NHS Digital and HMRC to move to Leeds' ‘government hub’
NHS Digital is relocating to a new building in Leeds to house around 6,000 civil servants, including 3,800 from HM Revenue and Customs, making it the largest commercial let in the city.
The ‘Government Hub’ is one of 18-22 such state-of-the-art buildings planned for UK cities under a Government Property Unit programme. The programme is modernising and reducing central government’s estate by accommodating staff in shared regional hubs.
NHS Digital chief executive Sarah Wilkinson said: “Being part of the government hubs programme in Leeds is a great opportunity to work in partnership with both national and local organisations.”
Report reveals children lack technology education
More than a third (36%) of schoolchildren in England have no opportunity to learn about the latest technology in the classroom, a report has revealed.
The research also found that the technological skill pupils would most like to learn was app building (45%) and 32% believe they are more knowledgeable than their teachers when it comes to technology.
The report was published by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, a charity which promotes the UK’s 49 University Technical Colleges aimed at children aged between 11-17. Responses are based on an online poll of 1,000 schoolchildren from state schools.
Home Office signs efficiency deal
The Home Office has selected a new enterprise resource planning system ‘Metis’ to improve its delivery of back-office services for finance, procurement, human resources, customer service and payroll functions.
Part of a drive to reduce operational costs, increase operational efficiencies and improve service levels through technology – including cloud, mobile and analytics solutions – the two-year contract, valued at around £20 million, will be delivered by a consortium of Accenture and Certus Solutions. Applications will be delivered via a software-as-a-service cloud-based model.
The contract was awarded via the UK government’s G-Cloud (G8) supplier framework.
Online therapy company receives investment boost
Ieso Digital Health, a provider of online mental healthcare to the NHS among others, has received £18 million funding to increase its business in the UK and expand to the US.
The technology provides patients with access to one-to-one Cognitive Behavioral Therapy using artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance therapist support at a time that is convenient for patients. More than 16,700 patients have been treated using the tool.
Draper Esprit and existing investor Touchstone Innovations have provided the cash injection to the Cambridge-based company.
Image: gov.uk
