Public Sector The uptake on mobile working is growing rapidly within the Public Sector, with benefits being realised quickly by both the organisations and the citizens. Local Authorities in particular are embracing mobile working initiatives, which are proving to be pivotal in meeting Efficient Government targets.

"Over the coming years there will be a projected 1.7million mobile workers with the UK Local Government sector." (Source: Kable)

These initiatives are being backed by Government at the highest level. A vast amount of money has already been invested via funding streams such as the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) Performance Standards Fund. In Scotland, many Local Authorities are harnessing the power of mobile technologies, under the auspices of the Scottish Executive's Modernising Government Fund (MGF) and Efficient Government framework.

Improved Service to the Citizen

There are a large number of officers within Local Government departments such as Revenues & Benefits, Housing, Social work and Health departments, who are engaging with citizens in their homes in order to complete assessments. The forms which are completed are fundamental to these assessments. Completing these forms electronically, in real time, helps the assessment become a speedy process for both the officer and the citizen. In a large number of cases, the increased volume and accuracy of data collected means that repeat visits are eliminated. Mobile working is now being deployed across a large number of departments, including:

Low Cost of Entry

Many Public Sector organisations can gain access to cheaper, pre-negotiated mobile phone contracts with providers such as Orange and Vodafone, via OGC (Office of Government Commerce). This would make the cost of running eSquiggles even lower, with the scope for return on investment even greater.