Education Scotland partners with Civica on digital transformation programme

27th octobre 2020

New digital tools and services will help embed more user-centric approach across Education Scotland 

Education Scotland has agreed a major digital transformation partnership with Civica, a global leader in software for public services.

Education Scotland is the Scottish Government executive agency responsible for supporting quality and improvement in Scottish education. Its 350 staff work alongside teachers and practitioners in schools and centres across Scotland.

The agency is embarking on an innovative digital transformation journey. It sought a partner to provide digital expertise and quick access to technical and specialist resources under one agreement, alongside strategic advice on service design and architecture.  

Via the new partnership, Civica will work with Education Scotland to create new digital tools and services to allow staff to work more collaboratively and efficiently. The new partnership will also see service design further embedded across the organisation, helping the agency take a more user-centred approach to its programme of work, which includes school inspections, professional learning for teachers and practitioners, and employability and skills training.

With enhanced data management and stronger customer relationships, Education Scotland will ensure staff have the right tools and systems to do their jobs efficiently and provide the right support for the education sector at the right time. This joined-up approach will help as Education Scotland supports recovery in education – offering systems which support individual teachers and practitioners, schools and local authorities.

Civica has already supported Education Scotland through the first Discovery phase and passed the Digital First Standard gateway, achieved remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first project is now focused on moving all the agency’s professional learning offerings onto one integrated database. 

Gayle Gorman, HM Chief Inspector and Chief Executive of Education Scotland said: “This programme aims to transform how Education Scotland performs its role as the national agency for educational improvement. It is great to have Civica on board to assist with the technical delivery of our digital transformation programme. We look forward to developing this offer; and to continuing to support and work with teachers and practitioners across Scotland.”

Sean Massey, Managing Director, Digital at Civica commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Education Scotland on this digital transformation project to support its mission to improve standards of teaching and learning throughout Scotland. Our expertise helps complex organisations on their end-to-end journey to transform services for their employees and customers.” 

The new partnership also includes an innovation fund where Education Scotland will work in partnership with Civica’s NorthStar innovation lab. This can be used to foster innovative ideas such as prototype apps or testing digital theories by applying fresh ideas around data, automation and new technologies.