21.03.2024
The Government’s Digital Aspirations and its Impact on The National Workforce
The UK government is on a mission to revolutionise public services and position itself as a global leader in digital innovation. With ambitious plans to harness technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and bridge the digital divide, the government is spearheading efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
However, these ambitions are not without challenges. Despite strides towards modernisation, issues such as service delivery inefficiencies and system malfunctions continue to impede progress. From glitches in the Universal Credit system to disruptions in essential services like court records and education inspections, the path to digital transformation is laden with hurdles.
In response, the government has committed over £1.1 billion to train thousands in future technologies. Spearheaded by the Science and Technology Secretary, these initiatives aim to cultivate a highly skilled workforce in AI, quantum computing, and more, encouraging innovation and driving economic growth.
However, the need for digitally skilled professionals is now. While investments in future talents are pivotal, the immediate demand for skilled individuals to lead digital projects cannot be understated. These individuals will not only propel current initiatives but also play a pivotal role in upskilling others within the projects.
Government plans for AI adoption include investing in research and development, encouraging collaboration between academia and industry, and integrating AI into public services to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Initiatives may include AI-powered decision-making systems, predictive analytics for healthcare, and personalised services for citizens.
The government’s vision extends beyond AI, encompassing advancements in quantum computing, 6G, and data analytics. These investments seek to position the UK as a trailblazer in technological innovation, spurring growth across vital sectors.
As the UK government navigates the complexities of digital transformation, it faces both challenges and opportunities. By investing in future technologies, upskilling the workforce, and addressing the shortcomings of current initiatives, the government aims to create a more efficient, inclusive, and innovative digital landscape for everyone.
At Keystream, we recognise the significance of a skilled workforce in driving the government’s digital ambitions. With our network of talented individuals, we are ready to support and contribute to the UK’s journey towards digital excellence.
Latest insights
NHS Confed 2025: Making Space for What Matters
This year’s NHS Confed was a powerful opportunity to connect, reflect and learn alongside colleagues from across health and care. It underlined the transformation already underway in our system and the importance of collaboration, creativity and compassion in making it work. A consistent thread across the event was the need to create space for innovation….
Do You Say Please and Thank You When You Speak to AI?
I do…! We talk to AI more often than we think. Whether you’re unlocking your phone with your face, asking your smart speaker to play your favourite song, or using predictive text to finish your messages—AI is quietly working behind the scenes. But because it’s not always visible, we often don’t realise it’s there. And…
Northern Care Alliance – eDMS Discovery and Strategic Integration Readiness
Establishing a roadmap for eDMS consolidation and future EPR alignment. Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust commissioned Keystream to undertake a discovery phase to assess its fragmented Electronic Document Management Systems. Formed through multiple mergers, the Trust faced high costs, integration issues, and compliance risks. Keystream delivered a comprehensive review highlighting opportunities to consolidate systems,…
South Central and West CSU – Data Modelling Programme
Delivering a sustainable data analytics framework through collaborative programme design. NHS South Central and West CSU engaged Keystream to deliver a data modelling programme to enhance its analytics infrastructure. A contractor was appointed as Programme Manager to lead stakeholder engagement, build a roadmap, develop technical solutions, and implement staff training. The programme improved data access…
South West London Pathology – LIMS Implementation
Enhancing laboratory efficiency and collaboration across multiple hospital sites. South West London Pathology, including hospitals such as St George’s and Kingston, engaged Keystream to lead the deployment of a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). A strategic programme director oversaw the project, assembling a specialist team and breaking the implementation into focused workstreams by pathology…
St George’s University Hospitals – Oracle Cerner RBAC Implementation
Delivering secure and compliant role-based access for over 10,500 users. St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust partnered with Keystream to implement Oracle Cerner’s RBAC system, upgrading access controls in line with UK healthcare data standards. The project delivered 18 baseline roles and 48 variations, ensuring compliant, secure access for over 10,500 users. Keystream led…
Northern Care Alliance – Abandoned Referrals Classification
Using open-source technology to identify and categorise 1.1 million abandoned outpatient referrals. Keystream partnered with Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust to develop a repeatable, vendor-agnostic solution to address over 1 million abandoned outpatient referrals. The project delivered a classification tool that groups referrals by risk, enabling safe and efficient disposal. Built with open-source technologies, the…
St George’s University Hospital – Patient Flow and Capacity Management
Delivering operational improvements through real-time digital tracking and large-scale staff mobilisation. St George’s University Hospital partnered with Keystream to revitalise a stalled patient flow project, appointing a senior project manager to lead implementation. The aim was to roll out a new capacity management system that would serve as the core of digital operations. The result…
Croydon University Hospital – Maternity EPR Uplift and Optimisation
Enhancing maternity services through Cerner system optimisation and future-state planning. Croydon University Hospital engaged Keystream to assess and uplift its Cerner Electronic Patient Record system in the Maternity department. The work involved mapping current processes, completing a detailed gap analysis, and recommending future pathways for both Community and Maternity Services. The outcome positioned the hospital…
Barnet Hospital – Cerner Implementation in ICU
Linking ICU devices to the Cerner EPR system to improve efficiency and standardise data across the Royal Free London Group. As part of a group-wide upgrade to the Cerner Electronic Patient Record system, Barnet Hospital enlisted a Keystream consultant to lead ICU integration. The consultant worked within the Digital Devices Team to automate data flows…