybercrime, it’s not a quick fix solution on its own. In order to be successful and achieve the best level of protection, businesses need to have trained professionals in place. By employing staff with the right skills in the right places, they can not only diligently monitor for and implement any measures needed to comply with such regulation but can also be on the front foot, proactively monitoring for any warning signs or potential threats.
It is essential that upskilling and training for staff is available and provided at any company, big or small. The World Economic Forum reports that there is a global shortage of nearly four million cyber professionals. That number is vast, and is unfortunately growing. This cannot continue in a digital world where cyberattacks are on the rise.
According to research that we at ISACA carried out amongst our membership in Europe in 2023, a shocking 62 per cent of respondents reported that their cybersecurity team was understaffed.
The new UK government has proposed the introduction of Skills England, a new entity designed to fight the broader skills shortage issue that the country is facing by working to assess where current and future skills demand lies. The next step will be for digital skills to become a focus of that body, with a view to working on closing the skills gap.
Schemes like Skills England will help to both fill vital positions to make organisations more secure and create a more diverse workforce. By providing a range of opportunities and routes for those looking to enter the cybersecurity industry, workplaces will attract a variety of people from different backgrounds, fostering a team that has diverse thought processes and approaches to problem solving.
When it comes to cybersecurity and AI, there’s a wider need to upskill people from the ground up
This is valuable, as a fully rounded cybersecurity team needs people with both technical and soft skills – someone that can think like a hacker and remain one step ahead is just as important as someone with excellent communication skills who can simplify the intricacies of cybersecurity to the board. And if organisations can widen their approach by inviting people to interview that might not yet have the exact qualifications needed, but have the right attitude, aptitude and are willing to learn, they will see more applicants and more talent keen to sign up.
Time for change
Societies often suffer from a feeling of inertia. People follow in the employment footsteps of their ancestors, take static careers advice from their school or university or simply “find themselves” in a job. Typically, we lack dynamism and forethought when it comes to starting out on the career ladder. That needs to change.
From a young age, people need to be taught that there are career options beyond the ‘obvious’, including exciting, diverse job opportunities and career paths in the world of cybersecurity. Figures suggest that around 60 per of today’s school children will enter a career that hasn’t been thought of yet, which is no surprise with emerging technologies evolving at a rate of knots.
With that in mind, it’s important that the information available to young people is the most up to date, whether that’s by a change in curriculum, or by professionals heading into schools to talk to students about what their future could look like. Not only do young people need to be made aware of the career options open to them, but they also need to be told that they don’t need to be limited to taking specific technical qualifications to pursue a certain career.
When it comes to cybersecurity and AI, there’s a wider need to upskill people from the ground up. The school curriculum should be evolving now to cover the basics of AI technology, its applications and ethical use cases so that the next generation of leaders grows up steeped E
It’s imperative that users of AI are aware and mindful of the risks associated
F in knowledge of the future technologies, and resultant job opportunities.
Keeping up with the latest technologies
While AI can – and will – no doubt achieve powerful things, with the potential to revolutionise services and improve menial workloads across industries, it does pose a threat. And public sector organisations are just as vulnerable here as anybody else. It’s imperative that users of AI are aware and mindful of the risks associated. Education and training around emerging technologies such as AI is a non-negotiable if organisations want to feel secure and protected.
Regular training is the remedy for this. And while any cyber and IT teams should be offered such training as an immediate priority, it should be rolled out to the wider workplace, particularly if staff are regularly coming into contact with AI. Although they are the experts, the onus shouldn’t solely be on the cybersecurity or IT team, and staff throughout
the organisation should at least be familiar with the basics and how these are set to change. Yet research carried out by ISACA amongst our European membership earlier this year revealed that 40 per cent of organisations offered no AI training to staff and a further 30 per cent only offered it to those working in tech-related positions.
Legislation and guidance on AI will of course be welcomed alongside this. AI tools are informed by data, and so this data needs to be regulated and have the adequate protections in place. While being educated and having training on AI is imperative, users need to be secure in the knowledge that they are using a regulated and safe service and feel empowered to embrace newer technologies. Ultimately, public sector organisations must make sure that they are taking the same precautions as private businesses. They are unfortunately just as vulnerable, and in a world full of increasing geopolitical tensions and state-sponsored attacks, national services with complex supply chains that are relied upon by large quantities of people are a haven for attackers on a destructive mission. A combination of legislation, compliance, and training will help businesses and sectors across industries to become more trusted and secure. L
Prepare to reinvent at DTX + UCX London 2024
DTX and UCX return to London on 2 and 3 October, bringing together the brightest minds and the most innovative technologies
In the fast-paced world of technology, standing still is not an option. As Alan Reed, head of Platform Innovation at bet365, astutely puts it, “When you work in technology, you’ve got to be the Lady Gaga, the Madonna, or the David Bowie of IT. You must reinvent yourself all the time.” This ethos of continuous reinvention is not just a survival strategy; it’s the key to thriving in an industry where the ground shifts constantly beneath your feet.
At DTX + UCX London 2024, taking place on 2-3 October, we’re bringing together the brightest minds and the most innovative technologies to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re in the cloud and infrastructure space, involved in software engineering and DevOps, working with data and AI, or focused on
cybersecurity, this event is your gateway to mastering the art of digital transformation. Digital Transformation EXPO (DTX) is colocated with Unified Communications EXPO (UCX), the leading event for colleague and customer communications, showcasing the technology, solutions and strategies across UC, cloud and collaboration tools; video and AV; customer contact centre; and UC security. The event is designed for everyone from senior leaders and function heads to architects, engineers, developers, and data scientists. The event is not just about showcasing technology; it’s about providing the tools, strategies, and insights needed to drive your digital projects to scalable success. E
F This year’s event will feature inspiring leaders and technical experts from major organisations such as E.ON, Lloyds, DWP, John Lewis, and BT. These thought leaders will share their vision for leveraging future technologies to propel their digital agendas forward, offering you the chance to learn from the best in the business.
Why attend?
Every interaction you have with colleagues or customers is a moment of truth. As Alan Nance, co-founder of Citrus Collab, reminds us, “Whether you are talking to consumers or colleagues, every interaction with you is a chance for them to vote with their wallet or their feet.”
This vote is more than just transactional; it’s emotional. Your ability to innovate and adapt directly impacts whether people choose to invest in your organisation or move on. At DTX + UCX London, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the key themes driving digital transformation in 2024:
DTX themes
The themes this year include: Master the art of continuous reinvention to keep up with tech advancements; Modernise IT tool stacks, maximise legacy infrastructure and reduce tech debt; Cut through the noise and identify the AI use cases for your business; Architect your way to next-gen software engineering and delivery whilst improving DevX; Establish responsible frameworks for data and AI through effective governance and architecture; Build a secure ecosystem that is responsive to today’s threat landscape; Educate and empower colleagues with the latest communications and collaboration tools; Meet changing customer demands for interaction and engagement; Streamline your IT service desk for faster and more intuitive responses; and Attract and retain the best and diverse tech talent.
UCX themes
UCX themes include: Foster community and collaboration through workspace design and tooling; Optimise your UC and AV tool stack and reduce tech debt for cost reduction and sustainability; Wrap change management and training around UC rollouts for maximum usage and ROI; Leverage AI and analytics tools to measure adoption and usage; Embed security to mitigate risks from remote/hybrid workers; Navigate the latest Microsoft roadmaps with a focus on Copilot; Balance AI and human agents to maintain personalised customer interactions; Build a total experience strategy to benefit both agents and customers; Streamline service management for improved quality and reliability; and Choose UC technology which is inclusive and accessible to all.
Speaker spotlight
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Derren Brown, Britain’s leading psychological illusionist turned author, to open the event. Brown, who has reinvented himself throughout his career, will address the critical theme of health and wellbeing. In his keynote titled, “Rethinking our pursuit of happiness and finding strength amidst uncertain times,” he will explore how we
can navigate the pressures of today’s fast-paced work environment and find balance in our lives. Day two will be welcomed by one of the world’s most iconic figures in the gaming industryJohn Romero, the award-winning game creator known as the ‘Father of FPS’ (First-Person Shooter). With legendary titles like DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein under his belt, Romero has shaped the gaming landscape through relentless innovation and creative evolution.
We’ll be joined by a host of incredible speakers, including Nvidia’s VP EMEA, Jaap Zuiderveld, BT’s principal innovation partner, Nicola Millard, and former Dragons’ Den panellist Piers Linney, now co-founder of Implement AI.
The DTX + UCX experience
DTX + UCX London 2024 isn’t just about listening to talks; it’s about engaging with your peers and learning through hands-on experiences. The event will feature panels, case studies, workshops, demos, community meetups, and networking parties. New this year is a dedicated wellness space, offering attendees a chance to recharge. Plus, don’t miss the retro arcade games and drone obstacle course for some light-hearted fun. For those looking to make the most of their time away from the office, DTX + UCX is also co-located with Digital Commerce Expo, which explores the technologies revolutionising customer experience - creating a triple threat of innovation at the event. This combination of events provides a holistic view of the technologies driving digital transformation, customer experience, and unified communications.
Register today
Whether you’re fine-tuning your organisation’s digital strategy, preparing for the next big cyber threat, or simply curious about the latest in AI and digital technologies, DTX + UCX London 2024 is where you need to be. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation that will shape the future of digital transformation. Take a front-row seat with fellow innovators and leaders by registering now.
Join fellow game-changers, rule-breakers, and tech pioneers on 2-3 October at ExCeL London. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
Regsiter now and sign up here
What is ‘smart’ data?
With the government’s new Digital Verification and Smart Data Bill announced in the King’s Speech, many are wondering what Smart Data is and how it affects them
Data itself can never be ‘smart’. However, the way we access and share data can be. David Crack, chairperson of the Association of Document Validation Professionals and CDD Services, explores how ‘smart’ data can change the delivery of services so we can work together as one.
Why do we need smart data?
I like to think of ‘smart’ data in the same way project managers define ‘SMART’ tasks. If we define goal-driven tasks that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound, then the data we need to perform those tasks will inevitably become ‘smart’. Smart data is about accessing data from an authoritative source at the time you need it. For data to be ‘smart,’ it must be actionable, relevant, and useful for decision-making. This is not new. We use ‘smart’ data daily, like checking venue times for a show or upto-date travel and weather information. This real-time information affects our decisions.
However, the long-standing culture in organisations is to create multiple database silos that hold extensive information about customers, staff, and suppliers. This culture stems from when only large organisations had the computing power to digitise data. Not only is this model now maintenance-intensive and costly, it’s also highly inefficient compared to the alternative methods available today. This is why smart data is becoming so topical. To become more agile, make better informed decisions, and improve efficiency, organisations need to start using data like we do. They need to become SMART in how and when they access data.
What are the benefits for individuals?
As individuals we have more access to agile technology, high-speed communications, and extensive data sources than most organisations. Consequently, when we do engage with organisations our interactions are bogged down by outdated processes, bureaucracy, and delays.
A similar position existed in retail banking before the introduction of smart data within Open Banking. Now we can pay for things without cash, verify who we are going to pay before we pay them, and can seamlessly switch banks with minimal disruption.
The question is: why can’t we do the same with the rest of our data?
This is the motivation behind the Government’s Digital Information and Smart Data Bill (DISD Bill). It aims to create a regulated market of ‘Holder Service Providers’ offering such things as personal data stores and digital wallets. These will enable our interactions with organisations to become simpler, as with contactless payments. The regulation will also enable central and local government to share information with regulated providers so that we can all begin to control and manage our data more easily. And, to avoid getting locked in with a single provider, we will all be able to move our data around in a similar way to how we move our money between banks and bank accounts.
What are the benefits for organisations?
To appreciate the impact of smart data, consider the effort of changing your address. Individuals must separately update every organisation they deal with, while each organisation must disseminate the change across all their databases. By contrast, in a smart data world, individuals update their address only once in a personal data store; organisations only access that data when it is needed. This simplicity and cost saving is transformational.
With this in mind, the DISD Bill builds on the Government’s digital trust framework used for Right to Work, Right to Rent, and DBS. After the pandemic, organisations did not want to return to pre-pandemic, in-person paperbased regulation. Instead, the trust framework enabled immigration verification to take place remotely using digital technology, eVisas, and smart data to help prevent fraud.
Similarly, the PASS Age Verification Scheme will help organisations meet their obligations within the Online Safety Act though digital PASS cards issued by multiple providers. Individuals have the choice of which card provider they want to use.
Another example is CDD’s SafeGuarden. This allows individuals to reuse verified digital credentials across multiple organisations to remove unnecessary friction and share the cost of compliance. SafeGuarden’s inspiration is Singapore’s Singpass, which, since the pandemic, has enabled individuals
David Crack, CDD Services
David Crack has over 40 years’ experience designing customer systems in retail banking and is chairperson of the Association of Document Validation Professionals and CDD Services.
to share their data with over 700 government agencies and private sector services.
What are the barriers to the introduction of smart data?
Getting market regulation and data regulation right is critical to win trust, achieve industry adoption, and public acceptance. It is important to recognise that the UK’s trust framework is NOT a national ID scheme. Similarly, commercial models for new data institutions, cybersecurity, and national fraud prevention are also required to protect the public from abuse, and enhance productivity, competitiveness, and innovation.
If these barriers can be overcome, technology push will turn into market pull as organisations look to offload sprawling and unwieldy data management overheads. They will naturally focus AI decision-making on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound data.
In the meantime, if you’re investing in new systems for the next five years, ensure they are adaptable and future proofed to thrive in the smart data world. M FURTHER INFORMATION
Want more information? Click below cdd.services/smart-data
