Today, the Digital, Data and
Technology (DDaT) Fast Stream and UK technology
trade association techUK launched a
new programme to encourage collaborative working between
early professionals in the Civil
Service and the technology sector.
About the programme
Tech Connect is a 12-week digital skills programme bringing
together early professionals in government and industry to
inspire them to design and deliver the best and most
technology-innovative public services.
The programme was launched in partnership with techUK’s Public
Services Board (PSB) and is sponsored
by Her Majesty’s
Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Director General and
Chief Digital and Information Officer, Jacky Wright.
The programme gives about 20 third-year DDaT fast streamers
and 20 early career professionals from the tech industry
the chance to work closely with a wide range of technology
companies, all members of techUK’s Public Service Board.
This is an opportunity for DDaT fast streamers to gain
industry exposure and for early career professionals from
the private sector to get insight into some of government’s
biggest technology challenges.
What participants will do
Participants will work in blended teams, and will pick a
public sector technology, operational or policy problem,
with the aim of delivering innovative solutions that can be
deployed by government.
Teams will also participate in 5 industry ‘programme days’,
hosted by member companies of techUK’s Public Sector Board.
Each industry day will give the teams exposure to a new
organisation, and focus on innovative technologies and
approaches that they can use in their project.
Each team will be guided by 2 senior mentors, one from
industry and one civil servant, who will act as a point of
contact to discuss strategy, blockers and opportunities, as
well as steer the project towards success.
At the end of the programme, the teams will present their
solutions to their public service challenge to senior
leaders from government and industry, who will provide
feedback and select a winning team.
Effective collaboration between public and private sectors
Participants will learn what effective collaboration
between government and industry looks like, and how
leveraging the skills of the public and private sector can
produce outcomes of lasting value for the government.
Jacky Wright said:
I am very excited about the launch of this programme,
which will allow early career colleagues in both private
and public sector to learn from each other, work together
in innovative ways, and develop supportive networks and
ongoing relationships. By working in true partnership
rather than competition, and supporting greater
collaboration, we can encourage innovative,
solution-focused thinking among the Civil Service’s
future leaders and create the digital organisation that
we need for the future.
Kevin Cunnington, Head of the DDaT Profession and Director
General, Government Digital Service, commented:
This is an exciting initiative which helps build skills
and capability within the Civil Service. This programme
is the latest example of our continual collaboration with
the wider industry to help make government work better
for everyone.
David, Chief Executive
Officer, techUK, added:
This initiative provides a much-needed bridge between
industry innovation and government. Creating a
collaborative partnership in the early stages of a
professional career will greatly improve our public
services delivery and the experiences we all have as
citizens. Our members are delighted to welcome these
bright minds into their organisations and play a part in
building the next generation of world-class public
services.
Background
techUK Public Services Board’s member companies include:
Dell EMC, YOTI, Computacenter, Capgemini, IBM, eduserv,
Fujitsu, BT, Sopra Steria, vmWare, Amazon web services,
BrightLemon, Ark, CDW, Informed Solutions, CISCO.
