Online initiative for States services launched today
AN INITIATIVE which will see more States services becoming accessible online is launched today. [Monday 20 Jan]
Smart Guernsey is the result of the States working with digital specialists Agilisys to use technology to transform the way services are delivered. The States signed a 10-year contract with the company at the end of last year and Smart Guernsey forms part of the overall 10-year public service reform programme.
Some services have been online for a while, such as income tax returns, and a pilot has begun of providing digital medical certificates.
A new system for submitting corporate tax returns will be launched before the end of the month and those behind the programme are looking at other opportunities for new and improved services across several public service areas.
But some existing online services are still not user-friendly enough, said the Smart Guernsey launch announcement: 'Smart Guernsey will use developments in a range of technologies including cloud computing, data science, robotics and the latest IT software to improve how services are delivered.
'The aim is for States of Guernsey, with input from the community and stakeholders, to be the best public service of any small jurisdiction.'
States chief executive Paul Whitfield said it was an ambitious programme: 'But it is right to aim high if we’re going to deliver transformation and the ambitions of public service reform.
'I want the experience of using public services to be quick, easy and hassle-free. I want our service users to know our teams are putting them first.
'I want to do that in as efficient and cost-effective a way as possible.’
With the ageing demographic already increasing demand for public services, there are significant cost pressures facing the government and without the efficiencies that will form part of Smart Guernsey, the costs to the island will be higher still.
Agilisys Guernsey chief executive Richard Hanrahan said technology was unlocking opportunities for innovation and efficiency on a 'previously unimaginable scale'.
'For Agilisys’ 10-year partnership with the States of Guernsey, this means a huge opportunity to drive change, enable digital innovation and improve public services,' he said.
'There’s lots to do, and work is well under way. We’re confident that, in the coming months and years, islanders will really feel the improvements Smart Guernsey will bring.’
More on this story in tomorrow's Guernsey Press
