Priority policy areas
Shared services and infrastructures
Socitm is a key partner and trusted advisor to the DWP-run GC work programme and is represented on the Government Connect Programme Board by the Head of Policy. The Local CIO Council has supported GC, with Socitm providing extensive advice to the development of the GC Code of Connection and advice on its implementation by local government throughout England and Wales.
Public Sector Network (PSN)
Socitm is engaged with the overall programme for the future development of the PSN as a 'network of networks'. Socitm is playing a role to ensure the Cabinet Office and OGC are aware of the needs and issues affecting Local Government as this infrastructure is developed.
Employee Authentication Service
Socitm has for some time been working with Department for Children, Schools and Families and its partners to promote development of the Employee Authentication Service (EAS) initiative.
EAS is a cross-Government solution for 'two factor' authentication that will give approved and registered practitioners access to multiple central government services, such as ContactPoint (subject to the completion of the current pilot) and CIS (Customer Information System), through a single authentication process and token. The purpose of the initiative is to provide an efficient service that reduces both cost to the taxpayer and the burden of authentication on the end user.
Socitm is helping to promote an understanding among Socitm members of the EAS. More information can be found in a video about the EAS available on YouTube, or by visiting the Department for Children, Schools and Families website. Contact the EAS team at eas.info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk, or phone: 020 7783 8581.
G-cloud, Shared Data Centres and Government Applications Store (G-AS) Socitm is involved, through its representatives on the Local CIO Council and Socitm Futures , in the developing specifications for G=cloud, Shared Data Centres and G-AS.
