Auditing/critical friend
Because of our independence from suppliers of software and hardware, Socitm Consulting is often called upon to provide an independent view. This may range from reviewing the performance of an ICT service, to reviewing the contractual performance of a strategic partner or outsource supplier. Diplomacy and tact are often required, in addition to the absolute objectivity that we offer.
Related case studies (which have been endorsed by the client):
Willingness to change
"Understanding the implications of change, awareness of the risks and how to manage them, utter conviction that the outcome is worth the journey"
Shared Services
Shared services have been high on the agenda since they received specific mention in the Varney report as a means of achieving cashable efficiency savings, and in the Local Government Act as a way two-tier authorities could match the efficiencies achieved in unitaries. In reality, the experience of shared services has been mixed, with relatively few examples delivering the promised benefits.
Social Services system implementation review
Audit of PC disposal procedures
Guidance on ICT management review
The project issues
Following a recent Council restructuring the Head of ICT wished to have some advice and guidance in preparation for an ICT management review. The specific requirement was some guidance regarding the preparation of a business case to support the management review. The advice required was generally around the areas of span of control, allocated responsibilities, customer service and technical services management.
Devolved-centralised review and BV critical friend
The project issues
Portsmouth City Council is in the process of implementing a new council-wide organisational structure, 'Moving Towards Excellence'. PCC is moving from a large number of individual departments to Strategic Directorates – four covering front line services, one covering all resources and one to address overall strategy and 'hot' cross-service strategic and change management priorities.
Business Case
The project issues
The Oxfordshire Gateway portal (“the Gateway”) had been developed in 2004 on behalf of the six local authorities in Oxfordshire, using ODPM eGovernment partnership funding. The hosting and support contract with the technology supplier was due to expire in early 2007, and it was decided to take this opportunity to engage external consultancy to review the current services and to produce a business case for the future direction on the Gateway.
Revenues and Benefits best practice survey
The project issues
The London Borough of Merton commissioned us to conduct a market research survey to help them understand how local authorities that perform well in handling Revenues and Benefits achieve this. The survey would gather data concerning the implementation and use of Revenues and Benefits systems and uncover plans, issues and obstacles encountered by UK local authorities in this area.
The survey results would be used to inform discussion within the London Borough of Merton concerning its implementation of Revenues and Benefits software.