The Scottish Executive has signed its first national contract to improve information sharing across multiple agencies.

Under the terms of the deal with public sector IT specialist Anite, nine Scottish authorities will be able to share information and undertake joint procurement exercises.

Anite’s Swift social care product will be integrated with Scotland’s eCare Multi-Agency Stores, which hold health and social care information, allowing social care practitioners to improve the services offered to citizens.

Hazel McMorrow, head of performance and resources at Stirling Council and chairwoman of the Swift user group, says the contract is a significant milestone in achieving the effective sharing of data across the Scottish public sector.

‘By integrating information systems, service providers will be able to work more effectively with colleagues from other agencies,’ she said.

McMorrow says benefits include better-informed services, enhanced decision-making processes and improved results for citizens receiving social care.

The contract, the first of its kind in Scotland, will see the Scottish Executive acting on behalf of nine authorities who must adhere to national standards governed by the Executive.

‘Shared procurement represents one of the most significant financial opportunities in aggregating and optimising the considerable public sector spend in Scotland,’ said Peter Russell, head of the efficient government group at the Scottish Executive.

Tola Sargeant, senior analyst at Ovum, says the deal makes procurement more efficient as buying power is increased.

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