Background

Wireless Britain

Now in its fifth year, Mobile Government 09 will aim to look at the key issues around the use of mobile technologies in the public sector to increase efficiency and delivery of services. There is a strong business case for the public sector, especially local authorities to move towards the implementation of mobile services. Current advances in the capabilities of ICT offer vast opportunities to explore a wealth of options to improve the delivery of public services. These include solutions that aim to reduce levels of social exclusion, improve access to services, and to transform working environments and workspace culture, by enhancing flexible working and information sharing.

Mobile applications can also provide a key opportunity to enhance the delivery of service by relieving administrative burden and streamline operations, driving progress, cost, economic and fuel savings, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the achievement of green objectives. Utilising the opportunities presented by mobile ICT must become a key priority for the whole of the public sector and we look forward to inviting Alexis Cleveland, Head of Transformational Government at the Cabinet Office, to share with us how to take our transformational strategies to the next level. 

Numerous examples of cutting edge uses of mobile technology already exist and are well established. Information sharing, interactive digital television services that enable the delivery of services remotely, alerts and advice sent by mobile phone, enhancement of virtual networks and environments, increased penetration of thin client services, access to real-time information are all utilised in a variety of public service settings including NHS, police and local authorities. But more can and must be achieved. Dedicated programmes committed to enhancing mobile capability already exists in key areas of police and health. 

 With this in mind, we keenly await the publication of the government’s digital inclusion strategy. In January 2008 the government recognised the role that ICT can play in achieving social inclusion targets by appointing a Minister for Digital Inclusion.  Currently, a third of adults are ‘not connected’ to new technologies. The wealth of services that those excluded are unable to access crosses the spectrum of public services, from education to health services to community information and beyond. We are delighted to welcome the Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP, to outline how this strategy will take shape and how mobile connectivity can enhance the achievement of government goals.

Local authorities are also keen to use mobile technologies to improve the way in which they work, and we have invited Neil Golightly, Head of Business Management & Strategy at Newcastle City Council to share his insights into the transformation that is taking place in this Wireless City, and underline the achievements that can be made by implementing mobile technology, council-wide across a range of public services. 

The benefits of mobile technologies are wide and varied. Internally, government and local authorities are using technologies to protect critical data, and increase efficiency and promote more flexible working, such as the ability to workremotely. Externally, they are using these technologies to increase their capacity to share information as well as delivery, citizen focused services. 

This conference will allow delegates to look at emerging technologies and how we can embrace them in order to transform the future of public services, and will also allow for  discussion on the current challenges to public sector delivery and the practical solutions that mobile technologies can offer.

The Conference

Amongst the themes to be explored at Mobile Government 2009, delegates will have a prime opportunity to hear from and question some of the country's leading experts who are intrinsically engaged in the drive to steer public service delivery into the mobile age.

Now in its 5th successful year, the conference will equip delegates with the tools, insight and understanding of the current and future options available to embrace the potential of mobile technology to transform work environments, service delivery and culture. Delegates will discuss the key points surrounding the implementation and management of a mobile strategy, and will receive guidance on how wireless solutions can be integrated into a transformation strategy and how to overcome the associated challenges.

We will consider the range of services where wireless solutions have been shown to enhance communication with citizens and deliver tangible improvements in the quality and personalisation of services. Finally, we will draw on the key security challenges posed by the implementation of mobile applications and strategies and will help delegates to put in place a framework for ensuring resilient security measures.