Evolve were engaged to support what was a key Government objective to deliver a single public sector ombudsman service.
An early initiative was to ensure the London office of the LGO co-located with OPCA/HSC in Millbank Tower. This jointly commissioned assignment was the first stage in bringing together the disparate ICT systems and support processes in preparation for the proposed merger. The assignment requirement was to develop a joint three year ICT strategy for the two organisations as a precursor to potential merger. This required the development of strategy components covering:
- Audit of current systems;
- Outsourced contract service provision;
- Networks (LAN and WAN);
- Desktop systems;
- Office suite and email;
- Finance and personnel systems;
- Security, including GSI accreditation advice;
- Recommendations for a unified central IT support team;
- Home-based working.
The strategy report that was produced was designed to provide an evaluation of the current position in each organisation and the available options and recommendations for providing a strategic view for IT convergence in the medium term and unified IT systems for merger.
The assignment successfully provided both organisations with a joint ICT strategy and also added value by raising awareness of organisational change management and work practice issues.
