Government Digital Service move 'grinds gears' in UK's e-government
As team responsible for tech strategy shunted to third department in three years, experts fear exodus of talent
The UK government's decision to relocate the Government Digital Service (GDS) to its third departmental home in just three years has sparked concerns among MPs about the potential loss of talent and further distancing of the digital service from the center of power. Laura Gilbert, former director of data science at 10 Downing Street, expressed her surprise at the move, questioning whether the decision was strategic or incidental.
The GDS has undergone multiple reorganizations, with its current location in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Gilbert highlighted the challenges faced during the transition to DSIT, including difficulties in determining decision-making authority and the absence of senior leadership input, which could lead to a "bun fight" over office allocation and a failure to account for crucial technology expertise.
The recent reorganization to DCMS, while aimed at strengthening the government's digital and technological capabilities, has raised worries about the diffusion of responsibilities and potential "grinding of gears" required to maintain effective collaboration.
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