UK government faces software skills crisis
Governments don t have a good record when delivering IT projects, but a new study from digital experience company Acquia that the UK government is facing a major software skills crisis.
Results show that 28 percent of vacancies remain unfilled. Across the 12 departments which responded to freedom of information requests, some 317 developer positions are open, while just 808 developers are currently employed.
Acquia also looked at how the Government is approaching software development, and how use of open source software correlates with Downing Street s Technology Code of Practice. It finds that despite acknowledging the clear benefits of open source software, some Government departments have yet to fully embrace it.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is aiming to set up a new digital process for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).
This comes in line with plans to extend the use of the scheme – currently providing subsidies to vehicle owners to install home recharging points – to support the provision of ducting in car parks.
The DfT has been looking for support in discovery and alpha projects, scheduled to run through the spring and early summer, for digitising what is currently a manual process.
The market notice says it has to ensure usability and accessibility and provide fraud and budgetary controls to handle at least 15,000 applications per month. It also specifies the use of open source technology and adherence to the Government’s Technology Code of Practice and Digital Service Standards.