A new national Digital Capability Advisory Group (DCAG) has been set up to help develop the digital capability of Scotland's public and third sectors.
It is a partnership between the Scottish Digital Academy and the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government and will operate under the Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate.
It will also fulfil the role of governance and advisory body for the Scottish Digital Academy.
The two organisations defined digital capability as the people, skills, and systems needed to support and sustain digital transformation, underpinned by digital, data, and technology (DDaT) skills and roles as defined within the Scottish Government's DDaT Profession and the Digital Scotland Service Manual.
They said the DCAG’s guiding principles will involve focusing on improving digital skills and talent in the public and third sectors, working collaboratively and ensuring the alignment of actions with national strategic priorities.
Standards, operating models, collaboration
Key deliverables include: a joint action for the delivery of relevant standards; supporting activities aligned with Scotland’s Digital Strategic Plan; exploring new operating models to enhance professional learning and development; and fostering collaboration in procurement, funding and resource sharing to scale digital solutions.
Lee Dunn, head of the Scottish Digital Academy, said: “We’re all aware of the challenges that the public sector faces over the next few years and the need to continue to improve digital public services. The advisory group is one approach that we’re taking to bring organisations together to align direction, coordinate effort and share resources.”
Verity Hislop, senior project manager at the Digital Office, said: "A capability advisory group in the public sector not only drives informed decision making but also promotes cost savings and operational efficiency.
“By leveraging shared resources and cross-functional expertise, it reduces duplication of efforts and encourages collaboration. This leads to streamlined processes, optimised use of existing capabilities and more effective solutions to complex challenges, ensuring that public services are both innovative and cost-effective.”
