How to prepare for your DIP
Steps
Early coordination to avoid gaps and rushed input
Identify and confirm relevant areas that will contribute and decide how contributions from those areas will be gathered. Relevant areas may include ICT, policy, program, corporate and finance. Ensure senior staff are aware of DIP requirements and consider any existing planning cycles that could influence timing.
Get a clear picture of your digital environment
Develop a reasonably consolidated view of the agency’s digital systems and assets. This does not need to be exhaustive, but it should cover the important systems and the systems likely to require investment or replacement. Consider your agency’s core systems and what they are used for, major dependencies, known issues, risks, end-of-life considerations and areas where investment decisions are approaching.
Designate a suitable responsible officer for the DIP
A responsible officer is someone who suits the context and structure of the agency. For example, a Chief Information Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Agency Head.
Common governance approaches include identifying an SES sponsor or equivalent role, using an existing governance committee to review the draft DIP, seeking agreement on how the DIP will be maintained and updated over time and setting clear oversight to support consistency and alignment.
Align with agency and whole-of-government strategies
Consider the broader strategic environment, this includes both internal strategies such as ICT, data or business strategies, and external strategies such as whole-of-government policies, frameworks, standards and schemes. This ensures the DIP is not prepared in isolation and the roadmap reflects broad policy and operational directions.
To briefly describe key artefacts, use the policies and framework guidance in Enablers. For examples and definitions, refer to the Glossary.
Think across short, medium and long-term horizons
Your agency should have a realistic plan across 3 horizons, reflecting the level of available certainty. This doesn’t have to be precise, but it helps your agency set direction.
• Horizon 1 (zero to 2 years) initiatives with defined scope or planning.
• Horizon 2 (2 to 4 years) areas with a developing direction or options.
• Horizon 3 (4 to 10 years) longer-term themes, major technology changes or areas where further analysis is expected.
Use DIP as a planning tool in your agency
DIPs are submitted to the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), but they should primarily be a tool to support your agency’s internal planning. For example, prioritisation, managing legacy, sequencing, capability planning and early risk identification. The DIP should help your agency build a clear view of its digital environment where major decisions or investments may be required.
Request help with your DIP
If you’re unsure how to approach your DIP, or want to test your thinking, contact planning@dta.gov.au.
It’s a good idea to contact the DTA early in your planning – not just when you are ready to submit.