Conclusion

In summary, the Focus Groups have provided valuable insights into the potential benefits and functionality of a shared workspace for policy development. They have also highlighted some key issues and risks that need to be explored in more depth before feasibility is assured. The Focus Groups also identified a level of scepticism about further electronic capability, and questioned the benefits of adding to the level of technology already available when the current functionality is not fully utilised. These questions signal the importance of a high degree of buy-in to the concept at a senior level. They also indicate the need to examine in detail the associated ownership and governance issues; the protocols for working within a shared workspace; and the degree of change involved in implementation. It should be noted that in the first working paper for this project, a number of key issues and questions were identified for further exploration (Appendix 3: Investigation report). This phase of the work has clarified some of the issues raised, particularly in respect of risk management and work practice principles and protocols that would support the electronic shared workspace. However, there remain a number of issues around ownership, governance and accountability, as well as models of collaboration yet to be considered in the final phase of this project.