C2001-21 Information Technology - 2001 Review of Information Management and Technology Strategic Plans

In accordance with the Strategic Management Cycle and whole of government information management and technology strategic directions, agencies are required to update and review their information management and technology strategic directions on an annual basis.

In revising information management and technology (IM&T) strategic directions, agencies need to assess whether their use and application of information and communications technology is consistent with their overall business objectives. Plans should also align with the Government's information and communications technology strategic directions as outlined in the Information Management and Technology Blueprint, connect.nsw, ICT Skills Action Plan, etc. The outcome of this review process should be the preparation of a revised IM&T Strategic Plan or a progress report on Plans that are still current.

In 2001, the review of IM&T strategic plans and progress updates by the Office of Information Technology will focus on the alignment of agency strategies against a number of government wide directions including:

• the Information Management Technology Blueprint;
• connect.nsw, particularly the implementation of Electronic Service Delivery and business process reform initiatives that contribute to the achievement of agency business objectives and Government policy commitments;
• migration to, and adoption of core government telecommunication services agreements such as the Government Network Service;
• the recently released ICT Skills Action Plan;
• initiatives that support information sharing between related agencies and sectors;
• Corporate Services Reform initiatives; and
• for general government agencies, the alignment of approved information technology capital projects (and future project proposals) with information management and technology strategic plans.

To assist agencies in this process, I refer you to the Office of Information Technology's IM&T Strategic Planning Guideline available from: www.oit.nsw.gov.au. Agencies should ensure that the associated reporting forms are completed regardless of whether they are submitting a new plan or a progress update. Agencies requiring further assistance in revising their plans or in completing the reporting forms can contact Ms Catherine Hanly on (02) 9236 7690 or catherine.hanly@ditm. nsw.gov.au or Ms Giulia Vitetta on (02) 9236 7697 or [email protected] in the Office of Information Technology.

Agency IM&T Strategic Plans and progress updates are required to be submitted to the Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Department of Information Technology and Management, Level 3, 1 Prince Albert Road, Queens Square, Sydney 2000 by 29 June 2001. I actively encourage agencies to submit their plans or progress updates by this date so as to allow enough time for the Office of Information Technology to provide feedback to agencies prior to the submission of business cases for new ICT projects due in late September 2001.

A copy of this circular will be emailed directly to agency Chief Information Officers and/or Information Technology Managers to assist agencies in submitting plans and progress updates by the due date.

(signed)

C. Gellatly
Director-General