This time last year I was on my way to Dubai to see the amazing ways in which the Dubai public service is transforming itself. The technologies used in Dubai would make a huge impact here, particularly in managing import and export post Brexit. But more important than the technology, is the Dubai approach to transforming public services and measuring the outcomes. From start to finish the whole experience is one of sharing and achieving world class best practice, but with a clear focus on the purpose of public service.
Despite the time zone challenges, the remote evaluation of Dubai's transformation is going ahead as planned. We have seen the same commitment in the UK. Sharing best practice across the public sector is even more important now than it was before the pandemic. The lessons learned across the sector help to shortcut other's journeys to success. And, on top of this it helps save the public purse.
There is no doubt that digital transformation accelerated in 2020. While we all know it's not a silver bullet to savings, it's proved to have made a real contribution, not only in financial savings but saving lives and easing the hardships brought to many. Hard work, grit and flexibility were essential for digital's success in 2020. And, we all know that the fight to stay efficient, despite increasing demand for services, will continue in 2021.
With the roll out of vaccination on the horizon, it is tempting to close the book as we plan for recovery and hope for better things. However, we would like to capture your experience; the things that you have learned and the things that you have shared. And even more importantly what has made that sharing more effective for you. Your hard-won knowledge is valuable!
We have set up a three-minute survey to collect local authorities' lessons from across the sector and give them back for you to use. As a participant, you'll get the results during a live panel debate on 28 January 2021. This debate will be led by Dr Peter Bishop of Birmingham City Council and myself, and we will explore these themes, suggesting some further best practice.
To share your experiences, register for the webinar, and also be in with a chance of winning a £50 amazon voucher, please go to: www.iese.org.uk/delivering-digital-services. Please do join in, making useful savings at every council matter.
Dr Andrew Larner is chief executive of the Improvement & Efficiency Social Enterprise (iESE), which supports public sector transformation
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