The government has appointed its deputy CIO Andrew Stott to
the new role of director of digital engagement.
Stott will be based in Government Communications at the Cabinet
Office and will work with all government departments to develop
polices for improving and expanding the use of digital technology
in communicating with citizens.
Stott will oversee implementation of the recommendations of the
Power of Information taskforce and will also chair the
cross-government Knowledge Council, formed in 2007 to help the
government develop strategies for managing knowledge and
information.
Minister for digital engagement Tom Watson said Stott's direct
involvement in the development of the strategy and his experience
at Whitehall will be complemented by a new external advisory panel
that will replace the Taskforce.
"Together we will transform the way that government engages with
citizens through the internet and free up government data so that
people can use public services more effectively," Watson said.
Deputy CIO since September 2004, Stott has charted the direction
of Transformational Government and related strategies, including
policy on government web services, information and knowledge
management strategy and on Power of Information matters.
Stott has held IT, policy, finance and business delivery roles
in public bodies including the Department for Work and Pensions,
the Post Office, and HM Prison Service.
He has a degree in law and mathematics from Cambridge
University.