Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), an Indian-based IT consultancy and business solutions organization with over 500,000 consultants operating in 46 different countries, has joined forces with Scotland’s local government Improvement Service (IS) to transform its digital initiatives through a comprehensive digitization programme.
The rapid digitization of information has been imperative for national and local governments across Scotland since the COVID-19 pandemic; the reduction of physical touchpoints and areas where the transmission of viruses is more prevalent, has become a top priority. To achieve this digitization goal, TCS has implemented its DigiGOV framework across IS systems to make digital services, including Scotland’s National Entitlement Card (NEC), faster, easier, and more accessible.
“DigiGOV has enabled us to develop innovative proofs-of-concept and deliver integrated online services in very short timeframes that directly benefit the Scottish people,” said Gopalan Rajagopalan, Head of TCS Scotland. “Our work with the IS shows how digital transformation isn’t just something that affects the business world, but is actually about how we all live and work together in the community.”
TCS points out that their DigiGOV framework helped developed GETYOURNEC.SCOT, which allows people to apply for an NEC and manage their account with only an internet connection. Such digitization, they continue, reduces the pressure of in-person administration for local councils during the pandemic. After its pilot initiative, 23 of the 32 councils across Scotland adopted the GETYOURNEC.SCOT portal. The portal itself was recognized by the 2021 iESE Awards, winning the Gold Prize for the IS in the ‘Innovation’ category.
TCS has also updated the BISACCOUNT.SCOT website for the IS with its DigiGOV framework, optimising the online application process for Scottish businesses seeking financial support during the pandemic. Every local authority in the country has access and so far 1,600 businesses have received financial aid through the BISACCOUNT.SCOT site. TCS’ DeXAM platform, a digital solution for data exchange, analysis, and visualisation, has also supported the IS, assisting the Scottish Government in their task of improving dog control legislation. The platform offers real-time search options and analysis to better visualise hotspots across local authorities.
“The IS exists to provide leadership to Local Government and the wider system on improvement and transformation and, in turn, to make communities and peoples’ lives better across Scotland,” said Martin Brown, Head of Digital Public Services at the Improvement Service. “By working closely with TCS, we are driving the digitisation of Scotland’s public services through intuitive online platforms, so those citizens willing and able to use technology can access the support they need. Digital transformation is happening at an incredible pace, and our digital initiatives will provide long-lasting benefits for people and local communities.”
