Blair: IT staff can transform public services

The Prime Minister has called on public sector IT workers to help build a better Britain.

Blair recorded the message, which was broadcast on 24 May, 2005, as part of a speech delivered by the head of e-government unit, Ian Watmore.

Addressing people working in public sector IT, Blair said: "You can help us transform public services in three ways. The first is that the people of this country demand services online and over the phone that are as good as anything they receive in the private sector.

"Secondly you can help us deliver services that are efficient to run and secure whilst protecting people's privacy and confidentiality. Technology is central to our efficiency and core judgements as we reduce the cost of government across the board."

Blair said the "pace of technology [development] is extraordinary".

"I'm looking to you as leaders of the profession to build teams of experts to keep up with and harness the change."

He said the role of the IT profession in government has never been more important as the pace of reform is increasing all the time, and the way people harness technology "reflects our success and potential as a nation".

An e-government unit spokesperson said the broadcast is not being made publicly available.

Watmore was using Blair's message as part of a speech highlighting the work of Whitehall's CIO council, which was set up earlier this year. So far, the council has met twice outlining the emerging themes for IT across the public sector. It is to meet again in July to finalise core strategic plans, said Watmore.

After this, the council will get ministerial approval on the plans before issuing a full strategy at an e-government conference at the end of November marking the UK's EU presidency. The aim beyond this is to integrate the strategy with the next spending review, in 2006.

Watmore also highlighted the potential of the new ministerial team at the Cabinet Office.

"It is important that John Hutton has been appointed as Cabinet Office minister at Cabinet level rank… He is personally experienced in this area and has shown interest in dealing with IT change."

"I think we are getting in at the top of the ministerial chain and we are getting real support on what we are all about," he said.