Make or Break: The UK's Digital Future

Question...What do Government Lords say should be seen as important a utility as water and electricity, and as prevalent in education as literacy and numeracy?

The answer, according to a report published late February by the UK Government... digital access and understanding.

The findings, concluded in the UK’s Digital Skills Committee report, came as the Chair of the Committee, Baroness Morgan, signalled the UK was now approaching a fork in the road in its digital decisions - with rapid technological change quickly approaching.

A situation, which Lords of the Committee were keen to point out, would leave the UK government with two choices.

On the one hand, a chance to "Seize the opportunity” and introduce a more accelerated approach to digital adoption.

On the other, presented with the option of “taking the foot off the pedal". Maintaining the status quo and the current takeup of digital practices.

Called "Make or Break: The UK's Digital Future", the report and its backers were clear in their view of which route to take – outlining the UK’s fragile position and present failure in addressing its significant digital skill shortage. Any incoming Government, the report claimed, urgently needs to resolve this.

While concerned, Baroness Morgan emphasised the decision posed an exciting opportunity for the UK, its economy, workforce and people at large.

Commenting on the impact of a widespread Government led digital agenda, the Committee Chair suggested the UK would see extensive benefits across society.

In its workforce, the UK would see the emergence of more jobs focused on digital skill and greater evolution of current roles. Preparation for these roles would start in primary education to equip children with relevant skills for later working life.

                                                          

The report found that teachers required further training, particularly up-skilling of longer serving teachers. A coding curriculum would be widely received, to ensure digital was taught alongside literacy and numeracy based subjects to meet the proportion of learners that would require digital skill in future jobs.

Lords commented that a digital agenda would see improved gender equality in work. Male dominated stem subjects and careers like science, mathematics and engineering, are often so because more girls opt out at GCSE, and from there are excluded. Baroness Morgan suggested this one track access needed to be changed to allow fairer access to women – and could be realised through digital. A process which could have a “transformative effect” on the UK’s economy.

The Committee’s findings on digital inclusion included a mention of how important a resource digital will be for everyone in the future. Likened to water and electricity, Morgan and fellow backers didn’t hold back, stressing this belief had to be a starting point going forward.

Obstacles would however need to be overcome. Including better digital training and access to groups across society, from the elderly to the impoverished and certain geographic regions across the UK.

Studies also found more needed to be invested into the UK’s 18-24 age group, who’s digital skill was not up to the Committee’s expectations.

The Committee's chair concluded her hopes for the report commenting

"This report is a wake-up call to whoever forms the next Government in May. Digital is everywhere, with digital skills now seen as vital life skills. It's obvious, however, that we’re not learning the right skills to meet our future needs. It's not a critique of the past. What we're saying is their needs to be a comprehensive digital agenda, led from the top, from the heart of government, with a renewed focus of activity".

It’s clear then that Digital as an agenda holds the key to countless advancements in society. Will the next government embrace it? We certainly hope so!

Zipporah scoops International prize in Chamber awards

South Wales Chamber of Commerce held their annual award ceremony last night. Among the winners, Zipporah, who went on to claim the SWCCA's highly coveted 'International Newcomer' award.

With black ties, dress wear, ice sculptures and cocktails visible across every corner of the room, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd walked onto the set of the latest Bond film at the Vale Resort last night.

Certainly it was an evening of special significance with glitz and glamour, drawing more than a few gasps. Oh and a red carpet!

But, while 007 might have found solace in the extravagant atmosphere, the best of Britain secret agent's wasn't to be seen. 

Instead it was the Best of Welsh businesses that were gathered, vying to hear the outcome of the awards 12 categories - each one up for grabs to a select number of businesses that were hand picked by judges in January.

Among those pruned from a record number of applicants was Zipporah who, as finalists of the Awards 'International Newcomer' category, lay patiently in wait to receive news of their entry.

Commenting on the years finalists, Chamber Director, Graham Morgan had this to say,

"Businesses named as finalists should be very proud of their achievements and they have all shown that it is still possible to achieve excellence despite the challenges of recent years. Their example should help to further strengthen returning confidence in the marketplace in Wales."

The question on everyone's lips though - who would win each category?

After intrigue and conversation surrounding the ceremonies most unusual feature, two glow performers who took to the stage with some eclectic dance moves, it was time to find out.

Addressing the competitions People Development, Innovation and Renewable Energy categories, host and 5 time Olympic skier, Graham Bell, announced the name of the businesses that had managed to squeeze their way past opponents to gain top spot.

Not long into the night came Best Start Up, similarly earning acclaim and congratulations from the awards alpine expert.

And then the waiting was over, the International Newcomer category had arrived... it was time for Zipporah to learn its fate. Had efforts abroad had been enough to win recognition as South Wales' best?

Zipporah's Director Emma Powell sat with fingers crossed. And then came the news... 

"And the winner of this years International Newcomer category is... Zipporah!"

Not one to wait around, Emma gunned for the stage to receive the award. Afterwards she had this say,

"We're absolutely chuffed. We were up against some very worthy businesses for this award. Each one has done a lot over the last year to secure international business. So we're delighted that we've been recognised in the same way as one of Wales' top up and coming exporters. We're looking forward to the next year, where we're hoping to build on what we've achieved and continue drawing attentions towards Wales as a credible and growing economy".



The night ended with a photo of the Awards winners and sponsor. And it was smiles all round! Thanks SWCC, we'll hopefully see you again next year... fingers crossed!

Heywood outlines 'Digital' as top of civil service agenda for 2015

January saw the UK Governments 'Civil Service Blog' outline its priorities for 2015 and, unsurprisingly, 'Digital' was again top of the 'to do's'.

Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Jeremy Heywood, authored a release mid January to Gov.uk - CS Blog, highlighting the UK's digital transformation as a leading cause behind a £14.3 billion saving seen since 2009/2010 - and an area where key investment would see big success in years to come.

Commending predecessor, Sir Bob Kerslake and Minister for Cabinet Office, Francis Maude for their work in overseeing digital transition, Heywood claimed the UK Government was now amongst "the most open, transparent and increasingly, most digital in the world".

The Secretary praised the 'Digital by Default' agenda for boosting communication with citizens, who were finding it simpler, clearer and faster to work with government. Pointing to a new survey released by Ipsos Mori, Heywood reinforced the impact of digital in building key bridges with the public, announcing 55% now trusted the Civil Service, an all time high since records began in 1983.

The results mark a big shift in public opinion, demonstrating a huge catching up with public expectation for modern lines of communication and task enabling.

Likewise the launch of Crown Commercial Service's G-Cloud 6 found praised and is widely expected to improve communication with suppliers, increasing the Government's commercial buying power and resulting in a better service for customers and stakeholders.

But, despite the progressive work undertaken by previous Cabinet Secretary's, Heywood outlined a need to accelerate transformation if the Service was to consistently capitalise on the billions in savings seen since the coalition government began its tenure.

Cross-departmental reforms, which aim to bring services together, have been targeted as a next step. It's hoped this effort will help to steer local departments away from purchasing single solutions to a common core infrastructure that meets common needs, where new efficiencies "can be achieved only by working together".

This isn't a new notion. In fact, suppliers have been developing solutions that work cross departments for a number of years. Zipporah's upcoming 'All in one' solution is one example. But, it's encouraging to hear that heads of government are on side with this approach - which will inevitably help to harness the full potential of Digital transformation.

Training and Talent Management also found their way into the Digital agenda for 2015, with the Cabinet Secretary suggesting both areas would need work if challenges were to be met successfully.

Collaboration was the final big talking point. Inevitably this will see government practices centred around working together in service delivery and development, and it will be a real encouragement if the Government's Digital Service can follow up on Heywood's mention of 'Government as a Platform'.

What's clear regardless is the UK is leading the line in a sustainable, cost effective and innovative approach to Civil Service delivery, and with leaders at the top pushing for increased momentum, 2015 might just be the biggest year yet.

G-Cloud 6 live on Government's Digital Marketplace - Find Zipporah's Products in Store!

On Monday 2nd February G-Cloud 6 went live on the Digital Marketplace. Among the services available - 8 products  from Zipporah! 

Nearly three years ago there was a revolution in government; a framework built on openness and transparency - G-Cloud. This framework would ultimately transform that way in which the public sector bought commodity cloud services, and Monday 2nd Feb marked the release of its latest iteration 'G-Cloud 6'.

And Zipporah sits among the list of suppliers now accessible through its Digital Marketplace. 

The new framework, which gives public sector buyers access to commission cloud services t suppliers across the UK, celebrates a combination of former G-Cloud and Digital Services - the result helping to form a procurement framework that makes purchasing IT services easier for public sector buyers. 

"With the rise of digital software use in government, it makes absolute sense that online services should be available online through a framework like the Digital Marketplace - where's there is continual investment in development and innovation, where buyers can search easily and freely in one place. For suppliers like us, G Cloud has massive potential as it helps to break down walls that in the past have prevented fast and effective communication of our service to buyers" explained Zipporah Technical Director Scott Burton.

Since its inception, G-Cloud has demonstrated huge popularity among public sector buyers as well. Estimates suggest total spend to date sits at a round £345m, with an averaging monthly spend of £27m; 53% of which is awarded to SME's. 

Praised as a leader for other European countries when it comes to transforming the way government uses cloud services, the framework has led many to conclude that an open market framework like G-Cloud could become the new model for how governments across the world procure IT and technology.

"It's a great resource, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was implemented across other countries as well. This would certainly benefit our overseas clients, so let's hope it does become a reality" highlighted Emma Powell, Zipporah Director.

For more details on the Digital Marketplace visit www.digitalmarketplace.service.gov.uk

To find out more about Zipporah's products email sales@zipporah.co.uk, or alternatively call +44 (0) 2920 647048