How to Advance the Paperless Government Mission

Is it possible to go paperless in government departments? Manual, paper-intensive processes waste time and money. They can also create frustration for both government employees and citizens interacting with government services. Today, citizens increasingly expect to encounter mobile-friendly digital tools for interaction and self-service that are available 24/7. So it is paramount that governments move away from resource-intensive manual processes and paperwork. Government waste data statistics show that organisations send tonnes of paper to waste every year. Going paperless has many benefits. Electronic signatures can play a crucial role in this digital transformation.

A More Agreeable Government

Agreements and contracts are a fundamental part of business, and there is no exception for government business. Government forms and contracts need to be prepared, signed, acted on and managed. In government, agreements are used for IT, human resources, procurement and contracts with external organisations. The government produce critical paperwork like invoices, timesheets, employment forms and supplier agreements. Creating a better digital experience and eliminating manual, paper-based tasks can help agreements get completed at speed. It reduces costs and creates fewer risks. Contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools can significantly streamline these processes.

If citizens can complete forms, sign and submit them electronically, it means that they can sign them conveniently from anywhere. For government employees, it provides them with tools that help make their jobs easier. Electronically signed forms are compliant with laws and regulations and can contribute to reduced government spending. The legality of electronic signatures is well-established in many countries, including the UK.

Three Steps to Going Paperless

1. Focus on digital tools that are easy to adopt

Focus on easy-to-adopt tools that can set you up for future success and ensure efficiency across your agreement process. Choose solutions that citizens are already familiar with for easier adoption. It's also best to check that the solutions you choose, integrate easily with existing business applications.

2. Partner with Providers

Partner with a provider that can streamline the entire agreement process so that you can make every form searchable and easy to sign online. Ensure that the provider offers a high level of security and compliance.

3. Map and modernise the entire agreement process

Modernise the entire system of agreement. Start by mapping the people, processes and technologies involved in preparing, negotiating, signing documents, acting on terms and managing completed agreements. Bulk sending capabilities can be particularly useful for distributing documents to multiple recipients efficiently.

Docusign brings secure digital transactions to international governments working remotely with electronic forms, agreements, applications, correspondence management and approval processes.

One of the world's largest cities recently needed to supply masks, face shields and industrial safety equipment to be used in hospitals and health centres. Docusign worked with the city's technology team to help them co-ordinate suppliers. Suppliers use an eSignature PowerForm to provide the necessary information and authorise transactions. In the UK, Docusign works with several NHS trusts to support critical patient needs, ensuring hospitals get supplies as quickly as possible, and key workers can file paperwork remotely. In another large city, the public health agency wanted to maximise compliance by asking those infected with COVID-19 to sign quarantine orders. Docusign was able to help the city quickly facilitate an eSignature solution. Digital transformation allows governments to eliminate manual tasks around signing, routing and filing government paperwork. To discover more, discover the Docusign Agreement Cloud for Government or contact us today.