Reimagining Public Service Delivery

Address from Dr Marie Macklin CBE

Hear directly from the Scottish Government on their Public Service Reform Strategy. Delegates will have the opportunity to pose questions and contribute ideas during this session.

In a world facing unprecedented challenges including the climate and biodiversity emergencies, AI disruption, shrinking budgets, and eroding trust in institutions, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking are no longer optional - they are vital. And these things are just as important for public sector transformation, as we deal with ever greater demands, tightening resources, and legacy systems.

That’s the imperative behind PSR.

This talk, delivered by the Head of CivTech, Scotland’s globally recognised public-sector innovation accelerator, brings you hard-won insights from the frontline of real change – and good news too, because it really is within our grasp to radically update what we’re doing and take advantage of all the opportunities we now have.

Drawing on decades of experience across public, private, and third sectors, the session explodes the myths around innovation. True innovation isn’t about invention or digital wizardry, but about rolling out significant and meaningful improvements that deliver genuine benefit, and goes way beyond tech to include every aspect of our work. And this is only possible if we conduct fundamental rethinks about the policies, processes, products and services we use. He’ll also explain why the entrepreneurial mindset - spotting opportunities, embracing intelligent risk, and driving adoption – is also vital, and the engine of public sector transformation.

There’s more good news. While innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset might seem challenging, they are – absolutely – part of our human make-up. And yes, large organisations can struggle to innovate with bureaucracy and risk-aversion stifling progress, but this this isn’t just a public sector problem – it’s is rife in the private sector. But here in Scotland, in the Scottish Government, we’ve found the answer…

We’ve got the thing that can shift the needle.

All we need to be is brave and resolute.

This panel discussion will cover the centralised nature of political power within Scotland’s devolved settlement, challenges facing local councils and examples of innovative solutions to these that can be expanded across Scotland.

Panellists (and delegates through audience contributions) will be encouraged to come up with solutions to move decision-making power closer to those who they affect.

In keeping with the Scottish Government’s recognition that those on the front line are best placed to identify improvements to service in this regard, delegates are encouraged to gather input from their teams to contribute prior to this session.

Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss ideas and reflections on the day. Key outputs from this session will be gathered and form the basis of a written report of the day.