The Saïd Business School helps to take IT to the heart of government

An “IT-Enabled Policy Delivery Workshop” was run for the Cabinet Office by the Saïd Business School from 30 January – 2 February 2006. A second workshop focusing on supplier relations will follow shortly.

These workshops follow the formalisation of a “Government IT Profession” in 2005 and represents the first stage in the development of a “Government IT Academy”. They should help the government to achieve its ambitions for technology which include: to create joined up leadership and governance for public sector IT professionals; to ensure reliable project delivery; to improve supplier management; and to create a systematic focus on innovation.

Some twenty senior IT professionals attended the three-day programme, mainly from central government departments and agencies, but also from city councils and the NHS. The workshop was led by Oxford Fellow in Information Management Chris Sauer and focused on how IT managers could play a wider and more effective role, not just in implementing decisions made by government but also as partners and fellow change managers in delivering government policy.

The programme included presentations on change management and the wider political context as well as strategic role-plays involving a variety of challenging scenarios. Issues that surfaced included: the importance of values, culture, engagement and “ownership”; the need to develop experts who can interact effectively with ministers; and the desire to really take IT to the heart of government.

The signs look promising. “Technology is now seen in a better light in government than for a decade,” Ian Watmore, Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, told the participants. “We are beginning to see a generation of ministers that really understand what IT can do.” It is hoped that the Oxford pilot will help to open many doors in Whitehall and beyond.

Relevant links:
Government Skills: www.government-skills.gov.uk
Professional Skills for Government: www.government-skills.gov.uk/professional_skills

ABOUT THE SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL
The Saïd Business School is Europe’s fastest growing business school. An integral part of the historic Oxford University, the School embodies the academic rigour and forward thinking that has made Oxford a world leader in education. The School is dedicated to developing a new generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs and conducting research not only into the nature of business, but the connections between business and the wider world.

OPEN PROGRAMMES
In addition to the Oxford Programme on Negotiation, Saïd Business School offers a range of other open-enrolment programmes focusing on advanced management, leadership, scenarios and change. These programmes are notable for their focus on the individual participant, their use of current issues from the world of business, and their interpretation of the broader global context.

CUSTOMISED PROGRAMMES
Saïd Business School works in partnership with its clients to develop bespoke programmes addressing the needs of each individual organisation. Programmes are firmly embedded in the issues and processes of the organisation: client case material is used; faculty sessions are directly linked to discussion of topics with the client’s top executives; and tasks are designed that require participants to make presentations to senior management, analysing issues and preparing action plans.

For further information, please visit www.sbs.oxford.edu

Contact:
Andy Freeman
andy.freeman@sbs.ox.ac.uk
+44 (0)1865 422571