Thought Leaders at t-Gov EXPO 07

In the latest t-Gov round table, four of our leading chief executives have suggested that the public sector's departmental silos need to finally be smashed and the public sector joined up from top to bottom.

At the same time they have called for government to create an innovative ‘R&D pot' at the highest echelons of government that leading councils or partnerships could apply to for funding to pilot cutting edge projects that could push the boundaries of public service delivery.

These pilots must have solid business cases and deliver measurable benefits. And, if the project works, it must deliver a product - for which the government owns the IPR - that can be rolled out across local government.

This, they rightly say, must be backed at the highest level by a ‘cross cutting' permanent secretary able to sanction daring new approaches to service delivery.

Such a fund, run by a team at prime minister's strategy or delivery unit - at cabinet office level - could jump start transformation and deliver a step change in results.

By rapid response piloting of radical projects there is an opportunity to prove concepts and business cases whilst at the same time minimising the risks involved in rolling out major, unproven, programmes. Indeed, perhaps if the NHS plan for IT had been approached in this way the current problems could have been avoided.

If such a fund is created it is vital that it is independent – aiming solely to explore innovation in public service delivery, by whatever means – rather than be linked to the ‘current' policy flavour and bound by its limited lifespan.

Delivering continuous, efficient improvement does not stop with the end of ‘this' programme or ‘that' policy. From local government's point of view this concept lives beyond policies and politics.

t-Gov EXPO's comprehensive educational programme has been carefully put together by the Buy IT Transformation Network – who run a number of central and local government best practice networks – with the aim of provoking debate such as this and facilitating experience sharing.

I hope that you will be able to join us at EXPO as I believe that it offers a unique opportunity to network with and learn from both senior local government colleagues and the major service providers who can help us deliver transformation.

I look forward to meeting you there.

Martin Scarfe Programme Director, Local t-Gov
London Borough of Newham

t-Gov EXPO 07

These, and other, leading chief execs are speaking at t-Gov EXPO on 18/19 April in London Docklands. Click here to view the full programme.

Call the hotline on 0870 777 0011 for details of special offers - including ‘Two for One' for delegates from the same council and complimentary exhibition-only passes that include access to all high-level keynote sessions - or click here to book online.

Submit questions to the panel debates - email editor@localtgov.org.uk to submit questions to the panel debates during t-Gov EXPO.