The online research polled public servants across central and local government for their opinions on PSN, a programme to create common infrastructure and a ‘network of networks’ across the public sector.
Civil servants working in fields important to PSN’s success – IT, finance, procurement, and programme and project management – were asked: “Which of the following best describes your understanding of the PSN?” Only five per cent said they have a “very detailed understanding”, 12 per cent a “broad understanding”, and 17 per cent are “aware of what PSN is and the potential benefits” – but 33 per cent “have heard of PSN but know little about it”, and 33 per cent “have never heard of PSN.”
The survey then asked the 34 per cent of civil servants who are familiar with the concept: “How significant is PSN within your organisation’s ICT and business strategy?” Almost half – 46 per cent – rated it as significant or very significant.
Asked to rank the system’s potential benefits by their importance in deciding the value of PSN to their organisations, civil servants said first: “Providing a secure way to exchange data with other public bodies”. Second was: “Providing a reliable, fast network”; and third: “Achieving cost savings through economies of scale”.
Asked to what extent a set of factors act as an obstacle to their organisation adopting PSN, respondents said that “system inflexibility in responding to your organisation’s specific circumstances and requirements” is the greatest deterrent. The “requirement for capital investment” was ranked second, and the “risk that national PSN contracts are awarded to inexperienced or poorly equipped providers/suppliers” came third.
1,034 public servants responded to an online CSW survey in December 2011.