Treasury tilts focus towards investment in the digital workplace

The Treasury has said one of its focuses will be “maximising recent investments and embedding our digital tools and workspaces” under its recent strategy announcement.

In its digital and cyber security strategy 2024–26 [pdf],the Treasury outlined it strategic priorities aimed at “adoption and usage of our secure, digital solutions” for staff, refining digital solutions and “stay agile and responsive to digital challenges and opportunities”.

The central agency said in its report it “has implemented collaboration and creation platforms such as Microsoft SharePoint Online and Microsoft Teams, and options are available to support most activities.

“However, consultation and analysis to develop the DCSS identified challenges and areas needing improvement.”  

Noting the challenges, the Treasury said it “will focus on maximising recent investments and embedding our digital tools and workspaces into how we work.

“To do this, we must invest in better supporting employees in the adoption and use of digital workplace products and in developing sustainable work patterns.

“Treasury must also continuously improve and streamline the tools and solutions we have and reduce the barriers to their effective use.”

Another area of focus is placing attention on core business functions and systems, which “looks at the specialised solutions used to support core business functions in different parts of Treasury.”

“While some teams in Treasury can rely solely on standard digital workplace tools to complete their work, others require specialised solutions and, in many cases, cannot do their job without them,” the report said.

The Treasury also said with “limited resources available” its “ICT function must focus on balancing its attention between supporting the teams relying on specialised solutions”.

“Treasury’s existing portfolio of specialised solutions is largely functional but far from optimised. While some teams have received investment to modernise their systems, other teams still rely on sub-optimal solutions.”

It stated the DCSS consultation process found improved functionality, integration and employee adoption are needed.

The report also said it is “progressively developing and refining its ability to securely manage its information and fulfil record-keeping obligations” and will also focus on “the ICT function and technology estate”.

A progress review of strategy implementation will be held at the end of year one to keep track of its progress across its four key areas.

“This will draw on the Action Plan and the additional details that informed the strategy to provide an update on the progress made.

“It will include a narrative around any significant changes in the operating environment that are relevant to the DCSS’s intent and/or its implementation. The review will also capture any useful insights or key learnings from the first year of the strategy’s implementation.”

The report said this will inform a revised action plan plus quarterly reporting through to Treasury’s Information Strategy Committee (the ISC) on DCSS implementation will take place.

“This reporting will be lightweight and focus on highlighting key achievements as well as raising any noteworthy challenges or dynamics that arise,” the report said.

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