ICT strategy development

The project issues
South Cambridgeshire District Council had recently undertaken a minor update of its ICT strategy and wanted a review to confirm it was fit for purpose. Malcolm Wylie, former Head of ICT at the Council, was asked on behalf of Socitm Consulting to review the strategy and make recommendations for improvement.

The Socitm Consulting solution
We interviewed key stakeholders, reviewed relevant Council documentation, compared the strategy with internal and external requirements and researched best practice. A report was produced, commenting on the existing strategy and service, and which included the following recommendations:

• The production of a comprehensive ICT strategy for the period 2008-12, which should be annually updated in line with Council priorities. The strategy should be formally approved and appropriately launched as a cornerstone of the Council’s improvement and efficiency agenda
• The re-establishment of the ICT Steering Group to oversee the development and delivery of the ICT strategic work programme, and the formation of a cross-departmental group of ICT customer managers to facilitate dialogue, planning and the sharing of ideas
• A more complete implementation of the CRM system with reference to recording ‘avoidable customer contact’ to meet National Indicator 14 requirements
• A more comprehensive implementation of project management methodologies for ICT work programmes and the re-introduction of SLAs

The benefits to the client
Our expertise in strategic review and development supported the Council in identifying priority areas for updating and future proofing its ICT strategy. As a result, the Council can produce an ICT strategy that will improve ICT governance, systems functionality and project delivery with the overall aim of contributing to more effective delivery of customer services. 

Project identification
Client organisation: South Cambridgeshire District Council
Client contact: Rob Bridge, Corporate Manager, Finance and Support Services, 08450 450500, rob.bridge@scambs.gov.uk
Lead consultant: malcolm.wylie@socitm.gov.uk
Project no: 6402