Scheme co-developed by HMRC digital chief Jacky Wright will see tech professionals at the start of their career work with peers from other sectors
The Cabinet Office has teamed up with industry body techUK to launch a scheme encouraging government and the commercial world to better work together.
The Tech Connect programme will bring together 38 “early professionals” – half of which will be drawn from the civil service Digital, Data and Technology Fast Stream programme. The other 19 participants, who will be at a similar stage of their career to the fast streamers, will come from businesses that are part of techUK’s Public Services Board (PSB).
The 38 people enrolled in the programme will visit PSB member companies to learn about the latest technology product and service developments, and to meet and learn from public sector-facing commercial delivery professionals.
Participants will also split up into six teams, with each group tasked with proposing solutions to various public-service challenges – which will then be presented to government officials and industry executives at a pitch day.
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The Tech Connect Programme was jointly developed by the techUK Public Services Board and Jacky Wright (pictured above), chief digital and information officer at HM Revenue and Customs.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Julian David, chief executive of 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.”
