The project issues
The Council had redeployed their Systems Centre Manager to lead a Business Innovation Systems unit. In addition, a new Chief Executive had been appointed and although rated an excellent Council, a reorganisation of directorates and services had been initiated. As a result, the Council decided to recruit an interim Systems Centre Manager rather than a permanent replacement to manage five teams and Socitm Consulting was asked to take on the role.

The Socitm Consulting solution
We were responsible for the day to day management of five ICT teams with a total staff of 40. Three systems teams were within central ICT services and two local support teams were located in other directorates, each providing a wide range of operational and development services. While carrying out these responsibilities, we were able to:

• Free up the former Systems Centre Manager to concentrate on key business innovation with a minimal handover and continuity in financial management, performance monitoring and business planning
• Employ a flexible delegation style in order to develop existing team leaders
• Use mentoring skills to address staff concerns during a period of relative uncertainty following years of stability and a successful but challenging e-Government programme
• Take a leading role in the recruitment of a replacement once future organisational direction had become clear
• Provide subsequent part-time support to continue a project on behalf of the ICT management team

The benefits to the client
With expertise in staff, systems and business management, we were able to assist the Council in maintaining ICT service continuity and staff development during a complex transitional phase. Tonino Ciuffini, Head of ICT said: “In his role as interim manager, Mark demonstrated a broad, wide-ranging understanding of ICT management issues within a large local authority. His experience and alternative way of looking at things were invaluable.”

Project identification
Client organisation: Warwickshire County Council
Client contact: Tonino Ciuffini, Head of ICT, 01926 412879, toninociuffini@warwickshire.gov.uk
Lead consultant: mark.wheatley@socitmconsulting.co.uk
Project no: 5509