UK Civil Servants Are Becoming More Positive About Government IT

Civil servants are becoming increasingly positive about the use of technology in government, according to industry body TechUK.

A survey of 1,500 civil servants found that increasing adoption of workplace technology and mobile working practices has improved opinions on what had often been seen as unnecessary progress.

Of those questioned, 84 percent said that they agreed or strongly agreed that tech is critical to delivering their department’s business plan.

Moving forward

The survey also found that more workers see technology as an enabler, by 31 percent of those surveyed, up from 22 percent in 2015.

This was particularly seen in attitudes to mobile working, as nearly two-thirds (61 percent) say that this could make them more efficient, although it does raise concerns about security on the go.

However, the slow pace of adoption has led to concerns about a digital skills gap in the civil service, with many departments lacking the expertise needed to properly embrace the new technology.

Only 14 percent rated the digital capability of their department as ‘good’, a similar level to the previous year, showing that perhaps there is still some way to go.

But there was good awareness of the benefit of developing digital and commercial skills, as almost three quarters (73 percent) acknowledge that having access to the right skills internally would help drive better value from their department’s IT spend.

“The last twelve months have seen a positive shift in how Civil Servants see tech and their understanding of the skills needed to,” said Julian David, CEO of techUK.

“We must take a new approach to show – not tell – Civil Servants how new tech can transform both their working environment and the services they provide.”

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