How central and local governments have seen digital transformation success 

Government digital transformation - is it really possible?

In today's 'anywhere economy' exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens are increasingly expecting digital services in the public sector. From completing, signing to submitting forms people want to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. This presents an opportunity for digital transformation in the public sector to create digital solutions that allow them to execute contracts and agreements with ease. Through keeping customer centricity in mind digitising business processes can also ensure the safety and security of individual data. In this blog we will look at two case studies where local governments have adopted the use of Docusign products to deliver services to illustrate the starting points for digital transformation success can dramatically improve operations in government departments.

Swansea Council

Swansea is one of the largest unitary authorities in Wales. The Council's objectives include; safeguarding people from harm, improving education and skills, transforming economy and infrastructure, tackling poverty, maintaining and enhancing Swansea's natural resource and biodiversity, supporting the well-being and future generations act, as well as transformation and future development.

Products used

• Electronic Signature

How have they benefitted

• +12k sheets of paper saved

• 67% reduction in contracting time

• +593kgs of CO2 emissions averted

Why did they choose Docusign eSignature?

With an ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions, adopting Docusign eSignature was an obvious choice for the council as it endeavours to reduce its carbon footprint and discover digital transformation initiatives. Along with this the council had already digitised the procurement process up to the point the contract was drafted and sent to legal so finding a way to sign contracts securely with digital technology while ensuring legal compliance was the next step. In their old paper and pen processes, often contracts could take in excess of 30 days to complete and now they are seeing a 67% increase in speed. Adoption of Docusign eSignature was also simple and straightforward and didn't require any arduous training meaning that this move to digital was made smoother for those who were used to operating for decades with pen and paper.

Lambeth Council 

Lambeth Council is a London borough serving more than 300,000 residents and providing a huge range of public services, including adult social care, parks and housing.

Products used

• Electronic Signature, Electronic Seal

How have they benefitted

• 90% reduction in paper

• +1300% in Docusign usage by the council

Why did they choose Docusign eSignature?

When deciding which electronic signature solution to adopt, it was imperative that the council could digitse the official seal it uses when executing documents. The common seal of the council is the equivalent of the signature of the council. Affixing the common seal of the council to documents gives formula effect to any act or decision authorised by the Council. Most local authorities physically affix their common seal to documents, with the seal then stamped and witnessed by two signatories. Docusign has an integrated electronic seal feature which can simply be used and the council has even found that this digital alternative is much better than the previously used physical seal. Docusign eSignature provides electronic sealing capabilities to help streamline the sealing of documents. Our electronic sealing feature offers a flexible, automated process that can be added standalone in an envelope or within a signature workflow.

The benefits that Docusign eSignature can bring to government services are endless but it can be difficult at first to take the plunge and to change your entire way of working. However, successful digital transformation results in increased speed in contract turnaround time, reduced carbon footprint, lower costs and higher efficiency making the switch to digital business worth it.