Although a record number of workers in 2017 said their digital skills training has increased (35%, up from 18% in 2016), nearly half (43%) still do not feel their training has been sufficient. This sentiment has grown steadily since the survey began, and has led to civil servants taking training into their own hands.
Over a third (36%) of respondents say that they have taken to self-directed study in their own time to ensure they have the digital skills for their role, a number which has grown every year (24% in 2015). The largest number (44%) say that ‘informal best-practice’ sharing is a primary means of building digital skills. Most worryingly, only 8% say they receive digital skills training as part of their formal induction, and 29% say they have not been given any training in the digital skills needed for their role.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of sentiment trends towards a range of digital topics and strategies in government, among these:
- Crucial skills gaps: Development (44%) and Service design (44%) were identified as the largest skills and capabilities gaps in government.
- Growing disconnect with users: Despite the Government Digital Service’s (GDS’s) stated principle of putting user needs at the heart of its efforts, fewer civil servants (33%, down from 43% in 2016) are defining ‘digital’ in these terms. Less than two thirds of civil servants feel their organisation has a good understanding of user needs (61%).
- Data and analytics overlooked: Only 45% are using data and analytics to understand user needs and experiences, in favour of ‘analogue’ methods like focus groups and direct feedback.
- Strained resources present barriers: Civil servants consistently list a lack of resources as among the top barriers to change (20% consider it the most significant issue.)
- Siloing holds back efficiency: A growing number (21%) report progress on developing shared back end services, however the critical mass needed to achieve significant savings is still far off.
Philip Craig, Government Sector Strategy Director at Sopra Steria commented: “Over the three years where we have conducted our Government Digital Trends Survey, the civil servants working to deliver the UK Government’s digital transformation have experienced tremendous change. It’s encouraging to see that despite both internal and external pressures, enthusiasm for digital transformation in government services is so resilient.
“This ‘report card’ is promising, but also reveals how much there remains to be done. We know that UK citizens want better, more integrated and intuitive digital services from their governments. Putting the needs and expectations of these users first must remain fundamental to the plan for delivery, which means taking all necessary steps to develop needed skills and bring in the right expertise from elsewhere in the market.
“Effective strategies for transforming government revolve around strong political and managerial leadership and robust governance. Our survey is being released just as a new government is being formed, one whose first tasks will be ensuring it has an effective strategy to address major reforms presented by an EU exit. This Government will, of course, be looking for the best return on its investment, an earnest focus on developing and sourcing digital skills and capabilities is a sure bet.”