Statement of the steps taken by Transport Scotland to improve efficiency, effectiveness and economy in the exercise of its functions in the period

Our information technology team has worked closely with colleagues within Scottish Government to ensure that we remain well placed to benefit from new and emerging technologies. This has included the continued exploitation of Office 365 services, which provide an up-to-date suite of Microsoft Office programmes which are also available from corporately owned mobile phones. The increase in mobile services has also allowed us to move away entirely from desk-based telephony. Throughout 2023-24 we have continued to focus on ensuring compliance with key legislation and identifying actions for continuous improvement. This resulted in the delivery of the annual data protection and information governance check and report which included a number of recommendations to sustain existing good practice. This was supplemented by the on-going provision of advice, support and training on information handling policies and procedures.

We continue to work to improve corporate processes and ensure that appropriate budgets are allocated to fund the agreed commitments, and that they reflect robust projections within our long-term financial planning model.

We conduct regular Self Assessments exercises across all business areas throughout the year and we seek to provide assurance in respect of Best Value principles and seek recommendations for further continuous improvement.

Our approach to ‘Smarter Working’ allows a flexible approach to how we deliver objectives.

Our Corporate Procurement Strategy supports Scottish Government’s goals of increasing competitiveness and tackling inequality. We continue to undertake our procurement activity in a sustainable manner by ensuring that each project procurement strategy considers sustainability and utilises collaborative contracts where appropriate. As well as including fair work and carbon requirements in our procurements, we remain at the forefront of implementing community benefits into our contracts and promoting our procurements to provide opportunities for SMEs and Supported Businesses.