Efforts to improve digital services across Wales' public sector have taken a step forward with the announcement that testing will begin for a new centre that will include a skills academy and knowledge sharing hub.

The proposed new centre will help to transform digital services across the Welsh public sector, developing a user-friendly standardised system fit for the 21st century.

Over the next six to nine months an independent body will work with staff from across the public and private sector to explore practical solutions to some of the challenges identified during the first phase of the project. This will involve:

Delivering a digital skills academy – based in Ebbw Vale, the skills academy will test a digital leadership programme aimed at senior leaders from across the devolved Welsh public sector.  The team will work closely with local training partners to identify the level of digital skills training needed in Wales. The academy will also deliver digital skills training to public service staff across Wales.

Delivering an eight week test phase on a selected public service – to demonstrate the design and delivery of user-friendly services. This phase will be led by a small team of digital experts and provides an opportunity to test real user problems, understand why they exist and develop possible solutions.

Creating a knowledge sharing hub – that will be used to share user stories (both positive and not so positive), digital strategies and plans, common standards and support organisations to carry out effective user research.

Welsh Government Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said:

“Digital transformation provides us with new and exciting opportunities to deliver public services in the ways that people want and expect and to shape communities in Wales for the better – but we need to work together.

“I am pleased that working alongside my Cabinet colleagues we now have the opportunity to test joined-up, user-designed processes and services across our public services.”