18 November 2002

A New "Magna Carta" for the eGovernment Agenda

Devolving to the people who can deliver.

In 1215, under pressure of their growing demand for increased independence, King John signed a landmark agreement, known as the Magna Carta, which recognised the rights of noblemen and ordinary Englishmen.

Prospect believes that the government needs to create, metaphorically of course, a new ‘Magna Carta’ in response to the needs of the ‘digital age’ and the deadline which it has set itself for making all public services available to citizens via the internet by 2005.

The purpose of this symbolic agreement will be to reaffirm the government’s trust in, and recognition of, the individual expertise and commitment of ICT professionals to their chosen field. By galvanising the intellectual capital necessary for the vital eenablement of public services around this historic project-the creation of a ’national nervous system’-the government can also reawaken the entrepreneurial dynamism that characterised the late 90’s, and which is sadly lacking today.

When addressing this huge project it must be recognised that e-government is as much about people as it is about technology. Along with hardware, it will demand a combination of leadership, innovative thinking, change management and vision from all engaged in the task.

It will also require a break from purely ‘top down’ thinking and risk averse management hierarchies on the part of those commissioning the work; the civil service. ‘Next generation’ thinking based on agility and mobility will be required, and a new entrepreneurial spirit among frontline public sector staff must be encouraged.

Crucial to the process will be the creation of new channels of interaction and partnerships with independent and suitably motivated digital talent from the private sector to complement the work of public servants. The end result; a range of highly effective user friendly systems accessible to citizens, need not be at the cost of poor industrial relations and disaffected public service workers, marginalised by private sector operators brought in for their supposed ‘efficiency’. Rather, the integration of public and private should tap the skills available from local SME’s and freelancers to work alongside public sector workers, sharing skills and experience and united by a shared vision and effective management.