Yes Minister culture needs to go

The Civil Service has still some way to go if it is to be ready for when all government services go online by 2005.

Although 95 per cent of civil servants have internet access and more than half use a laptop and dial-up networking, they are still deluged by paperwork, according to a survey conducted at the Government Computing Scotland 2001 show by CMG Admiral.

"Civil servants are well placed for 'joined up' government, a key element in the Government's plan to modernise departments and agencies. But there is clearly some way to go before the benefits that come from effective IT integration are fully realised," said Andy Downie, sector director for government at CMG Admiral.

Staff have to manage multiple data sources, despite embracing internet and mobile technologies. The majority of internal communications are still hardcopy memos, notices or departmental briefings, the study found. Only 16 per cent have access to electronic records or supplementary document management systems.

The problem highlights the need for cultural change in addition to the availability of technology if government departments are to benefit from the time and cost savings made possible by the internet.

"E-government doesn't begin and end with the use of a laptop. If it's going be a success it needs technical change obviously, but also a cultural shift in the way we work, to one that is much more allied with real business benefits," Downie said.