About ISID

Information Strategy and Innovation Division (ISID) is responsible for 3 key areas of work:

Efficient and secure use of information and communication technologies;
Information and communication technologies (IT) plays a critical part in helping the modern NICS to conduct its business. ISID acts as the client for generic IT requirements across the NICS, and so the Director acts as the Chief Information Officer for the NICS.

A central design authority ensures that the IT and information resources are continually optimised to provide best value for money and in turn to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency. This includes the development of policies, strategies, standards and guidelines for IT, information management and information assurance.  Information assurance is of the highest priority and ISID provides leadership on this key aspect for the entire NICS.

Promoting and improving access to government services and information for our citizens through the NI Direct Programme.
ISID is responsible for the NI Direct Programme, which aims to improve and simplify access to Government Services by citizens.  NI Direct aims to provide the citizen with information; to allow the citizen to undertake transactions; and to put the citizen in touch with the correct government office, dealing effectively with at least 50% of enquiries at the first point of contact.

NI Direct is now moving from the pilot phase to full implementation, operating a single citizen-facing website and a multi-channel contact centre using the 101 telephone number. For more detailed information on NI Direct click on www.nidirect.gov.uk

Providing in-house business consultancy services.
ISID is responsible for Business Consultancy Services (BCS), the in-house business consultancy for the NICS. BCS provides first-class consultancy advice across the NICS and wider public sector, reducing reliance on external management consultants. It provides its clients with independent, expert advice and solutions in relation to business change, be that a change in policy, structure, governance, process or service delivery. Business Consultants get involved in shaping the change, planning the change, and/or implementing the change.

In all of its work ISID is conscious of the need for value for money, both in its own activities and to help its clients and stakeholders achieve value in their own businesses. It does so by critically examining processes and exploiting technology to help reduce costs and improve services.