The Welsh Government has announced plans to re-procure its Hwb web platform, a bilingual digital resource supporting education across Wales. A Prior Information Notice outlines the government's plans to enhance digital services in maintained schools, with an estimated investment of £8 million.
This initiative aligns with the government's vision to "embrace innovation to transform digital education in Wales," aiming to create a personalised, secure, and interconnected digital ecosystem. The goal is to equip educators and learners with the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly digital global society.
The forthcoming procurement process will seek a service provider capable of delivering IT services, including consulting, software development, internet support, and educational software packages. The contract is expected to cover a range of services to ensure the platform remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the education sector.
This move underscores the Welsh Government's focus on using digital technology to enhance educational outcomes and prepare learners for future challenges.
Since its inception, the Hwb platform has provided free access to world-class technology, including the latest Microsoft Office tools, Google for Education, and Adobe Spark, to every learner in maintained schools across Wales.
This has enabled both educators and students to use a wide range of digital tools and resources, fostering an environment conducive to modern learning.
The platform also offers access to the Encyclopaedia Britannica online, allowing learners to research topics in a safe and secure online environment, and includes ImageQuest, providing hundreds of copyright-free images for use in schoolwork.
In recent years, the Welsh Government has introduced some enhancements to the Hwb platform - including a new online user management portal to streamline user account management, making it more efficient for educators and administrators.
The decision to re-procure the Hwb platform reflects the Welsh Government's commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving educational landscape. By investing in the platform's redevelopment, the government aims to address any existing challenges, incorporate user feedback, and integrate the latest technological advancements to better serve the educational community in Wales.
As the procurement process unfolds, stakeholders anticipate that the upgraded Hwb platform will build upon its existing foundation, offering enhanced features and capabilities that align with the changing needs of educators and learners.