Paul Fleming
Chief Strategist Public Sector
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Since Softcat’s recent Election special podcast, a new Labour government has been elected and the King’s Speech has outlined the priorities for the year ahead. It’s a fast-moving landscape for the UK and for those working in technology, with a number of key, tech-related initiatives earmarked as part of the opening of the parliamentary year.
We asked a number of Softcat experts and tech leaders to give their take on the speech and its implications for our customers.
On the proposed Cyber Resilience Bill
Kieron Newsham, Chief Technologist Cyber Security
"The speech has highlighted how affirmative action in cyber security should be conducted. Most importantly, it demonstrates our commitment to enabling regulators with a piece of primary legislation rather than rely on best practice or outdated acts. Resilience is the key word and will redefine not only how we govern, but how we design, develop, monitor, and manage IT systems."
Abi Dakin, Governance Risk & Compliance Lead
"This isn't just about compliance – it's about fortifying the UK's digital backbone against evolving threats and ensuring our critical services remain resilient in an increasingly connected world whilst maintaining our global reputation for cyber safety. We expect the previous Data Protection Act reforms to be revisited, seeing the UK join other privacy powerhouses, like Germany, France, Spain and Australia, in strengthening their approach to Cyber Security, privacy and ethics."
Chris Redding, Sales Manager Public Sector Data Centre & NetSec
"The speech highlights the ambition of the government not merely to protect citizens from disruption, but to create foundations for economic growth and the renewal of public services. We expect to see increased investment to address some key customer challenges such as, leveraging the benefits of transformative technology and data as well as modernising legacy infrastructure."
On the proposed Digital Information and Smart Data Bill
Andy Hermsen, Chief Technologist Data & AI
"Using information as the foundation to drive public service innovation is one thing, but it will take effort and control to achieve the Smart Data Bills' ambitions, develop ethical and responsible solutions and achieve the targeted, personalised outcomes. The government isn't going to be able to do this on its own, and I am pleased to see an emphasis on collaboration and collective capability and intelligence."
On the opportunities and implications for the NHS
Radhika Rangaraju, Chief Strategist Public Sector
"Advancing healthcare delivery from a technology perspective will depend not only on strengthening cybersecurity, integrating AI, modernising IT infrastructure, and harnessing data analytics but also on strategic technology integration, enhancing staff digital competencies, and effective change management. Emphasising transparency, safeguarding patient privacy, and ensuring judicious investment in technological advancements which demonstrate clear clinical benefits, improve patient experience, and impact population health outcomes will be pivotal to progress."
On government agency collaboration and transport
Chris Reynolds, Industry Lead Central Government
"Digital technology has been positioned as a strong enabler with a focus on the reduction of tech debt, better sharing of data across government agencies and the associated acceleration of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the formulation of Great British Railway (GBR) to revolutionise the Transport Sector will push us towards a more efficient and connected UK. A GBR underpinned by these digital, data, AI and technology ambitions is an exciting prospect."
On regional devolution powers and economic growth
Paul Fleming, Chief Strategist & Advisory Lead Public Sector
"Increased devolution opens the door to more financial stability, collaboration, integration of technology, greater value and reduces duplication. Moving funding and investment decisions closer to the people impacted should lead to better outcomes, especially for those who need help the most. The devolved regions can also work closely with industry to drive local tech and digital economies, a win-win that creates jobs and fosters innovation to tackle generational issues."
Conclusion
Now that the dust has settled on the election, it’s assuring to see that the new government is planning to put technology at the forefront of its work to transform, grow and secure the UK. Not only that, but it clearly has a strong grasp of the wider factors for successful technology implementation, such as culture, skills, people, process, resilience and regulation. With a challenging economic climate and the need to balance growing investment with reducing national debt, all eyes will be on the budget statements to come, starting in the autumn.
This government has wasted no time though, and has already announced the creation of a digital centre of government by bringing experts from GDS (Government Digital Service), the Central Digital and Data Office and the Incubator for AI, together into the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT). These are decisive and positive steps that bode well for the future delivery of the ambitions set out in the King’s Speech.
Softcat has the experience to support your organisation in navigating the technology opportunities and changes over the coming months and years. So, please contact your Softcat Account Manager or our Sales team for a discussion on how we can work in partnership to achieve the best outcomes.