News

Data maturity information sessions for public sector organisations

Many public sector organisations know they want to use their data more effectively, but are unsure where to start. It can feel too difficult to tackle but if it’s not addressed, over time, it can become a large issue that impacts on wider business outcomes. The Data Maturity programme we run with the Scottish public sector can help organisations understand what they want to achieve with data, where they are now, and how to set achievable outcomes.

To learn more, please visit Digital Data maturity information sessions for public sector organisations - Digital (blogs.gov.scot)

To register please use this link: Data Maturity Cohort 3: information session Tickets, Wed 28 Jun 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite

2nd of Febuary 2023, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh 

Holyrood Connect are running their annual cyber security event, Public Sector Cyber Security Scotland, on Thursday, 2 February 2023. This event is for public sector cyber security professionals in the lead-up to Cyber Scotland Week later in the month and will give delegates the opportunity to dive into the themes and topics that will be individually explored in smaller events over the week, occurring from 27 February to 5 March.

Public Sector Cyber Security Scotland 2023 - Holyrood Events Click here to find out more information on the event. 

Public Sector Cyber Security Scotland 2023 - Holyrood Events

Holyrood Connect will be returning with the massively popular Public Sector Cyber Security Scotland on 2nd Feb 2023 at Dynamic Earth.

New testbed launched at Aberdeen 5G hub

Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Ivan McKee launched a new testbed at the Aberdeen 5G hub, which was recently deployed by the Scotland 5G Centre as part of their S5GConnect programme – which has so far launched five 5G hubs across Scotland.

Digital Minister for Business launches new 5G testbed in Aberdeen - Digital (blogs.gov.scot)

Understanding the digital skills of our workforce

A new report has been published, identifying skills strengths and gaps within the Scottish Government’s digital workforce. Find out more about the report and its recommendations in this blog from Yorath Turner, Deputy Director for Digital People, Strategy and Corporate Services.

Digital Building digital capability means understanding where we are now, as well as where we need to be in the future - Digital (blogs.gov.scot)

Leadership and Technology Collide - ScotSoft 2022 

Our annual festival of ideas and innovation that showcases the best of the Scottish technology sector and brings you sought after speakers from far flung locations. 

Running for over 25 years the event includes a full day Developer Conference, a half day Leadership Forum and a chance to meet the next generation of talent at the Young Software Engineer of the Year Awards in the evening.  

Click here for more information. 

UKtech50 2022: The most influential people in UK technology

Computer Weekly announced nominations for their 12th annual UKtech50 in March and have now released their definitive list of the top most influential leaders in UK technology. 

Our Director Digital, Geoff Huggins has made the list of CIOs, industry executives, public servants and business leaders driving the role of technology in the UK economy.  Read more about how an expert panel selected the top 50 people UKTECH50 2022: The most influential people in UK technology

Creating a Tech Nation

Work is underway to help transform Scotland into one of Europe’s leading economies to start or grow a technology business.

Find out more about the steps that are being taken here: Building a tech nation - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Tech Talent Charter: Inclusion in Tech Festival 2022

Discussing the steps that the Scottish Government’s Digital Profession are taking to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, Roz Britton (Talent and Capability Lead) joined the panel at this year’s Inclusion in Tech Festival.

Listen back to her session: This Works: D&I Invisible Lenses and learn more about the work that we are doing to support neurodiverse colleagues.

2022 Inclusion in Festival Video Recordings (techtalentcharter.co.uk)

New centre to tackle cyber threats

Scotland’s ability to prevent and respond to the growing cyber threat will be increased with the creation of a new Scottish Cyber Co-ordination Centre (SC3).

The £1.5 million central coordination function will strengthen Scotland’s resilience to withstand the highest level of cyber threat. 

The Scottish Government’s Covid Recovery Strategy commits to establishing a recognised, authoritative and collaborative function to combat the accelerating threat of cyber attack. This has led to the creation of the SC3, which will pool expertise to: share intelligence; provide early warning of cyber threat and attacks; manage incidents and lead recovery. Recruitment for a head of the centre is already underway, with SC3 set to be formally launched later this year.

Working together against cyber crime - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Preparing pupils for careers in tech

Every primary and secondary school across Scotland will receive support to refresh computing science for pupils.

Backed by up to £1.3 million from the Scottish Government, secondary schools can bid for grants of up to £3,000 to purchase additional computing science equipment, devices, software or teaching resources.

Every school will also receive two class sets pocket-sized computers that introduce pupils to how software and hardware work together.

Preparing pupils for careers in tech - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Empowering Women to become our future digital leaders

Empowering Women is a unique leadership programme sponsored by Scottish Government. It aims to support women to develop their skills and become the digital leaders of the future.  

Sam Cox, Digital Policy Officer within Scottish Government tells us about her experiences as one of the newest cohort of students on the course.

Digital Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation programme - Digital (blogs.gov.scot)

How I started a new cyber-security career

Gurjeet Shetra is a new Cyber Security Compliance and Assurance Manager within Scottish Government. She tells our partners at the Ada Lovelace Festival about why she chose to specialise in cyber security and the importance of encouraging more women into the field.

Taking The First Steps On My Cyber Career Journey – Gender balance in Computing Science (ada.scot)

Building digital skills across Scotland’s public sector

The Scottish Digital Academy has ambitious plans in place to build the nation’s digital skills.

Lee Dunn, Head of the Scottish Digital Academy sets out his vision for how this will be achieved through new course offers and a focus on digital leadership.

Developing a digital leadership pathway | FutureScot

The vital role of digital in reducing climate change - reflections from COP26

The Scottish Government’s Digital Policy team reflect on the importance of digital in achieving net zero by 2045.

The team hosted an engaging round table during COP26 attended by delegates from a range of public and private sector organisations. Participants emphasised the need for continued collaboration on tackling climate change and ensuring that a diverse range of voices are heard as we continue working towards our net zero ambitions.

Digital Reflections on our Digital and Climate Change COP 26 roundtable - Digital (blogs.gov.scot)