Public Sector Forums

PSF came into being when Nick Hill and Ian Dunmore launched the Public Sector iDTV Forum in October 2001.  An attempt to bring together as much information and expertise as possible on the problematic issue of digital television and its use as an e-Gov channel, the Forum quickly proved itself a highly popular and influential point of information and discussion around this complex and difficult theme.   In May 2002 the highly successful ‘First Public Sector iDTV Forum Conference’ packed out London’s BBC West One Conference Centre confirming our position as the most exhaustive and authoritative resource on that subject anywhere. 
 
Some months in, almost by accident we found ourselves at the hub of a new and growing ‘digital network’ of e-Gov practitioners from central and local government keen to share knowledge, thought and opinion not only on iDTV but – as it transpired - a variety of other areas of interest as well.

From the outset we’d decided to ask prospective users to register before accessing content or participating in the discussions.  This we felt, would provide the means of initiating and maintaining a two-way dialogue as well as the potential to respond to any specific requirements for content and information – often immediately.

It wasn’t long before we realised users were not only keen for us to explore other themes within the e-Gov arena, but wanted us to provide ‘real world’ events too – seminars, conferences, roundtable discussions etc. - to run alongside them.

Responding to this need we relaunched the site as Public Sector Forums and the rest as they say, is history.    

Currently all but a tiny handful of UK local authorities and a significant number of central government departments at senior level are represented within our overall membership as we continue to provide our unique blend of news, information, commentary, and the sharing of resources served up with a sense of humour and healthy scepticism of the motives (and frequently aptitude) of those in Whitehall. 

When, in October 2005, we were joined by Ian Cuddy then Chief Editor at rival content provider eGov Monitor our place as the most influential online information service of our type was cemented.

While a mass of material around our subject areas of 'e' and 'T' government abounds - too much possibly - a lot of it of reasonable quality and considerable value emanating from both public and private organisations alike.  What was missing though – or so we felt – was a questioning, critical voice prepared at times to 'be awkward', not toe the 'party line', merely reproducing without thought the press releases, spin, soundbites and occasional outright lies of central government as so many others seem quite happy to do.

Maintaining this integrity and fiercely independent stance has proved a highly successful formula as the many messages of support and encouragement from our (at present mainly local government) user constituency testify.  Perhaps unsurprisingly this approach has however also meant we have as yet to benefit from any of the many millions freely dispensed by our Departmental friends whose efforts we have assiduously chronicled and critiqued from day one and who have repeatedly tried, without success, to dismiss or belittle our work while allying themselves, often financially, with what can best be described as 'yes channels'. 

Public Sector Forums, with its associated community - the site operating as a nucleus or central clearing house - provides at once a facility not only to share news, information, thought and opinion but also a platform for free expression and debate.  We don’t seek simply to examine and comment on whatever issue of the moment happens to grab our attention or that of our users.  Instead we – that is any or all of us using or contributing to this facility – are developing the capacity to test propositions, examine new ideas or even initiate them; in some sense to set an agenda or two rather than merely adhering to or rebelling against existing ones.  

In this way we seek to add value rather than merely regurgitating bland, hackneyed platitudes, seeing beyond the patent whitewash that's often characterised the 'eGov journey'.

Our thanks to everyone involved.