WRITTEN ON February 9th, 2008 BY William Heath AND STORED IN Save Time and Money, What do we want?

Scotland is doing a “OneScotland Portal”. Following IPS logic, we would say Scotland is unique and it’s important to spend a lot of money on technology to keep it that way. Anyway, someone probably not called Patrick McGoohan writes to point out the odd rationale in their FAQs behind not using Google or their search facility:

Q: Why not just use Google?
A: Google is a good search tool particularly for Internet users who are web literate and proficient in creating searches. We want to create a “no wrong door” approach and the purpose of the OneScotland Portal is to provide a single point of access which will have a strong brand. Through the use of directories (e.g. A-Z, topic areas), the Portal will help the citizen to easily find what they are looking for.

Are they really saying they’ll create something easier to use than Google? Design skills in the Silicon Glen must be in remarkable fine fettle. Or are they implying (as Patrick mischievously suggests) that the Scottish electorate is too dim to use Google? Surely that is to invite a torrent of abuse and a Glasgow kiss?

Anyway, they also tackle a rather easier question:

Q: Why not join Directgov?
A: Directgov is an integral part of the UK Government’s Transformational Government Strategy and Varney ‘Service Transformation’ report which reflects UK reserved policy. The Transformational Government strategy does not reflect Scottish policy and has not been adopted by Scotland for devolved matters. Much of the strategy advocates the need to join up across Whitehall departments rather than the wider public sector approach which we are taking in Scotland.

We are ahead of the UK in developing a Citizen’s Account and National Entitlement Card and the development of the OneScotland Portal builds on that work.

The OneScotland Portal will allow us to develop a uniquely Scottish image to front citizen access to public services and information, regardless of whether they are local or central and, in time, regardless of whether they are reserved or devolved.

Alright, so no DirectGov then either. I’m stumped for further suggestions. I’m sure we can suggest something helpful. How about putting your FAQs into simple HTML instead of making me download a Word document?