We are delighted to be sharing this report which sets out the findings from the
\nOpen Government Scotland National Action Plan co-creation process.<\/p>\n
Scotland\u2019s fourth action plan is our \u2018to do list\u2019 for the next five years. Its
\ndevelopment has been a chance to have meaningful conversations with the public
\nthat will serve as a beacon for third sector and civil service participants delivering
\nthat action plan. Through this work, we wanted to bring people together to set out a
\nvision for what open government principles and ways of working aspire to.<\/p>\n
We wanted to find out what trustworthy government looked like for people. And we
\nhoped to develop clear work areas in each of the thematic priorities that could map
\nonto appropriate areas of policy development.<\/p>\n
We came into the process knowing that finding ways to talk to the public about
\nopen government is not easy. The structures that provide the essential
\naccountability tools can feel complicated and bureaucratic. The pragmatism that
\nthe collaboration between civil society and government requires often seems like a
\nlack of ambition. And with the best will in the world, open government cannot be all
\nthings to all people.<\/p>\n
But, with the support of SCDC, we have brought together the numerous
\nconversations that have happened online and in person over the past months into
\nthis report, challenging Scotland\u2019s Open Government Partnership to deliver on the
\nfour commitment areas in ways that will continue this process of dialogue.
\nThe co-creation process, and everyone\u2019s contributions to it, will act as a
\nfoundation to deliver on our shared ambitions across trust and transparency,
\nmeaningful public participation, anti-corruption and accountability, and the ethical
\nuse of digital technology, open data and information.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, between now and autumn, when the new Open Government
\nNational Action Plan will be published, we will be carefully considering what we\u2019ve
\nheard so that we can reflect those ideas in a draft National Action Plan which we
\ncan all get behind. We will also continue to engage and involve participants in
\nthis work as it progresses.<\/p>\n
The National Action Plan will bring together statements around each of the four
\nthemes, along with an indication of the early actions identified under each theme,
\nhelping to illustrate the focus of the work over the coming years. Taking this
\nthematic approach means we can bring in new work areas that may benefit from
\nopen government ways of working centered around trust and transparency.
\nWe will also continue to develop the tools and processes that will help to make
\nsure the National Action Plan can be delivered collaboratively and effectively.<\/p>\n
So, if you have participated in the process, we hope you see your thoughts and
\nideas reflected here and we\u2019d like to thank you for your time and your valuable
\ncontributions. If you were not involved, you can read the interim reports to see how
\nwe got here.<\/p>\n
As the National Action Plan progresses and as we move from planning to
\nimplementation, please do offer your feedback and ideas – or better yet, get in
\ntouch to find out how you can help us ensure this new National Action Plan is one
\nthat meets the aspirations of the co-creation process. Contact OpenGovernment@gov.scot<\/p>\n
Doreen Grove – Head of Open Government, Scottish Government
\nJuliet Swann – Open Government Scotland Co-chair<\/p>\n