The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is aiming to develop a new digital system to support staff in dealing with applications for emergency travel documents (ETDs).
It follows a series of pilots that have shown it can remotely process the applications for ETDs – which enable British people overseas without a passport to travel – and aligns with plans to create two global centres.
The department has put out a procurement notice for support in the project and aims to deliver the bulk of the programme by the summer of next year.
It is looking for business analysis and technical capability to develop a new digital system that helps staff identify urgent ETD applications and improves the workflow. It also wants to develop its existing digital systems for processes such as booking appointments and notifications.
The ETD Improvement Programme has enabled customers to complete applications and upload photos online, and streamline processes for staff in some British consulates. In addition, two pilot hubs in Europe have tested the remote processing and issuing of the documents.
The FCO issues more than 30,000 ETDs each year.
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
