Public sector IT association Socitm has won a contract with the Local Government Association (LGA) to deliver a skills and qualifications framework for digital, data and technology (DDaT) in the sector.
It said the move is intended as a step in supporting recruitment, retention and professional development, signposting opportunities to those interested in a career in local government DDaT or cyber security, while developing a succession pipeline for future leaders.
The deal involves an initial commitment of six months, during which details of the framework will be delivered.
A spokesperson for Socitm said that, while the full extent is still to be defined, it will be led by outputs from its consultation and engagement exercises, including the working groups workshops.
The objectives of the project include an audit of the qualifications required for a career in DDaT and cyber within local government. It will involve an appraisal of the qualifications needed for people at the start of their careers, those returning to careers and those developing their career journeys.
Qualifications and paths
There will also be an analysis of existing practice to determine the qualifications needed for different roles – including an assessment of current gaps within the profession – and the best approaches to qualification mapping used by public and private sectors.
An additional analysis will cover how to develop career paths for council officers working within DDaT and cyber roles, including a professional pathway assessment of the most efficient and cost-effective methods.
The assets developed will support local government HR professionals, senior leaders and politicians in making decisions on key skills and resources. It will also help people wanting to build their careers or transfer to DDaT roles.
Socitm’s director of leadership, development and research, Nadira Hussain, said: “To be awarded this opportunity and being trusted to deliver such a key resource for local government is fantastic news. The attraction and development of talent within DDaT is something our sector must compete more strongly in.
“This framework will facilitate our ambition, by helping ensure people coming into the profession and those already working in it, understand the career pathways available to them. Our aim is to create a framework that will meet requirements and address any existing gaps”.
