The recent DigiGov Expo 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together leading experts in the public sector tech industry. With discussions ranging from future tech trends to citizen experience, the event provided invaluable insights into the public sector landscape. That being said, it would be a shame not to revisit what was discussed!
One of the most popular panel discussions at DigiGov Expo 2024, ‘Transforming Infrastructure and Data in Government’ brought together Aydin Sheibani, Chief Data Officer, HM Revenue & Customs, Craig Suckling, Government Chief Data Officer, Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), Jonathan Pownall, Senior Digital Specialist, National Audit Office (NAO) and Laura Webb, Partner, Public Sector Technology Transformation Lead, KPMG in the UK, to discuss the urgent need for modernisation and the challenges faced by government agencies.
Panellists began by acknowledging the immense scale of the task, with many government departments operating on outdated legacy systems. The sheer volume and complexity of legacy data, coupled with the fragmented nature of government IT infrastructure, make modernisation daunting.
Panellist agreed that to transform government IT, organisations must first understand the extent of their technical debt. This involves assessing the impact of legacy systems on efficiency, security, and service delivery. By prioritising critical systems and allocating resources accordingly, organisations can begin to address the most pressing issues.
The importance of distinguishing transformation from upgrading was recognised. While upgrading can provide immediate benefits, true transformation requires a more strategic approach. Public sector organisations need to consider the long-term vision for their IT infrastructure and develop a roadmap that aligns with their goals. Effective leadership and collaboration were also identified as essential for successful IT transformation. Strong IT leadership at all levels, alongside collaboration with vendors and partners, can help organisations leverage the latest technology.
It was unanimously agreed that data is a strategic asset that can drive innovation and improve services. However, unlocking its value requires addressing challenges such as data quality, accessibility, and governance. Government agencies must invest in data governance and management to ensure data is reliable, usable, and secure.
The panel discussion highlighted several examples of government agencies that have successfully transformed their IT infrastructure and data. The UK's Department for Work and Pensions, for example, has made significant progress in modernising its IT systems and improving service delivery. The NHS has also implemented various digital initiatives to improve patient care and efficiency.
The panel also discussed the challenges and opportunities facing government IT transformation. Some key challenges include:
Despite these challenges, the panel expressed optimism about the potential benefits of IT transformation. By understanding technical debt, fostering strong leadership and collaboration, and recognising the strategic value of data, government agencies can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented. The panel ended in unanimous agreement that the future of public services will be shaped by our ability to modernise IT infrastructure and harness the power of data to drive innovation and improve outcomes for citizens.
Don’t miss the latest updates in Government Digital Transformation, register to attend DigiGov Expo 2025 which is taking place on 24-25 September 2025 in ExCel London!