09 Apr 2024
by Vassilis Serafeimidis

How to improve public sector IT programmes with five simple interventions

Last year, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s Annual Report showed that two thirds of major ICT programmes delivered by government departments and public bodies were distressed or failing (Amber or Red status). Most of these would likely go on to be delayed and exceed their budgets.  

The government’s transformation portfolio includes many vital projects that promise nearly £59 billion in benefits. Therefore, any delays are of national importance at a stage that public finances are under significant pressure. The need to improve programme delivery is stronger than ever.

Over the years, the delivery of IT programmes has improved enormously as leaders and professionals have adopted standardised ways of delivery, brought in qualified project managers, and adopted new ways of working, such as agile.  

However, at the same time, technology solutions have increased in complexity and business expectations are higher. Within this landscape, we see a trend of specific programme disciplines being overlooked that could significantly improve programme delivery. 

We believe that a clearer focus on the following areas exponentially increases the value of the programme. These suggestions are in addition to best practice elements on risk and issues management, planning, dependencies management, and so on.  

1. Define the programme’s objectives 

Good programme definitions are essential for achieving your strategic business goals. To do that, you need to be clear about your scope, objectives, and priorities on only those things that will deliver the value you need and at the time they are expected. Too often, agile delivery is used as an excuse for not agreeing scope and success criteria. A critical step is to ensure that these are all agreed and are realistic from lower-to higher stakeholders, with the right people involved at each level. You should also review them on a regular basis as the programme context shifts.  

2. Ensure that your programme delivers value for every release, not just the first 

One of the most overlooked programme disciplines is requirements management or, in other words, the definition of the “problem to solve”.  An objective-driven approach to requirements will not only help ensure a quality output but also alignment with these expectations. Ensuring business requirements are translated in technology enablers, agreed with the business owners (or product owners), and reviewed regularly will lead to better results.   

3. Control the technology choices and delivery risks 

It’s all too easy to have technologists design something that doesn’t relate back to a business architecture or the operating model. Digital and business alignment is essential throughout the delivery of the programme if you’re going to realise your strategic objectives and benefits. Using prototypes and MVPs ensure that the business can assess the suitability and value of the technical solution early on and in the future. You can do this by adopting an agile way of working and adhere to GDS’s proposed ways of working.

4. Embed realistic budget and costs management  

If your programme isn’t using actual cost and delivery metrics to inform forecasts, you’re missing an opportunity to minimise delivery risks and business benefits. We’ve all seen the project that has spent 80% of its first quarter budget but only delivered 50% of the tasks/deliverables. Finance would declare this under budget rather than overspent and with a major timeline challenge. Close budget management whilst taking into account your delivery velocity and forecasts will keep the budget in green. 

5. Understand the data needed to successfully deliver your programme  

You must recognise what data is vital and meet the regulatory, security, and compliance obligations like GDPR. Understanding and defining the programme’s data model is an important architectural and business decision your programme will have to make. This will allow you to sweep any potential solution with an arsenal of pre-defined considerations that have been outlined from day one.  Robust application of these programme disciplines will produce significant improvements across your project delivery, and ultimately result in success that delivers the value and benefits expected.  

In a nutshell

Successful IT programme delivery requires a number of contributing factors. Starting with the right method / approach, striking the right balance between technology and business, and carefully managing core programme elements such as its objectives, requirements, budgets, and data will all set your organisation on the road to success.


Heather Cover-Kus

Heather Cover-Kus

Head of Central Government Programme, techUK

Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.

Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat.  She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.

Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538

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Ellie Huckle

Ellie Huckle

Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK

Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.

The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!

Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.

When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2015
Twitter:
@techUK,@techUK
Website:
www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx,https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx

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Annie Collings

Annie Collings

Programme Manager, Cyber Security and Central Government, techUK

Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023. In this role, she supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector.

Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.

Email:
[email protected]
Twitter:
anniecollings24
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/

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Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK

Austin joined techUK’s Central Government team in March 2024 to launch a workstream within Education and EdTech.

With a career spanning technology, policy, media, events and comms, Austin has worked with technology communities, as well as policy leaders and practitioners in Education, Central and Local Government and the NHS.

Cutting his teeth working for Skills Matter, London’s developer community hub, Austin then moved to GovNet Communications where he launched Blockchain Live and the Cyber Security and Data Protection Summit. For the last 3 years he has worked with leaders in Education across the state and independent schools sectors, from primary up to higher education, with a strong research interest in technology and education management.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
07891 743 932
Website:
www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spencer-earl/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spencer-earl/

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Ella Gago-Brookes

Ella Gago-Brookes

Team Assistant, Markets, techUK

Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.  

Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022.  Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.  

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.  

Email:
[email protected]

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Authors

Vassilis Serafeimidis

Vassilis Serafeimidis

Managing Director & Public Sector Lead, Credera