The global pandemic from 2020 to 2022 revealed the need for more digital service pathways and significantly accelerated the implementation of digital solutions within the District Commissioners’ offices. In 2022, the District Commissioners were tasked with undertaking an extensive digital restructuring of all services provided by the offices, and they received an additional ISK 180 million in funding for the fiscal years 2023–2024 to support this effort. The aim was to deliberately speed up the adoption of new digital solutions and strengthen the District Commissioners’ services for the future. The project plan was successfully carried out, and numerous new digital solutions were implemented during this period, as outlined in the annual report for the years 2019 to 2024. The results are based on strong collaboration among employees, District Commissioners, the District Commissioners’ Council, the Ministry of Justice, and Digital Iceland.

During this period, the District Commissioners moved their website to Ísland.is and developed a variety of digital solutions and automation within service processes. The offices also connected with other institutions so that they can now receive data automatically, instead of requiring customers to collect it themselves between institutions. At the same time, the country’s population grew by 40,000 and the number of cases increased significantly. Despite this, the number of staff positions at the offices has remained unchanged. As a result, the offices’ productivity has increased substantially, and about half of Iceland’s population uses the services of the District Commissioners each year.

It is important to note that the digital transformation was led by the offices’ own employees. The District Commissioners built the improvement efforts on their internal human resources—people who know the subject matter best. Employees took an active role in the implementation, assumed greater responsibility, and collectively created a shared vision for improved service pathways. Their contribution has been key to the success achieved.

The benefits are also clearly reflected in the experience of both employees and the public. Job satisfaction has generally increased, cooperation within the offices has strengthened, and more and more employees are pursuing continuing education. At the same time, public trust and satisfaction with the District Commissioners’ services have never been higher.

The District Commissioners’ Annual Report 2019–2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the offices’ activities over a six‑year period, with operations, services, and digital transformation at the forefront.

The report includes, among other things:

• An analysis of the offices’ structure, districts, population numbers, and the development of staff positions and office locations.

• A discussion of the offices’ operations, cost trends, and budget allocations.

• An overview of the District Commissioners’ digital journey, its goals, key projects, and the results measured in increased service satisfaction, greater trust, and higher employee satisfaction.

• A summary of the main services and areas of responsibility of the District Commissioners, including estates, registrations, family matters, licensing, passport and driver’s license applications, parking permits, criminal records, mortgage certificates, enforcement, forced sales, and guardianship matters, along with a discussion of digital improvements in each area.

• A description of the administration of advance voting in elections during the period.

• A discussion of special projects undertaken by the offices across the country, along with statistical information showing the scope and development of these projects.

• A special appendix on the purchase of residential housing in Grindavík following volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, including a discussion of the District Commissioners’ involvement in the project.

“The vision for the future is clear – to provide the people of Iceland with outstanding service, wherever and whenever, regardless of residence, and tailored to their needs. The digital transformation is not complete; the work will continue with the goal of offering secure, efficient, and accessible services – and living up to the great trust the public places in the District Commissioners.”
Kristín Þórðardóttir, Chair of the District Commissioners’ Council, District Commissioner of South Iceland and Acting District Commissioner in Vestmannaeyjar

The report is published exclusively in electronic form (PDF).
Annual reports and other published material can be accessed on the “Published Material” page on the District Commissioners’ website.