Two-thirds of public servants say digital technology and automation will lead to better (68%) and more efficient (65%) public services in the future, however a similar amount (64%) expect its growing use to lead to job losses, according to a new poll of more than 700 professionals working in central and local government.
The poll also found that four in ten (38%) public sector workers consider staff shortages and skills to be among the biggest challenges for the sector, with more than half (54%) expecting the challenge of building a workforce with the right skills to get harder.
The survey marks the launch of the second State of the Public Sector report, which provides an exclusive look at the challenges facing those tasked with delivering, leading and managing the UK’s core public services - including Brexit, finances and funding, technology, automation, recruitment and the workforce.
Insights from the report will be used by the Public Sector Show team to help those involved in delivering public services to learn, procure and deliver world-class services to the public.
The UK’s must-attend public sector event will bring together over 140 leading speakers and thousands of senior budget-holders and decision-makers to discuss the future challenges and opportunities facing the public sector across four key themes: digital and technology, finance and corporate, estates and infrastructure, and workforce and leadership.
Other high-profile speakers confirmed for the show include: Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport; Sue Owen, Permanent Secretary, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Jacky Wright, Chief Digital Officer, HMRC; Rupert McNeil, Chief People Officer, Civil Service; Kevin Cunnington, Director General, Government Digital Service; Peter Cheese, Chief Executive, CIPD and Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer, Greater London Authority.
More than 150 exhibitors, including TechUK, Toshiba, UK Space Agency, AirBus, Crown Commercial Services and The Open University, will be showcasing a wide range of products and services that can help the public sector save money and improve performance.
Corby Ganesh, Portfolio Director for The Public Sector Show, said:
“There’s no doubt that digital technology provides exciting opportunities for the public sector to “work smarter” when it comes to delivering the services we all rely on. But building a workforce with the right people and skills will be just as vital as technology in ensuring our public services are fit for the future. That’s why we’re delighted to be welcoming an exceptional line-up of speakers and exhibitors to the Public Sector Show to showcase their innovative products and share their experiences and insights into the future of public service delivery.”
The State of the Public Sector 2018 can be downloaded at: https://psshow.co.uk/state-public-sector-2018/
The Public Sector Show takes place at ExCeL in London on 26th June 2018. Registration is free for those working in the public sector.
Its sister event will also be held in Manchester on 20th November 2018.
For further information, visit https://psshow.co.uk