London, 28 January 2016

CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) today unveils the results of a major research study with over 4,400 UK civil servants. The research, carried out in January and then repeated at the end of 2015, shows that collaboration (83%) and digital transformation (82%) are the two top priorities for civil servants, in line with the priorities set out in the Chancellor’s recent spending review. However, the study also highlighted that data sharing within and amongst government departments, whilst increasing, still isn’t pervasive across government.

Data sharing needs to extend beyond Whitehall
In late 2015 71% of respondents said they share data with other central government departments, a figure that increased by 2% from January this year. In contrast, 31% said they share data with local government organisations (an increase of 6% from January) 29%, share data with third sector organisations and 26% share data with the private sector. Only 8% of respondents said their department makes data available via ‘open data platforms’ today.

Overcoming barriers to data sharing
By far the most cited barrier to further data sharing by government was the risk posed by a cyber security breach. At the end of 2015 49% of respondents cited concerns with cyber security as a barrier to their department sharing data, although this figure that was down 7% compared to the same research conducted in January 2015, suggesting the public sector is making improvements in its cyber security strategies. Other top barriers to data sharing include a ‘lack of interoperable systems’ at 38% and the challenge posed by ‘poor quality data from other organisations’ at 33% (up from 27% in January).

Steve Thorn, SVP Public Sector, CGI commented: “During the spending review the Chancellor lent support to both digital technologies and greater collaboration as critical approaches to achieving transformation across the public sector. However, this research clearly demonstrates that more needs to be done to foster data sharing within the public sector if we are to deliver on the efficiency opportunities presented by greater collaboration.

Sharing data within Whitehall is to be encouraged but it’s only half the battle, local government organisations need to be a key part of the action too.” He continued: “At CGI we are focused on working with our public sector clients to identify and unlock the benefits associated with data sharing and collaboration, data sharing is at the heart of the end to end digital transformation of Government. The support outlined in the spending review offers a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine and reshape the underlying processes of government and our public services.”

Over 4,400 UK civil servants participated in this commissioned research.in January 2015 and then repeated in late 2015. Respondents were drawn from a wide range of job functions including; operational delivery, project management, policy and IT.

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 65,000 professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services, including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance and infrastructure management, as well as 150 IP-based services and solutions. With annual revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog exceeding C$20 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Website: www.cgi.com.

Local media
Jenny Thorpe
UK External Communications
jenny.thorpe@cgi.com
+44 (0)7771 815428