How ALBs can benefit from embracing the shared service change

For Arm’s Length Bodies, the transition to a shared service platform doesn’t have to be daunting, if they take the right steps now to get ready for the change.

Why the Government Shared Services Strategy is a mechanism for change

The Government Shared Services Strategy (GSSS) was launched to modernise and unify back-office functions across government departments and Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs) by implementing shared Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

As part of the GSSS, departments and ALBs are organised into five shared service centres, known as ‘clusters’: Matrix, Defence, Overseas, Synergy and Unity.

Each cluster operates on its own timeline for ERP implementation, with Ministerial departments and some ALBs transitioning first, with other ALBs moving at a later date (some ALBs aren’t due to move to a shared service until beyond 2028).

Meanwhile, many HR, finance, payroll and procurement systems currently in place in ALBs are fast running out of contracted support or aren’t fit for purpose in today’s world.

So, if your ALB has an ageing on-premises system, you may need to make changes now as an interim and/or stepping stone to your eventual GSSS transition. Otherwise, you may have to wait until the next decade for your allocated phase.

Or, if you’re an early mover, now is the time to make sure your people, processes and technology are ready for the upcoming change. By preparing now, you’ll be in a strong position to smoothly transition to the shared service and access all the benefits of the change.

How to get started on your change journey as an ALB

1. Optimise your current ERP/HCM

This will support you to ‘mend and make do’ with your current ERP/HCM system until you move to the shared service.

2. Unlock a better-fit interim solution

You might need to implement an interim solution because your current one isn’t fit for purpose and can’t be optimised.

3. Get ready for a shared service

If you’re assigned to an earlier phase of the GSSS, this option will get you ready for transition, supporting you from preparation through to implementation.

How Civiteq is helping government departments and ALBs

At Civiteq we have experience in supporting hundreds of public sector organisations with their change and ERP transformation programmes.

One of our projects saw us engaged by senior HR leaders at a government agency to provide an independent view on the ERP solution selected from a previous procurement. They wanted to understand whether the decision – made before our engagement – was still the right one, given changes at the agency. We delivered an options appraisal that allowed the agency to positively move forward with its ERP journey.

In another project, Civiteq played a key role in a ministerial department’s preparations for their move to a shared service. Our work – which included assessing current processes, identifying benefits, cyber security support and data strategy – put the department in a strong position for change.

Central Government Programme activities

The techUK Central Government Programme provides a forum for government to engage with tech suppliers. We advocate for the govtech sector, evangelise tech as a solution to public sector challenges, facilitate market engagement, and help make the public sector an easier market to operate in. Visit the programme page here.