CDSO Toolkit
In April 2024, the Digital Service Network (DSN) hosted an in-person convening of 23 Chief Digital Service Officers (CDSO). The convening of CDSOs from governments across the U.S. gathered for two days on Georgetown University’s campus to share, learn, and strategize about how they work to deliver equitable, accessible, and efficient digital services.
DSN and CDSOs Create Tools for Digital Service Improvement
The group of CDSO leaders and the DSN team developed tools for government digital service teams to replicate in their own organizations, aiming to spark conversations and problem-solving. The sessions also addressed leadership and talent challenges. By publicly articulating shared challenges in digitally transforming government service delivery, DSN supports others in the field to see themselves and their work in these notes and reflections.
Shape the Future of Digital Government Services with DSN
Government employees dedicated to improving equitable, accessible, and efficient digital service delivery are encouraged to connect with us at digitalservicenetwork@georgetown.edu. Share your insights and schedule a discussion with us. Your input will shape our 2024-2025 research and programming strategy, integrating lessons from the CDSO convening.
The DSN will use these surfaced needs and challenges as a jumping off point for our next year of targeted investment in research, writing, events, programming, and more to support and advance the work of digital practitioners in government.
Leadership Lessons
Many government agencies have recently established digital service teams in response to increased demand for digital delivery post-COVID-19. These teams are pioneering new processes within their agencies, navigating unique challenges as leaders in their field.
The CDSO gathering focused on discussions surrounding the realities of digital service leadership in government. Infographics summarizing these insights offer valuable perspective to emerging digital service teams. In the coming year, the DSN plans to leverage these insights to support digital leaders by reducing barriers and fostering collaboration across government sectors.
Building Digital Service Teams That Last: Hiring, Retention, and Upskilling
Digital service teams across various government levels face unique challenges and opportunities as they establish themselves. At the CDSO convening, leaders emphasized their commitment to building sustainable teams through improved hiring, retention strategies, and skill development. Discussions focused on overcoming associated challenges.
In the coming year, the DSN plans to use these insights to deliver workshops, training, and engagement opportunities. These efforts will focus on enhancing talent recruitment, retention, and development to strengthen digital service delivery in government sectors.
