Like pretty much everyone I know I am reading Richard’s book ‘Platformland’ at the moment – and I am sure I will have more to say on that topic when I finish it and properly digest it – but the first thing that has struck me as I work my through the chapters and examples is just how few actually touch points I personally have, or have had, with the Government/State (if you remove the NHS from the equation! That is a much closer relationship.).

This isn’t the first time I’ve realised this but it has been on my mind a lot recently in my new role. I have looked at the homepage of GOV.UK more in the last month probably than the last decade combined and it is stark just how little of it really touches me in my life.

Look at the ‘Popular on GOV.UK’ links (managed by one of my new teams);

HMRC account: sign in or set up – spent my whole career on PAYE part from one four month period in 2023. I do have an account but have only logged in twice (my accountant sorts it all.)

Get access to your eVisa – not relevant to me.

Universal Credit account: sign in – never been on benefits in the UC era (in fact never in the digital era – two months in 1996 only.)

Childcare account: sign in – no children / no childcare.

Personal tax account: sign in or set up – this year will be the first time I’ve ever had to look at this.

Self Assessment tax return: sign in – as above

In fact it goes wider than that. ‘Services and information’ includes the most links on the homepage → 

Benefits
Includes eligibility, appeals, tax credits and Universal Credit
As I said above – no real experience here.

Births, deaths, marriages and care
Parenting, civil partnerships, divorce and Lasting Power of Attorney
Never married so no divorce, no children and luckily to date no experience of dealing with LPA for a loved one or any family deaths where I have any responsibility other than to grieve. 

Business and self-employed
Tools and guidance for businesses
I do actually have a little experience in this section. Though in the end I just paid someone to sort it for me – nonetheless this is a legitimate touchpoint where I came to GOV.UK for information and support – finding it to some extent.

Childcare and parenting
Includes giving birth, fostering, adopting, benefits for children, childcare and schools
Nope. Nothing here ever. No kids. Never considered adoption or fostering (but very much admire those who do!).

Citizenship and living in the UK
Voting, community participation, life in the UK, international projects
I have used Register to Vote so another tiny touchpoint. 

Crime, justice and the law
Legal processes, courts and the police
I did do some research when I got jury duty so that is another one in the yes column. Been a long time since I was in trouble with the law though myself.

Disabled people
Includes carers, your rights, benefits and the Equality Act
Nothing.

Driving and transport
Includes vehicle tax, MOT and driving licences
Can’t drive so nope.

Education and learning
Includes student loans, admissions and apprenticeships
So old I am pre-student loans let alone anything else.

Employing people
Includes pay, contracts, hiring and redundancies
Zero engagement.

Environment and countryside
Includes flooding, recycling, farming and wildlife
Absolutely not.

Housing and local services
Owning or renting and council services
Well I do own my home so I guess this is a yes though can’t say I’ve ever thought to look here for any support from the Government regarding that.

Money and tax
Includes debt and Self Assessment
Yes – 2024 is going to be my first ever experience of Self Assessment (though the Assessment was done by my accountant rather than my Self)

Passports, travel and living abroad
Includes renewing passports and travel advice by country
Yes – for passports and fantasies of Canada.

Visas and immigration
Apply to visit, work, study, settle or seek asylum in the UK
Nada.

Working, jobs and pensions
Includes holidays, finding a job and redundancy
Well I do or have those things but haven’t needed Government intervention or advice (yet).

I have a similarly hands-off relationship with South Gloucestershire Council. I pay my Council Tax, complain about my bins not being collected every couple of years and make sure I am registered to vote. That is about it.

Of course I am only about a single degree of separation from a close family member or friend who has first hand experience of pretty much everything mentioned so I am not unfamiliar with the challenges, frustrations and obstacles across all types of interactions with the State no matter how much user research, service design and ,cough, AI we throw at things…but would I be better at my job, more effective, if I had more lived experience of interacting with the public sector at the sharp end? Maybe. I think I am lucky that my background and community has always exposed me to a real broad set of perspectives and experiences but I definitely have travelled through life with I suspect an unusually light touch relationship with the public sector I have been so proud to serve!

…but like I said, maybe that is because the NHS got all my attention!