In our previous article, we highlighted how our teams deliver cost-effective digital services through trusted relationships and the lasting impact we have and previously have had on our clients, driving meaningful changes. This article takes a closer look at why we believe making ourselves redundant after a project could encourage government departments to partner with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for long-term financial savings for taxpayers and, ultimately, theorganisations within. SMEs possess a depth of knowledge, understanding, and insight that sets them apart from larger corporations, offering significant value – at a palatable price.
The current situation
Given the current economic climate, cost optimisation and efficiency in the public sector is arguably more important now than it ever has been as we look to get our economy back on track. By implementing effective strategies, the government could save millions of pounds and ensure that taxpayer money is used efficiently. As leading experts in the digital transformation world within the public sector, we can provide valuable insights and methods to achieve these cost savings through automation, improved citizen experience, better use of data for decision-making, and collaboration between departments.
Optimising costs through automation
Through the adoption of digital technologies and automation it is possible for the public sector to alleviate its reliance on outdated and inefficient systems. Systems that lead to unnecessary expense through long-term contracts to ‘keep the lights on’ without improving the service provided. In the short term, process automation tools can make existing processes more efficient by reducing the manual effort required to process applications and transactions. However, by understanding citizen needs and analysing the service data, it is possible to identify where services need improving and how outcomes can be improved. Using this data insight to improve or re-design services is imperative for long-term cost savings and efficiency.
Improving the citizens’ experience
Citizens are increasingly digitally literate, and the expectation that services are easily available on mobile devices is now commonplace.BetterGov applies careful evaluation of service data and desired outcomes, making it possible to incrementally deliver mobile capability, targeting service areas with high transaction volumes or high demand. Constantly focusing on the best return for the investment being made. There will always be exceptions or cases that are complex and require support, however,reducing the demand on the service for simpler transactions will reduce wait times for those users who really do need assisted support.
Data-led decision making
Many departments are still not taking advantage of large-scale data analysis tools made available by the major cloud providers. Using such tools to understand service data and drive better operational decisions can play a crucial role in service cost optimisation. This large-scale data analysis can identify areas of overspending, detect process inefficiencies, and identify fraud, enabling departments to target resources where they can have the most significant impact. This data-driven approach enables evidence-based decision making, ensuring that investments and resource allocations are aligned with the public’s most pressing needs.
Departmental collaboration and efficiency
Finally, improving data collaboration between departments will lead to cost optimisation and minimising transaction costs and fraud and error. BetterGov advocates embedding data-sharing agreement rules between departments into the interface, allowing departments to access each other’s data for specific users for specific purposes. By taking this approach, citizens can be sure data collected by one agency is only being used by other agencies for specific purposes and that their data is being protected by the agency that collected the data from them. Citizens will benefit from not having to re-enter data already known to the government – reducing transaction times and making services easier to use. Agencies will benefit from more accurate data – minimising the risk of fraud or error by citizens not accurately recording their current circumstances.
Solutions that BetterGov are bringing to the table
By pooling resources and consolidating operations, governments can eliminate redundant effort and achieve economies of scale. This approach requires effective communication, coordination, and alignment of goals among various departmental stakeholders. By prioritising cost optimisation in the public sector through digital transformation, governments can save millions of pounds, improve efficiency, enhance citizen engagement, and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used wisely.
When government departments engage with BetterGov, they benefit significantly from our extensive knowledge and experience in optimising service delivery. Our experts can help your departments understand and implement cost optimisation strategies, including the selection and integration of digital solutions, and assisting in change management efforts.
Authored by John Wright – Director at BetterGov
“I hold a strong engineering heritage and over 25 years of experience in digital transformation and product-based delivery, with clear strengths in strategic consulting. Over the years, I have forged strong relationships across public sector organisations — including DWP, ONS, Home Office, and DEFRA — a product-based delivery culture is well on it…
