Episodes
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This episode of Transform Gov is packed with actionable insights for professionals working on website redevelopment, accessibility improvements, and international audience engagement. Hosted by Maeve Kneafsey, Episode 22 features Liz Coffey from the National Library of Ireland (NLI), sharing their journey to deliver a world-class digital platform for users at home and abroad.
What You'll Learn:
Bilingual Accessibility: How the NLI prioritised Irish and English language support, working with translation companies and automation tools like Sinosta to ensure high-quality content delivery.
User Experience Design (UX): The role of user research, remote workshops, and data-driven decision-making in crafting a platform that meets diverse audience needs.
Digital Innovation: Implementing features like ticketing integration, event management tools, and a robust content architecture to serve both domestic and international users effectively.
Global Reach: The NLI’s success in attracting audiences from Japan, the US, and beyond to their unique collections on Yeats, Seamus Heaney, and other Irish cultural treasures.
Genealogy and Family History: The popularity of the NLI’s parish registers and their value to researchers, especially those tracing family roots impacted by the destruction of the Four Courts archives during the Irish Civil War.
Key Results:
A remarkable 84% increase in reader ticket applications since launching the new website in March 2023.
Expanded online visibility and engagement through international events, webinars, and social media campaigns.
Enhanced analytics to understand and cater to user interests, from genealogy to Irish literature.
Future Innovations:
Liz Coffey gives an exclusive preview of the NLI’s ambitious plans, including the redevelopment of the West Wing into a vibrant cultural space featuring exhibitions, learning areas, and more. With the goal of unveiling these updates for the library’s 100th anniversary in 2027, the NLI continues to set the bar for public sector innovation.
Advice for Public Sector Professionals:
Plan with Purpose: Establish clear deliverables and business needs before selecting development partners.
Iterate and Improve: Launch first, then refine based on user feedback and post-launch reviews.
Collaborate Effectively: Work closely with translation and development partners to integrate workflows seamlessly into internal systems.
Don’t Miss This Episode!
This conversation is a goldmine of insights for anyone working on public sector digital transformation, multilingual content strategies, or engaging international and domestic audiences.
Subscribe to Transform Gov and receive your personal update for more episodes spotlighting innovation in the public sector. Hit the like button, share this podcast!
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Ready to find out how data is transforming public policy? In Part 2 of our conversation with Martin Quigley, Head of Data and Analytics at Pobal, we explore practical insights and game-changing strategies for leveraging data in the public sector.
What you’ll gain from this episode:✅ Actionable Advice: How to kickstart data-driven decision-making, including the role of governance in maximising outcomes.
✅ Quick Wins vs. Long-Term Gains: Demonstrating early value without compromising foundational governance.
✅ High-Value Data Projects: Insights from projects like the HRB(Health Research Board) and NDTRS (National Drug Treatment Reporting System) reporting system, showcasing the power of linking datasets for impactful research.
✅ Empowering Data Entry Teams: Helping frontline workers see the bigger picture—how their efforts shape future policies.
✅ Building Trust in Data: Transparency, quality, and accessibility as the foundation of impactful analytics.
What’s new in this episode?
Discover the story behind Pobal Maps, with 500k views in the last 12 months, and how GIS technology boosted the usability of the HP Deprivation Index.Learn how Pobal collaborates with public sector users to create bespoke dashboards and track the impact of interventions over time.Explore the role of open data in making the HP Deprivation Index accessible for policy-making and research.Hear about Martin’s vision for the future, including generative AI innovations and strategies to prepare the workforce for the next wave of transformation.Why listen?
Martin offers invaluable insights into tackling resistance to data governance, creating impactful data products, and integrating advanced technologies like AI into public sector workstreams.
Hear how data can transform policymaking to create smarter, more responsive governments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that uncover the future of digital government!
🔗www.digitalgovawards.com
#TransformGov #DataDrivenPolicy #PublicSectorInnovation #PobalMaps #GenerativeAI #DigitalGovernment
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode Martin Quigley, Head of Data and Analytics at Pobal, explores how data is transforming policymaking and ensuring government supports reach those who need them most. With Pobal’s workforce growing from 220 to 720 people in just nine years—and its analytics team expanding to 32 experts—Martin reveals the critical role of data in shaping Ireland’s public policies.
From answering over 1,200 Oireachtas questions annually to producing insights that guide early interventions for disadvantaged children, Martin shares invaluable tips on data management and governance frameworks that are relevant to anyone in the public sector.
🎥 Watch now to learn how data is driving smarter decisions and creating real impact across Ireland! Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into transforming the public sector. 🔔
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Is our cultural heritage at risk of fading away in the digital age? In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Dr. Lisa Griffith, Director of the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) and winner of the Open Data Ireland eGovernment Award. Dr. Griffith shares how the DRI is safeguarding Ireland’s rich digital heritage, from pivotal moments like the Repeal the 8th Amendment campaign to the folklore of the Traveller community. Discover how open access to large and diverse collections not only enriches research but also keeps Ireland’s story alive on a global stage.
Tune in to learn why preserving digital records is crucial for public sector organisations of all kinds and explore the DRI’s vision for a future where Ireland’s history is open, accessible, and secure for generations to come!
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Ever wondered how apprenticeships can be a game-changer for tech talent in the public sector? In this episode of Transform Gov, we spotlight the FIT program, which has trained nearly 1,000 apprentices in software development, cybersecurity, networking, and more.
With 70% of tech roles suited to intermediate skills, apprenticeships offer a smart, cost-effective solution, keeping top talent focused on high-priority work while developing new tech professionals. The best part? 85% of apprentices stay on with their employer after qualifying—boosting retention and creating dedicated, homegrown teams.
🎥 Watch the teaser below and tune in to see how apprenticeships are opening doors to high-impact tech roles! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more insights on transforming public service! #TransformGov #Apprenticeships #TechCareers #PublicSectorInnovation
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We're excited to introduce HSE innovation champion Anna Marie Kiernan, whose dedication to finding effective solutions for chronic pain patients has led to a groundbreaking outcome. With a relentless drive to improve quality of life, Anna Marie’s work has brought virtual reality into the pain management toolkit, transforming how patients experience relief and resilience.
Joining her is Niall O'Driscoll, Joint CEO of ShineVR, the company behind this innovative VR solution. Together, they’re pioneering a unique approach that could reshape pain management across Ireland. Listen in as they share the journey, insights, and transformative impact of VR in healthcare—an inspiring testament to what’s possible when technology meets compassionate care.
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Enjoy a transformation masterclass with Kathrin Chambers, Digital Marketing Manager at Fáilte Ireland (tourism board), to explore their successful digital transformation journey along with the story of their award-winning 'Keep Discovering Car-Free' campaign which earned them the Ireland eGovernment Marketing Award.
Kathrin shares valuable insights into how they shifted their focus from brands to visitors first and defined clear goals for what success looked like.
Discover how Fáilte Ireland streamlined their digital properties, consolidating websites from seven to three and optimising social channels with a headless CMS for seamless updates. Kathrin also reveals how they kept senior leadership engaged through show-and-tell sessions, documented their learnings in a wiki for future projects, and how their front-office team played a pivotal role during COVID, updating core databases and driving a surge in digital referrals for tourist organisations.
Don’t miss this deep dive into Fáilte Ireland’s innovative strategies for digital growth and success!
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In Part 2 of this eye-opening interview with Fingal County Council’s Aisling Hyland, we discover the innovative use of virtual reality (VR) in Fingal Libraries that landed them the top spot in the Education category of the Ireland eGovernment Awards!
Find out how citizens of all ages—from 13 to 89—are embracing VR for experiences as diverse as virtual mountain biking, creating spray art in New York, and exploring Anne Frank’s hideaway. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing how technology can open up entirely new worlds in a local library setting.
Find out how with the help of Meta and Eirmersive have helped shape this pioneering initiative, and hear Aisling’s insights on how Fingal is overcoming challenges to make VR a success—including securing buy-in from librarians, who are crucial to keeping the VR headsets in action.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a public sector innovator, or simply curious about the future of libraries, this episode offers valuable insights into how VR is engaging communities in entirely new ways.
Watch now to be inspired by how VR is transforming public services—and don’t forget to subscribe for more future-focused content from Transform Gov!
👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you believe in the power of tech for public good! 🔔
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In this exciting episode of Transform Gov, we speak with Aisling Hyland, Digital Programme Officer at Fingal County Council who were the Overall Winners of the 2024 Ireland eGovernment Awards!
Aisling shares how cutting-edge technology like VR, 3D, and web views transformed how citizens engage with large public realm developments, including the revitalisation of Balbriggan's beach and main street. With the help of RealSim’s gaming technology, they built a digital twin of the area, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the proposed plans and provide feedback like never before.
Discover how Fingal overcame challenges in visualising complex projects, increased public consultation by 140%, and adjusted their plans during the pandemic by creating web-accessible views. Aisling also offers invaluable advice to other local authorities on adopting digital twins and shares a bold vision for the future of this technology in shaping public spaces far beyond planning consultations. 🌍
Tune in for an inspiring look at how digital innovation is shaping the future of public services!
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In this episode of Transform Gov, we explore the innovative FIT apprenticeship program, a fast-track initiative designed to propel individuals with the right aptitude and attitude into successful careers in tech—no need for top CAO points.
We had the privilege of speaking with two current apprentices and a mentor, who shared their inspiring journey. They explained how they applied to the program, managed by FIT for the Irish public sector (applications available on www.publicjobs.ie), and the unique learn-and-earn model that combines hands-on experience with invaluable mentorship.
This program is revolutionizing public service recruitment, providing a diverse talent pipeline for those eager to make a meaningful impact on society, not just profits. It’s a brilliant opportunity for anyone looking to take a different route into the tech industry, one where their work benefits the nation.
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Is Ireland a weak link in Europe’s cyber security chain? In this insightful, jargon-free interview, Patricia Shields talks about the realities of cyber threats, from phishing to ransomware, and explores the increasing efforts to bolster Ireland's cyber security infrastructure. Learn how organisations can prepare, the role of the EU in shaping our response, and the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act’s impact. Tune in to hear about state-backed attacks, threat modelling, digital twins, and more. Cybersecurity isn’t just an “if” question – it’s a “when.” 🔗 Listen now to stay ahead of the curve and protect your digital assets! #CyberSecurity #TechTalk #TransformGov #DigitalSecurity #IrelandEU
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In the latest episode of Transform Gov, we discover the transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on Public Sector roles and services with Prof. Vinny Wade, Snr. Lecturer Computer Science, Trinity College Dublin.
Highlights:
Early Adopters & Shifts: From tech giants to public sector departments like marketing, customer service, and software development, GenAI is revolutionizing the way we work. While it won’t take your job, someone using it might!Changing Workforce: GenAI is reshaping roles, with a focus on knowledge workers. Being GenAI literate is no longer optional—it's essential. Expect productivity to skyrocket as we embrace these tools.Creativity & Co-Creation: Can GenAI be creative? It might not rival a human artist, but it’s proving to be an incredible co-creator, sparking imagination and innovation across industries.Global Perspectives: With the EU’s AI Act on the horizon, we explore how different countries are navigating the delicate balance of innovation, ethics, and regulation.Empowering Public Services: Imagine personalized government services tailored to your life stages and unique needs. GenAI is making this a reality, helping public sector employees deliver more responsive and informed services.Ethics & Sovereignty: As we integrate GenAI, the conversation around digital sovereignty and ethical safeguards becomes crucial. How do we ensure that we remain in control while harnessing the benefits of AI?Join us in this engaging discussion and learn how GenAI can help build a more balanced and effective public sector. Tune in, follow, and share this episode to stay ahead of the curve!
#AI #GenAI #DigitalGovernment #PublicSector #Innovation #Podcast #AIRegulation
Don't miss out—listen now and be part of the future!
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In the latest episode of Transform Gov, we enjoy a fascinating chat about the transformative power of AI in the public sector with Prof. Vinny Wade from Trinity College Dublin.
In part 1 we explore the evolution of neural networks to the incredible speed of modern processors, we explore why AI is making waves - why now?
Discover how AI is reshaping everything from customer support to personalised learning in government, and hear real-world examples of AI in action—both the triumphs and the challenges.
We also touch on the crucial role of ethics, data privacy, and the importance of context in deploying AI solutions effectively.
Whether you're curious about AI's potential or its pitfalls, this episode is packed with insights for public sector professionals in Ireland.
👉 Don't miss out—follow, listen, and share this episode to stay ahead in the AI revolution!
#AI #DigitalGovernment #PublicSectorInnovation #Podcast
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In part two of Transform Gov 's interview with Barry Lowry, Ireland’s CIO we hear about what is coming down the track and why Ireland continues to be ahead of the curve when it comes to digitising access to public services. Barry shares insights on the sizable projects overseen by digital government and emphasises the importance of leveraging existing technologies within the public sector rather than redeveloping functions from scratch. Barry discusses the unique position of the Irish government, which enjoys the highest trust levels among OECD countries. The episode explores how digital government is adapting to the diverse needs of citizens. He discusses the innovative approach of organising services around life events such as births, marriages, and bereavements, which necessitates collaboration across public bodies to anticipate citizens' needs. We hear about the introduction of the digital wallet, a pioneering phase in Ireland's digital government efforts. #digitaltransformation #publicsector #digitalwallet #lifeevents #aiact #government #podcast
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In this episode of Transform Gov: The Digital Government Podcast, Maeve Kneafsey sits down with Barry Lowry, Ireland's Chief Information Officer, for the first of a two-part interview series. Barry shares his experiences and insights from his pivotal role in transforming Ireland's digital landscape. He discusses the evolution of digital governance, highlighting key initiatives such as the my.gov portal and the rollout of digital COVID certificates that have set Ireland ahead in digital service delivery.
Barry delves into the essential qualities of transformational leadership and how he has fostered collaboration across government agencies. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, Barry's leadership has propelled Ireland to the forefront of digital governance, with 2.6 million verified users engaging with digital services at twice the EU average rate.
Discover the strategies and teamwork that enabled Barry's team to issue over 1.25 million COVID certificates in record time and how they navigated the challenges of the pandemic through seamless digital solutions. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of digital government and the critical role of leadership in driving transformation.
Tune in to learn how Barry Lowry is shaping the future of digital governance in Ireland and beyond.
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Welcome to Transform Gov - the podcast where we explore the cutting-edge of digital government!
In Episode 7 we’re thrilled to feature Louise Jevens, CIO of the Department of Justice in Ireland. We hear how Louise Jevens and her team used technology to avert a post-Brexit crisis. When Louise's Secretary General directed her to do whatever was needed to avoid queues at Dublin Port she rose to the challenge and technology came to the rescue.
From digitising the public sector recruitment process to tackling the challenges of Brexit and now working to revolutionise the immigration services, Louise has been a driving force behind some of Ireland’s most transformative public sector projects.
Hear how she led the charge in adopting online testing, developing systems to manage Brexit's complexities, and creating innovative solutions to support Ukrainian refugees. Discover her vision for the future of AI in government and her dedication to increasing women's representation in tech.
This episode is packed with insights and stories that showcase the true power of digital transformation. Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Transform Gov now and join us for an inspiring conversation with Louise Jevens. 🎧✨
#irelandegovernmentawards #publicsectortransformation #digitaltransformation #deptjustice #publicsector #publicservants #brexit #irelandgovernment
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🌟 Transform Gov Podcast: Louise Jevens - A Tech Trailblazer in Ireland’s Public Sector 🌟
Louise Jevens joined the civil service straight out of school, thinking she’d just “see if she liked it.” Thirty years later, she's a celebrated tech leader in the Irish public sector, making impactful contributions through digital transformation.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
- Prime Minister FOMO: The press office incident when the Irish Taoiseach's Blackberry caused FOMO with the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
- Acing the Start: Louise aced an internal competition to train as a computer analyst early in her career, setting the stage for her journey as a tech leader.
- Public Service Passion: She emphasizes the unique satisfaction of working in the public sector, witnessing firsthand the benefits her projects bring to citizens. It’s a team environment that integrates with the private sector, making it dynamic and fulfilling.
- Early Tech Adoption: Her journey began at Social Protection, where she experienced the integration of silo schemes into a single customer view. This forward-thinking approach was essential for disseminating and collecting billions of euros.
- Customer-Centric Mindset: Louise discusses the shift from automating existing processes to focusing on customer needs, sharing data to make better policy and service decisions.
- Strategic CIO Role: She highlights the strategic role of CIOs in policy formulation through data analysis, now having a seat at management boards.
- PULSE Implementation: At An Garda Síochána, Louise was part of the team that built PULSE, centralizing information for Garda analysis and enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Pioneering eCabinet: Leading a small IT team at the Dept of An Taoiseach, she developed the eCabinet project, digitizing the cabinet office and setting a precedent in the EU and possibly the world. This project enhanced security and efficiency, attracting international interest.
- Collaborative Network: She values her network across different departments, collaborating with colleagues and gaining insights to drive successful projects.
- Supporting Women in Tech: Louise is passionate about encouraging young people, especially women, to join the public service for fresh ideas and knowledge.
🚀 Tune in to this episode to hear Louise’s incredible journey and insights on driving digital transformation in the public sector.
#TransformGov #DigitalTransformation #PublicSector #Ireland #TechLeadership #WomenInTech #Podcast #Innovation
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The HSE continues to face ongoing challenges in protecting patient information. The latest incident in June 2024 was the result of an internal IT glitch that compromised the vaccination details of over one million people. In part 2 of Transform Gov’s interview with Maria McCann, former Director of Data and Informatics at the HSE we discuss, amongst other topics, the ongoing data security issues faced by the HSE, Maria underscores the inevitability of cyber threats and the critical role of the CISO.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
- Crisis Management: Maria's resilience was tested through the COVID crisis and the Ukrainian refugee crisis, where she played a pivotal role in managing the response efforts. Tune in to hear how she used "energy buckets" to build team resilience.
- Data Security Challenges: Discussing the ongoing data security issues faced by the HSE, Maria underscores the inevitability of cyber threats and the critical role of the CISO.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: The Ukrainian refugee crisis required seamless collaboration across multiple departments and organisations, including EY and Microsoft. Discover the complexities of aligning diverse teams to support refugees, such as ensuring access to cancer treatment centres.
- Managing Expectations: With a large stakeholder group, prioritizing needs and managing expectations were crucial. Maria highlights the importance of plain English communication and open conversations to align everyone's efforts.
- AI in Healthcare: Maria emphasizes that AI must be driven by clinicians to support healthcare effectively. She shares her involvement with Spunout, a charity using AI to support young people's mental health. She also tell us about the innovative Fastrack to IT apprenticeship program.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- The human element is the hardest and most important part of major projects, requiring honest communication and alignment.
- Data quality and governance are foundational for successful AI initiatives.
- The importance of practical education pathways, like tech apprenticeships, to bridge skills gaps and support lifelong learning.
Join us as Maria McCann shares her invaluable experiences and insights into the world of digital transformation in government. 🌐📊
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Transforming Healthcare; Organisational Psychologist and former HSE Director of Data and Informatics, Maria McCann played a pivotal role in revolutionising digital health at the HSE. Which included her time working with Richard Corbridge, CIO of HSE, the COVID response team and Ukrainian crisis.
Episode Highlights:
· Patient-Centered Transformation - How Maria and her team focused on integrating IT solutions seamlessly into the workflows of both patients and clinicians, ensuring technology enhances rather than complicates their experiences.
· Driving Change with Clinicians: How Maria managed to get 200 HSE clinicians to drive change, highlighting the critical role of clinical teams in successful digital transformation.
· Resilience During COVID: Hear about the extraordinary efforts to support clinicians, risking their lives during the pandemic, in the implementation of the Individual Health Identifier (IHI) and remote work migration for 1500 HSE workers.
· Collaborative Efforts: Understand the extensive collaboration with various public sector agencies, including the Department of Health, OGCIO, ESRI, CSO, and many more, to drive forward crucial projects like the HSE tracker and vaccination management.
· Innovative strategies used to transition to remote work, including "how-to" video guides and online learning forums that saw 1000 registrations in just two days.
#DigitalTransformation #PublicSector #Podcast #HealthcareInnovation #PatientCentricCare #HSE #RichardCorbridge #MariaMcCann #ClinicalLeadership #COVID19Response #RemoteWork #Collaboration #DigitalHealth #IHITech #eGovernmentAwards
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On this episode of our digital transformation podcast we meet Dr. Sandra Collins, a trailblazer in the public sector's digital landscape, who is also a three-time winner of the Ireland eGovernment Awards. She has been instrumental in bringing transformative projects out of the basement (literally) and into the limelight.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
- Discover how entering prestigious awards can remind you of the significance of your transformation efforts.
- Explore how everything we create today, from art to social interactions, is digital, and why safeguarding our digital history is crucial.
- Learn about the digitisation of parish records and how it has revolutionised genealogy research.
- Understand why Dr. Collins believes digital transformation projects should be people-centric, focusing on problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.
- Pandemic Insights. Hear stories from the National Library during the pandemic, where virtual events saw unprecedented public engagement with cultural material.
- Delve into the challenges of recording history in a digital age and the critical role of digital repositories.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of not letting digital transformation be driven solely by technologists.
- The necessity of preserving digital records to avoid a potential new dark age.
- The need for agreements with tech companies to secure our social history.
#DigitalTransformation #PublicSector #Podcast #DigitalHistory #Innovation #Preservation #TechLeadership #CulturalHeritage #DrSandraCollins #eGovernmentAwards #DigitalRepositoryOfIreland
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