In early December, David Mead explained how we were about to kick-off an alpha prototype of the new PSN compliance process. Here’s the first update on where we’ve got to so far.
A big part of improving the process is around simplifying the Code Template, so we sent out drafts of the new documents for review just before the Christmas break. We’ve asked a broad mix of organisations to take part in the alpha, including a central government department, a local authority and a small number of service providers. We’ve also included a number of representative bodies as we’re keen to get their views of the new process.
Positive feedback
We’re pleased to say that the feedback so far has been very positive. It’s still early days but it’s been a very encouraging start and we’ve received some really useful and constructive suggestions.
We’ve also just had the first submission come through using the new process and our assessors have begun reviewing it. We’ll get the remainder within the next few days and expect to have them all reviewed before the end of January.
We’ll be collecting the feedback and comments from the alpha and we’ll use it determine what changes we need to make to the documents ahead of the beta stage, although we’re hoping to start some time in February. All things being well, that should mean we’ll be ready for a full rollout in April. It’s later than we were originally looking at, but we’re keen to make sure the process is properly tested and reviewed.
We’ll keep you posted on progress including the proposed roll out plan and a potential early-bird programme to adopt the new process. Expect another update within the next two weeks.
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2 comments
Comment by Ricky posted on
Thanks for the update. It’s good to see an increase in the level of communication about the new process. However, it would be very useful to get a better understanding of what the new requirements are likely to look like, even if it is just a draft? Like many people we are starting the of planning projects for the next finical year that may be impacted by current or future PSN requirements.
We are also entering into a partnership working agreement with another LA and would like to know how we can participate in the alpha/beta prototype of the new PSN compliance process?
Comment by Mark Smith posted on
Dear Ricky,
Thanks for the feedback. We're obviously keen to share the information but it's still early days. It looks like the alpha documents will need some work before we move to beta, so you can understand why we don't want to circulate any further at this stage. Thanks for letting us know about your partnership plans. We're working with LGA on a way to apply the compliance process for authorities with shared services and it would be great to share this with you. Drop the details to us at public-service-network@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk and we'll contact you about how we can make it work.