Agencies are required to update and review their Information Management and Technology (IM&T) Strategic directions on an annual basis in accordance with the Strategic Management Calendar. (Please note that this Circular supersedes Premier's Department Circular No. 2002-16)

In reviewing IM&T strategic directions, agencies are required to assess and determine that their use and application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is consistent with wider Government policies and priorities, supports individual agency business objectives, is aligned with the Government's ICT strategic directions and priorities, and actively contributes to efficient Government practices.

The recent Government restructure provides the opportunity for all agencies, particularly newly established agencies, to focus and prioritise their IM&T strategic directions on improving government service delivery and internal business practices and accelerating online service delivery. Agencies need to consider initiatives that support stated Government policy and business objectives, contribute to agency outcomes, deliver value for money, support business integration and consolidation and accelerate enhanced service delivery. Consequently, in 2003 the Office of Information Technology in the Department of Commerce will focus its review of agency IM&T strategic plans on how well agencies are intending to meet these objectives.

The review of agency IM&T Strategic Plans should also include a discussion of how each agency's strategic directions are aligned with, and actively support, whole of Government ICT strategic directions and priorities. The Office of Information Technology has prepared a Quick Reference to Key ICT Strategies, Policies and Directions which is available from the Website (www.oit.nsw.gov.au/Pathfinders) to direct and guide agencies in this task.

To further assist agencies in reviewing their IM&T strategic directions, I refer you to the Office of Information Technology's IM&T Strategic Planning Guideline available from the Website. (www.oit.nsw.gov.au/Policies_and_Guidelines/Guidelines/). Please note that the Guideline and associated Reporting Forms have been revised and require agencies to provide additional information.

Agencies that have not been substantially impacted by the recent changes are required to provide the Office of Information Technology with a copy of their finalised IM&T Strategic Plan and/or progress update. Plans and/or progress updates are to be submitted with a covering letter from each Chief Executive Officer outlining how IM&T strategies and specific initiatives (projects) support stated business objectives and contribute to agency outcomes, highlighting any significant changes in strategic directions and summarising progress in implementing existing programs, including shared corporate service arrangements.

Agencies are also required to complete the associated reporting forms regardless of whether they are submitting a new strategic plan or a progress update. The Office of Information Technology will be using information in the Project Briefs (Form 3) on current and proposed projects to identify opportunities that support business integration and consolidation and accelerated service delivery across government.

For newly established agencies, the Office of Information Technology is seeking an indication only at this time of when agencies expect to have developed an IM&T Strategic Plan that reflects new business directions and priorities. Agencies are requested to provide written advice from their agency Chief Executive Officer indicating the expected timeframe for completion of their IM&T strategic plan.

Plans and/or progress updates and advice from recently established agencies are to be submitted in hard copy to Mr Robert Wheeler, Acting Deputy Director General, Office of Information Technology, Department of Commerce, Level 3, 1 Queens Square, Sydney 2000 by 30 June 2003. All Reporting Forms are to be emailed to Ms Giulia Vitetta ([email protected]) by 30 June 2003.

Agencies requiring further assistance in revising their strategic plans or in completing the reporting forms can contact Ms Giulia Vitetta on (02) 9236 7697 or [email protected] and Ms Sue Coppola on (02) 9236 7744 or [email protected] in the Office of Information Technology.

A copy of this circular will be emailed directly to agency Chief Information Officers and/or Information Technology Managers for their attention.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

This Premier's Department Circular supersedes Circular 2002-16