Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of the Digital Transformation in the United Kingdom Parliament
About the United Kingdom Parliament. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
The United Kingdom Parliament is an ancient institution steeped in history, tradition and established protocols. Amid the rapid changes brought on by the digital revolution, the UK Parliament is undergoing a substantial transformation. The process of digitally transforming a centuries-old establishment comes with its unique challenges and opportunities. The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) has taken up the task of addressing these challenges head-on and harnessing opportunities to facilitate the UK Parliament's digital transition.
Differentiating between Digitisation and Digitalisation
The process of converting information into a digital format, known as digitisation, has been an ongoing endeavour for the UK Parliament. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of having this data readily accessible, as remote voting and television broadcasts could be facilitated seamlessly due to pre-existing digital infrastructure.
On the other hand, digitalisation is a broader concept. It encompasses not only the digitisation of information but also the adoption and implementation of digital processes. The goal here is to create digital equivalents of traditional parliamentary processes. However, a crucial challenge that arises is the integration of these digital systems without undermining the value and significance of long-standing procedures and ceremonial elements that shape the Parliament's identity.
Managing Resistance to Change
The crux of the digitalisation challenge lies not in technology, but in the human component – the resistance to change. The traditional culture and the significance of established ceremonial practices create a degree of reluctance to fully embrace digitalisation. The administration would likely oppose any attempt to allow technology to lead the innovation. Instead, digitalisation should be seen as an opportunity to enhance existing practices, not replace them. It must meet and fulfil existing demands rather than create new ones.
To navigate these challenges, PDS has adopted a people-first approach. It seeks to underscore that digitalisation is not a threat, but a tool to assist in their work. This mindset is crucial to counteract the potential apprehension and resistance among parliamentary staff.
Effective Change Management
Effective change management, an essential part of this transition, hinges on the ability to communicate effectively with those affected by the changes. In the case of the UK Parliament, using technical jargon can create a disconnect between the PDS and the end-users. Therefore, it is critical to articulate the benefits of digitalisation in a language that staff can relate to and understand. The goal is to humanise digitalisation, creating a narrative that people can identify with and making them active participants in the transformation journey.
The PDS also ensures that the integration of digital processes into the parliamentary framework is gradual, and the pace of change doesn't overwhelm the staff. While PDS does employ agile methodologies, they understand the importance of insulating their 'customers' from these terminologies unless necessary. By demystifying digitalisation, PDS aims to get the buy-in of the staff and make the transition as seamless as possible.
Transforming Digital Programme
The Transforming Digital programme is a significant step in Parliament's digital journey. This five-year initiative aims to shift the Parliament's digital model from a siloed service provider to an integrated service delivery model. It involves embedding digitalisation into the fabric of the institution and enabling staff to become comfortable with agile language and methodologies.
The goal is to integrate digitalisation seamlessly into the daily routines and processes of Parliament. It aims to ensure that technology is seen as an enabler, rather than an intruder that complicates the workflow. This approach requires people to take ownership and participate actively in the transformation process.
Conclusion
The digital transformation of the UK Parliament is a testament to the importance of adaptability in an ever-evolving digital world. Through careful change management and a people-first approach, the PDS is working towards a future where digitalisation is an integral part of the institution's day-to-day operations. Despite the inevitable challenges, the opportunities for increased efficiency and enhanced accessibility make this journey worthwhile. It's an exploration of how an ancient institution can leverage modern technology without losing its essence, a lesson valuable for all organisations navigating the path of digital transformation.