What will eGov deliver: Design Authority

Posted on Categories eGov, Tags

In my blog on the 9th of July I described the need for eGov to deliver new capabilities to drive and manage change. In particular people have been keen to understand more about what we expect of a Design Authority, so, here are the headlines.

The Design Authority is positioned within the eGov programme deliverables as follows:

eGov deliverables

Background

Historically the organisational structure of the States of Jersey, specifically separate departments under ministerial control, have led to decisions being made on a department by department basis with little consideration of underlying ‘common’ customers.

This has resulted in a disjointed approach to service models, technical and data architecture. Similarly there are few common standards or principles to which the business adheres and consequently there are significant opportunities to improve customer service and create a more efficient public sector. The eGov programme has been established to move the States of Jersey towards a more cohesive model, thinking and acting as one business.

There is, therefore, a need to build capability for a core function that serves as the design and governance mechanism for all future service redesign and technology decisions within the States of Jersey. This will enable a common approach in a number of different aspects and improve strategic decision-making both with the business and with the Information Services function.

It is expected that the design authority scope will include the following aspects:

  • Service design
  • Information and data management
  • Systems
  • Technology
  • Security

The design authority should, for each aspect within its scope:

  • Quickly establish an understanding of current state
  • Establish the vision and design future state target models
  • Sets frameworks and parameters to enable movement towards target models for projects

It should also:

  • Review target models periodically or when triggered by certain events
  • Establish the processes that will integrate the Design Authority influence and decision making into the business
  • Support the procurement of products and services required as a consequence of Design Authority decisions

It is intended that, over time, the Design Authority has oversight and influence over all of the major States of Jersey service and technical change, not limited to those activities within the eGov programme. So whilst initiation of a Design Authority will come from eGov this capability should be established within the States of Jersey as a core function.

In addition to the deliverables set out above success will be evidenced by projects and businesses seeking Design Authority guidance and support in recognition of the value it adds to:

  • Quality of outcomes
  • Clarity of decision making
  • Speed of delivery
  • Value for money

In quarter three 2015 we will start the procurement process to seek support in building and running a Design Authority.

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