The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has set up a panel of digital experts to develop a vision for the use of technology in the public sector.
The move follows the post-election transfer of central government’s main digital bodies to the department and is intended to strengthen plans for a new ‘digital centre’ of government.
Named the Digital Centre Design Panel, the group will be co-chaired by Baroness Martha Lane Fox – co-founder of lastminute.com and previously an adviser to the Cabinet Office – and chair of the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) Paul Willmott.
The other members are:
- Poppy Gustafssson, tech entrepreneur and founder of Darktrace;
- Jeni Tennison, founder and executive director of Connected by Data;
- Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO of Stemettes;
- Lou Cordwell, professor of innovation at the University of Manchester;
- Aaron Maniam, fellow of practice and director, digital transformation education at the Blavatknik School of Government;
- David Eaves, co-deputy director and associate professor at University College London;
- Sarah Hunter, technology policy advisor and board member at the Advanced Research and Invention Agency;
- Lisa Harrington, tech and growth adviser;
- Josie Cluer, partner, people consulting at EY; and
- Lord Richard Allan, technology adviser.
DSIT said the panel will focus on helping the Government plan changes in how technology is used in public services as part of the effort to cut backlogs, improve service outcomes and make services more accessible.
Removing burden from citizens
Announcing its creation, AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark said: “Poor technology slows down public services too often, when new tools should be cutting waiting lists and taking the burden from citizens and the taxpayer. That is why DSIT has become the centre for digital government.
“We will be bold in our plans with this new responsibility, and the external expertise we are bringing in to advise us will help deliver on our shared ambitions to improve public services and drive sustainable growth that works for everyone.”
Willmott commented: “Embracing digital technologies such as AI is vital for the public sector, enabling delivery of faster yet more efficient services.
“In turn this will improve accessibility and transparency for citizens, and boost economic growth by removing bottlenecks for business. I am delighted to be working with this exceptional group to shape the way forward.”
