Holyrood and iomart will be co-hosting two Cloud Solutions Seminars in November, aimed at providing a forum for discussing the next steps for cloud services uptake in Scotland's public sector.

You can join us on the 22^nd of November in Edinburgh at the Sheraton Grand Hotel or the 23^rd of November in Glasgow at the TIC - please choose your location after you have entered your registration details.

Public and Third Sector places are free

The public sector’s apprehension towards cloud computing is understandable given the level of scrutiny it faces and the sensitivity of the data it handles. The time for digital transformation, however, has arrived, and the public sector must learn to embrace a portfolio of innovative IT solutions, cloud computing being the Scottish Government’s “priority option”.

With the potential to drive down costs, deliver more efficient and convenient services to citizens and increase internal productivity, the Scottish government is clear that the cloud is the technology to drive Scotland’s digital transformation forwards. While the desire for cloud solutions among the public sector is strong and the need is urgent, uptake faces a few hurdles.

Holyrood and iomart’s Cloud Education Seminar will create a platform for those responsible for modernising Scotland’s public sector IT to sound out their cloud concerns and share best-practice with those who have made the transition. Topics to be discussed include inspiring trust in the cloud from the top down and empowering front line staff to use cloud technologically with confidence, security concerns and advice about the procurement and supplier selection process.

Our Speakers:

• Jim Gordon, Transformation Manager, Digital Public Services and Business Transformation Division, Scottish Government
• Marc Esmiley, Director of Cloud Services, SystemsUp
• Andy Scott, Portfolio Manager, Scottish Procurement, The Scottish Government

Agenda:

9:00  |  Registration & Breakfast

9:35  |  Welcome from the Chair

9:40  | The future of public sector data hosting in Scotland

          Jim Gordon, Transformation Manager, Digital Public Services and Business Transformation Division, Scottish Government

10:00 | Procurement Considerations for ‘Cloud’ Services

          Andy Scott, Portfolio Manager, Scottish Procurement, The Scottish Government

10:20 | Cloud Case Studies across the UK and beyond

           Marc Esmiley, Director of Cloud Services, SystemsUp

10:40 | Q&A with the Panel

11:10 | Concluding remarks from the Chair

11:15 | End of seminar

Venue Details:

• 22nd of November: Sheraton Grand Hotel, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR​
• 23rd of November: Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George St, Glasgow G1 1RD

Topics for discussion include:

• Inspiring trust in the cloud from the top down and addressing cultural barriers
• Key benefits of cloud: cost savings and increased productivity
• Empowering frontline staff to use cloud technology effectively
• Overcoming obstacles to cloud uptake, with a focus on safety and security
• Tips for the procurement and supplier selection process

For more information please contact Iain Crail on 0131 285 1687 or iain@holyrood.com