Using GCSX to Transform Services
Now that the roll out of GCSX is complete, it is possible for central government and local authorities to share all personal, sensitive and RESTRICTED data with government via an accredited secure communications network and where appropriate prohibit the use of other means of data transfer.
As well as improving the protection of data transferred between central and local government, GCSX provides the secure infrastructure and recognised security standards that will enable improved information sharing and improved business processes between central government departments and local authorities.
DWP has already concluded it will only share RESTRICTED and sensitive personal data with authorities via a government approved connection and has enforced this policy from 31 October 2009. Other departments are likely to follow suit.
“Effective use of information is absolutely central to the challenges facing government today… Those in public service need to keep that information secure in order to build public confidence. This is essential to underpin greater data sharing to deliver personalised services and make us more effective.”
Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell in his foreword to ‘Data Handling Procedures in Government’ paper
Many Government Departments and agencies such as the DWP, Ministry of Justice, Department of Health, Office of Government Commerce, Cabinet Office, Departments for Children Schools and Families, the Police, Serious Organised Crime Agency and the Youth Justice Board are also looking to exploit the GCSX infrastructure by opening up centrally hosted applications to local authorities and sharing information via secure email. Furthermore an increasing number of local authorities are aiming to transform service delivery in a variety of business areas by utilising GCSX to improve information sharing with key delivery partners like the Police, NHS and neighbouring local authorities
GCSX - A Foundation for Transformation
Data Protection, Privacy and the Law: Citizens often have no choice but to entrust government with sensitive personal details if they wish to access services. Like all public sector organisations handling sensitive or ‘RESTRICTED’ data, local authorities have a duty to comply with recognised standards of Information Security management and use the most secure methods of data transfer available when working with this data. Indeed, the Data Protection Act enshrines in law the need to protect ‘sensitive personal data’; and the Information Commissioner now holds powers to carry out spot checks and impose fines on public sector organisations in breach of this Act. GCSX can help local authorities comply with these legal requirements.
Government Policy and the LGA Guidelines: The Cabinet Office has defined a set of data handling guidelines for central government that clarify and reinforce the Data Protection Act for government controlled data. The Local Government Association has published equivalent guidelines for local government. GCSX’ CoCo helps local authorities to implement these LGA Guidelines.
Shared Services: A recent Gartner study shows that GCSX has a clear role to play in connecting the wider public sector and enabling more ambitious shared service initiatives across local government. In some scenarios it may be more cost effective to use GCSX connectivity instead of procuring additional network capability, to share services and information between partner local authorities. For further details see section 12 in the case for GC.
Sharing and Service Transformation: Many opportunities to enhance service delivery depend on data sharing between central and local government departments and locally between public sector organisations. Better use of the data collected by government will enable better, more efficient and more citizen centric services. Sharing data securely requires accredited secure communications channels. But such channels can only be opened when relationships of trust have been established. The minimum requirements for such trust are built into the GCSX Code of Connection.
Trust and Joint Working: There is an increasing realisation that the most significant opportunities for service improvement and cost effectiveness come from improving cross organisational working. Such initiatives need trusted communications channels in order to achieve their potential. There is a rapidly growing list of real opportunities that are wholly dependent on the use of GCSX. Now that trusted and secure channels of communication are established across government, a major barrier to joint working has been removed. For further details see section 20 in the case for GC.
National Indicators: The majority of the current National Indicators require multi-agency working in order to deliver better performance, better use of resources and improved customer outcomes. By using GCSX, local government is now able to share sensitive information securely, reliably and efficiently with key delivery partners and improve performance. For further details see section 20 in the case for GC.
Strategic Alignment across the Public Sector: Government strategy is to procure a ‘Public Sector Network (PSN) to replace the GSi in February 2012. The PSN will enable more seamless connectivity throughout government and the wider public sector. Being connected to GCSX will not only provide local authorities with the benefits outlined above, but will ensure that these frontline organisations are consolidated and supported through the next generation government network.
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