News story: Fast Stream partners with techUK on Tech Connect initiative

Today, the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Fast Stream and UK technology trade association techUK launched a new programme to encourage collaborative working between early professionals in the Civil Service and the technology sector.

About the programme

Tech Connect is a 12-week digital skills programme bringing together early professionals in government and industry to inspire them to design and deliver the best and most technology-innovative public services.

The programme was launched in partnership with techUK’s Public Services Board (PSB) and is sponsored by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Director General and Chief Digital and Information Officer, Jacky Wright.

The programme gives about 20 third-year DDaT fast streamers and 20 early career professionals from the tech industry the chance to work closely with a wide range of technology companies, all members of techUK’s Public Service Board. This is an opportunity for DDaT fast streamers to gain industry exposure and for early career professionals from the private sector to get insight into some of government’s biggest technology challenges.

What participants will do

Participants will work in blended teams, and will pick a public sector technology, operational or policy problem, with the aim of delivering innovative solutions that can be deployed by government.

Teams will also participate in 5 industry ‘programme days’, hosted by member companies of techUK’s Public Sector Board. Each industry day will give the teams exposure to a new organisation, and focus on innovative technologies and approaches that they can use in their project.

Each team will be guided by 2 senior mentors, one from industry and one civil servant, who will act as a point of contact to discuss strategy, blockers and opportunities, as well as steer the project towards success.

At the end of the programme, the teams will present their solutions to their public service challenge to senior leaders from government and industry, who will provide feedback and select a winning team.

Effective collaboration between public and private sectors

Participants will learn what effective collaboration between government and industry looks like, and how leveraging the skills of the public and private sector can produce outcomes of lasting value for the government.

Jacky Wright said:

I am very excited about the launch of this programme, which will allow early career colleagues in both private and public sector to learn from each other, work together in innovative ways, and develop supportive networks and ongoing relationships. By working in true partnership rather than competition, and supporting greater collaboration, we can encourage innovative, solution-focused thinking among the Civil Service’s future leaders and create the digital organisation that we need for the future.

Kevin Cunnington, Head of the DDaT Profession and Director General, Government Digital Service, commented:

This is an exciting initiative which helps build skills and capability within the Civil Service. This programme is the latest example of our continual collaboration with the wider industry to help make government work better for everyone.

Julian David, Chief Executive Officer, techUK, added:

This initiative provides a much-needed bridge between industry innovation and government. Creating a collaborative partnership in the early stages of a professional career will greatly improve our public services delivery and the experiences we all have as citizens. Our members are delighted to welcome these bright minds into their organisations and play a part in building the next generation of world-class public services.

Background

techUK Public Services Board’s member companies include: Dell EMC, YOTI, Computacenter, Capgemini, IBM, eduserv, Fujitsu, BT, Sopra Steria, vmWare, Amazon web services, BrightLemon, Ark, CDW, Informed Solutions, CISCO.