Guernsey’s Digital Framework 2021-2025 has been published by Digital Guernsey, providing the strategic direction and practical coordination for the Bailiwick’s digital policy for the current political term across government, industry and the community.
The Framework outlines three strategic goals:
- Enabling Infrastructure;
- Developing Digital Skills & Pathways; and
- Innovation, Transformation & Entrepreneurial Growth;
Under these three goals are nine ‘action areas’, within which are outcomes and tangible next steps. Over the coming months these will be further developed, in consultation with internal and external stakeholders.
The plan includes the implementation of a fintech plan in 2022 to support and accelerate innovation across Guernsey’s financial services sectors.
The Digital Framework has been published ahead of the States of Deliberation meeting on 13th October to provide the context for the Assembly’s debate on ‘Delivering Next Generation Digital Infrastructure’.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Chair of Digital Guernsey and Economic Development Lead for Digital, Skills and Entrepreneurship said: “The Digital Framework provides guidance and coordination to help accelerate our digital capability this political term. We have broadened the Framework to recognise that ‘digital’ impacts our whole economy and the daily life of islanders, not just the technology sector.
“To deliver against the Framework we are bringing together key government stakeholders as well as industry and third sector ambassadors. The States of Guernsey will play a key, enabling role through a multi-million pound investment in digital connectivity, skills and digitisation of government.
“We’re already working to put the actions in this framework into effect, evidenced by the policy letter that the States will discuss this week on fibre roll-out.”
Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Policy & Resources representative on Digital Guernsey and VicePresident of the Policy & Resources Committee said: “Improving the delivery of public services and reducing the size and cost of government is dependent on improved technology. Without this we will not be able to see the desired transformation for the benefit of Islanders. As we encourage the development of Guernsey’s digital capability, it is crucial that government leads the way.”
Deputy Bob Murray, Education representative on Digital Guernsey and Vice-President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture said: “The recognition of the need for home-grown talent in the framework is really encouraging to see. We need to ensure that schools, colleges and other education providers are equipping learners of all ages with the right skills for life and for existing jobs, as well as those of the future.”
Digital Guernsey is a sub-committee of the Committee for Economic Development with political representation from the Policy & Resources Committee and Committee for Education, Sport & Culture. As part of the delivery and governance of this framework, Digital Guernsey intends to create an Ambassador Panel which will provide stakeholders from outside of government with the opportunity to provide input into the action plans.
The Digital Framework is an action under the ‘Accelerate the digital economy’ workstream within the Government Work Plan, the Assembly’s phased plan of action for this political term.
