Digital Engagement - Empowering Citizens & Government through Digital Innovation October 6, 2009

Digital Engagement - Empowering Citizens & Government through Digital Innovation will explore the key issues around the use of digital technologies in the public sector and determine how Government can engage more effectively with citizens to increase social inclusion and efficiency whilst delivering better public services.

This conference will examine the challenges and opportunities ahead in delivering a Digitally competent Britain, with examples of some of the most successful customer facing services and a look at how the public and private sectors can work together to build a strong Digital Infrastructure for the UK's Public Services.

08:15
Registration, refreshments and exhibition

09:00
Opening Remarks from Chair

Michael Cross, Freelance Journalist & Public Policy Correspondent, The Guardian

09:10
Keynote Address - 'Digital Engagement - Empowering Citizens & Government through Digital Innovation'

Martha Lane Fox, Digital Inclusion Champion, Cabinet Office

09:30
A Digitally Enabled Government for a Digital World
* What would a digitally enabled government and citizenry look like?
* Perspectives and issues
* Infrastructure and innovation
* Typology of digital engagement
* Evidence from UK local public services
* Next steps for information and knowledge management

Martin Ferguson, Head of Policy ,SOCITM

09:50
Universal Connectivity by 2012
*Latest Progress on broadband for all
*The benefits for Government & Citizens
*Beyond 2012

Kip Meek, Chair of Broadband Stakeholder Group

10:10
Industry Best Practice Case Study

Sponsored session

10:30
Panel Question & Answer Session

10:45
Morning refreshments and networking with the Digital Engagement Exhibition

11:15
Digital Region - Digitally Transforming South Yorkshire
Robert Ling, Business Improvement Manager, Yorkshire Forward

11:30
Industry Best Practice Case Study

Sponsored session

11:45
NHS Choices - Care and Treatment the digital way

Gary Ashby, Programme Director, NHS Choices

12:00
Question and Answer Session

12:15
Seminar Session 1
A selection of interactive seminar sessions providing opportunities for delegates to explore distinct aspects of key importance to this agenda

13:00
Lunch, Networking & Exhibition

14:00
Seminar Session 2
The second in a selection of interactive seminar sessions, providing an opportunity for delegates to explore distinct aspects of key importance to this agenda.

14:45
Afternoon Networking - Tea & Coffee

15:15
Overcoming the Digital Divide
* The economic and social benefits of digital technology for all
* Connecting communities through innovative digital technology
* Preventing digital exclusion

Helen Milner, Managing Director, UK Online Centre

15:30
Kent TV - Engaging Communities through Digital Television
Alex Connock, CEO, Ten Alps Plc
Peter Gilroy, CEO, Kent County Council

15:50
The impact of a Digital Government on Local Communities
* The challenges ahead
* Can local communities cope with high levels of technological engagement
* The true value of social networking sites to increase engagement

Richard Wilson, Founder, Involve ThinkTank

16:10
Closing Panel Discussion - Digital Skills and Innovation for a Digital Britain - SPONSORED by DC10

This panel discussion will provide delegates with a unique opportunity to discuss how they see Digital Government becoming a reality. Senior officials who are directly involved in the delivery of the Digital Engagement agenda will come to together and detail how they will achieve their objectives. As well as updating delegates on their current progress, they will also invite questions from the audience, encouraging a lively debate that will include the following themes:

* Examples of how digital innovation has improved public services
* Training and development initiatives available to the Public Sector
* The methods in which the digital skills divide will be diminished
* What innovations in digital technology can we expect in the immediate future?
* Working towards a digitally inclusive society
* The benefits of using digital technology for the citizen
* How do we manage the changing culture in a digital environment?
* Equipping the Government to provide first class services for a Digitally Enabled Britain

Tom Loosemore, Head of 4iP and Co-founder of mysociety
Nick Jones, Director of Interactive Services, COI
Steph Gray, Head of Engagement, BIS
Richard Wilson, Founder, Involve ThinkTank
Helen Milner, Managing Director, UK Online Centres

17:00
Conference Close

Official Website: http://www.digitalengagementevent.com/