The consultation paper says that “intermediaries” are likely to be attracted to taking part by the potential to increase their customer base with extra offerings, and could help to raise the usage of online services by making them available through more channels.
“It is our vision that by creating the right conditions over the next three years we will establish a mixed economy of the supply of public services,” says the document. “By then, consumers and businesses will, in addition to other government channels, be using e-enabled intermediaries from the public, private and voluntary sectors to use public services in the manner that suits them.
“Our policy is therefore that all departments should involve private and voluntary sector intermediaries for e-government services as part of their overall e-government strategy.”
The policy framework defines the nature and role of potential intermediaries. These will be independent service providers acting on behalf of their customers and members. It also outlines principles to guide how government departments and intermediaries would work together.
e-Envoy Andrew Pinder floated the idea a year ago at the GC2002 conference, when he cited the example of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau as an organisation that could play a prominent role in delivering services. Although it does not explicitly suggest them, the consultation document mentions the relationship between supermarkets and banks in providing complementary services.
The policy will be subject to a three month consultation period to allow companies, organisations and individuals to comment. The framework is available electronically on www.e-envoy.gov.uk/intermediaries where comments can be registered. The deadline for comments is 21 August 2003.
Quelle: Kablenet
