2004 e-Government awards launched

Wednesday, 22 September 2004 12:00 AM

The first e-Government awards, designed to reward excellence in the use of internet services, have been launched by the Cabinet Office.

The Cabinet Office anticipates the awards being a "yardstick for UK excellence" in the run up to the general election with all councils, government departments and public bodies invited to enter.

Winners will receive their awards on 19th January.

The Government views the Internet, and the provision of services on the Internet as a key way of interacting directly with the electorate, and providing more flexible information and services. It stresses the benefits available, for example in tracking university applications or filling in self-assessment tax returns online.

Christopher Histed, founder of the awards, which are being run by PublicTechnology.Net said: "e-Government is a key tool in modernisation and transformation for central departments and local councils - and will impact on the lives of all UK citizens".

"These awards are being launched to highlight good practice which the whole public sector can identify with and learn from, thereby adding value to their own e-Government projects and strategies".

They are also being strongly supported by Ian Watmore, head of e-Government in the Cabinet Office, who said: "For many organisations, technology has fundamentally changed their relationship with customers - and customers demand more of the organisations that they interact with. From being able to bank online, to buying our groceries or booking our holidays, many of us have enjoyed the benefits that technology has offered us over the last few years."

"The public sector hasn't been immune to these changes. Indeed the Prime Minister speaking about technology and the public sector has said: 'For the public services, the real opportunity is to use technology to help create fundamental improvement in the efficiency, convenience and quality of our services..Our plan is not only to offer more convenient access to services but also to transform how we organise mainstream delivery.'"

Awards are available across the whole governmental framework, in both strategic, team and individual capacities. Companies are also being invited to sponsor the awards.

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