New deal delivers free tech boost for city kids
A NEW deal which will result in hundreds of city pupils getting a free tablet has been agreed by the city council.
In March, the Evening Times revealed the council was considering a new contract which would result in tablets being given to all pupils from P6 upwards.
Councillors have now agreed to enter a seven-year agreement with IT and business consulting service CGI which provides services to Edinburgh and Scottish Borders councils and the Scottish Government.
As well as providing support for the council, it will result in a stepchange in digital services required to support jobs, education, innovation and health for decades to come.
And new infrastructure will be introduced to make city schools among the best connected in the world.
The deal is expected to transform the job prospects of over 700 residents by sponsoring software development training for 100 long term unemployed every year. Improved access to technology will allow new ways of delivering care services allowing many more people to be cared for i n t heir homes.
Improved high speed wireless will be introduced in all city libraries and the council will work with local charities to make decommissioned council computers available to people without access to technology.
The new deal will also result in better identifying where technology could help vulnerable people.
It will also result in a dramatic increase in the number of transactions with the council which can be completed online.
City council technology champion Angus Millar said: “We have an opportunity to completely redesign how we use technology to improve the lives of all Glaswegians.”
Steve Thorn, president of CGI UK operations, described the new deal as “exciting”.
He said: “We are delighted to partner with Glasgow City Council on this journey to enable the digital transformation of public services throughout Glasgow.”
The council and CGI are now working to conclude the deal in advance of the new contract starting in April.