Digital

Refreshing Scotland’s Digital Strategy: Part 5 – What is this all about?

October 21, 2025 by deborahamzil No Comments | Category Digital Strategy for Scotland

Guest blog by Martyn Wallace, Chief Digital Officer, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government.

Have you ever wondered what all this talk about Scotland’s “Digital Strategy” actually means for you? Maybe you’ve seen in the series of blogs from my colleagues mentioning how COSLA, the Digital Office, and the Scottish Government have teamed up to shape a new approach and how “co-design” (which simply means building things together with the people who use them) is right at the heart of it. 

But let’s be honest, if you’re not a techie or part of the so-called “digital public sector diaspora”, you might be thinking, “What does this Digital Strategy refresh really mean for me? Why should I care?” That’s exactly what I want to explain here, in plain English so everyone can see what’s changing, and how it could make life better for all of us. 

Because let’s face it, nobody enjoys filling out forms or chasing paperwork. We all just want public services that work smoothly, with as little hassle as possible. That’s what Scotland’s new Digital Public Services Plan is all about. So, what’s really changing, and why does it matter? I hope this blog gives you a clear, down-to-earth answer. 

Why are we doing this? 

Life’s busy enough. Whether you’re booking a GP appointment, paying your council tax, or applying for a school place, you want it to be quick, easy, and secure. This plan is about making public services as simple and reliable as your favourite online shop or banking app. It’s about saving you time, reducing stress, and making sure everyone gets the help they need, when they need it. 

What’s actually going to change?

Less Duplication, More Teamwork – Instead of every council and government department doing their own thing, we’re joining forces. That means sharing what works, cutting out waste, and making sure money is spent where it matters most on services that help you.

One-Stop Digital Services – Imagine logging in once and getting access to everything you need—council services, health appointments, official messages all in the one place. No more juggling passwords or repeating your details over and over. That’s the goal.

Smarter Use of Your Information – We’re making it so you only have to tell your story once. Your information will be used (safely and ethically) to make services more personal and responsive. And don’t worry privacy and security are always top priorities.

Better Skills for Public Sector Staff – We’re helping public sector workers get up to speed with the latest digital skills. That means better, faster service for you, and staff who are confident using new technology.

Trying Out New Ideas – We are trying out new things, like smart sensors in buildings, wearable health technology to help with independent living with support, drones to deliver school meals or check for storm damage, and even virtual reality for planning or learning. We are also looking how artificial intelligence can help with better outcomes and efficiencies. But we’ll work hard to use these technologies in the most fair and responsible way, making sure they are safe and respect your privacy. Most importantly, we’ll only use these ideas if they truly make life easier and help services run better for everyone. If it doesn’t help people or save time and money, we won’t do it.

Stronger Cyber Security – With more services online, we’re doubling down on keeping your data safe. That means regular training, better sharing of information about threats, testing our resilience plans and clear plans for what to do if something goes wrong.

Digital Inclusion: No One Left Behind – Plus of course something that’s really important, we know not everyone is online, or confident with technology. Digital inclusion is at the heart of this plan. That means: 

• Making sure services are easy to use for everyone, including people with disabilities or those who aren’t confident with computers. 

• Providing support and training for anyone who needs help getting online or using digital services. 

• Ensuring there are still alternative ways to access services for those who can’t or don’t want to use digital options. 

• Working with communities to understand and remove barriers so everyone, no matter their age, background, or location, can benefit. 

 So, what’s in it for you? 

Here’s the good bit and what we are hoping you will begin to notice in the next couple of years 

• Less hassle: Fewer forms, fewer logins, and less time wasted chasing things up. 

• Quicker, easier access: Services that are joined up and available when you need them, wherever you are in Scotland. 

• Personal touch: Services that remember your details and respond to your needs, not just tick boxes. 

• Peace of mind: Your information is protected, and public services are ready for whatever comes their way. 

• Better value: By working together, councils and government can save money and deliver more for everyone. 

• Inclusion for all: Whether you’re a digital guru or just getting started, support is there to help you get the most from public services. 

In short, this plan is about making public services in Scotland fit for real life, smarter, safer, and focused on what really matters, you. 

Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate, COSLA, and Digital Office for Scottish Local Government are working together to refresh our joint Digital Strategy for Scotland. 

Tags: Collaboration, Digital Strategy for Scotland, local government, scottish government

Comments