12 Apr 2024
by Kate Daniels, Dan Sofer

Reframing the Role of Consultancies in Government: A Path to Digital Excellence

Guest blog by Kate Daniels and Dan Sofer...The public sector stands at a crossroads, where the continuous outflow of talent and the struggle to retain it poses a significant challenge.

The problem statement

The public sector stands at a crossroads, where the continuous outflow of talent and the struggle to retain it poses a significant challenge. As Marianna Mazzucato's "The Big Con" compellingly outlines, governments have often shied away from risk due to fear of failure, which has led to a reduction in investment in their own capabilities. This hesitancy to invest has hindered the ability of public institutions to build and maintain the essential skills required for effective governance and service delivery. There’s an undeniable need to reimagine the consultancy's role in supporting government beyond just providing temporary solutions to one of empowering and building lasting institutional capacity.

 

 

The key opportunity

Amidst the critique lies an opportunity for transformation. Contrary to some perceptions, the public sector brims with innovative technological initiatives. If we do things differently we can create exciting opportunities for young people, energised by meaningful work, and turn the tide from brain drain to "brain gain". However, this change requires a thorough reassessment of the existing consultancy approach. There must be a deliberate effort to recalibrate the existing consultancy model — moving from a dependency-creating paradigm to one that builds internal capabilities and encourages a sense of ownership and pride among civil servants.

 

 

Our unified approach

In public service, the partnership between esynergy and Founders and Coders is potentially opening a new chapter in how technology solutions are delivered to the British Government. Our joint model sees Founders and Coders apprentices embedded into esynergy’s teams of highly experienced, government SMEs, together leaving a potential legacy of well-trained software personnel capable of maintaining systems delivered by external partners. These apprentices, employed by Founders and Coders will become embedded in the Civil Service and can transition to substantive Civil Service roles on completion of their apprenticeships. 

 

We are excited about this fresh approach and are committed to delivering technology solutions that are strong, forward-looking, and deeply connected to what the government aims to achieve. We’re committed to empowering public agencies by enhancing their teams with top talent and the latest technology, to really make a difference in public service.

 

Our shared vision of empowering public bodies through supporting and empowering their top-tier talent, and deploying cutting edge technology in ways that maximise the delivery of public value in its broadest sense. 

 

The essence of our approach is rooted in these key areas:

 

  • Public value solutions: Our technology solutions are architected with the overall objective of driving public value and serving public interest, that’s not only in what we do but in the way we do it - by introducing new talent streams for public institutions.

 

  • Capability building: Our model includes integrating young talent into teams to boost capacity and inject fresh perspectives. By growing the digital civil servants of the future inside our delivery teams we leave human capability as part of our legacy. 

 

  • Rethinking tech's role: We're influencing how government perceives and utilises technology, making it a cornerstone of service delivery. This culture will be in the bones of the teams who start their careers in this model

 

  • Trusted development culture: We establish trusted, secure spaces for development work, where a culture of longevity and quality thrives.


 

  • Agility and recognition: Our approach champions agility to create a ripple effect of efficiency, celebrating achievements to inspire the sector.

 

By integrating these principles into our partnership, we are not just filling positions but are actively contributing to a more robust, skilled, and motivated public sector workforce. Our graduates become the standard-bearers of a new era in public service—one that values innovation, efficiency, and, most importantly, service to the community.

 

 

Our vision and ask of the government

In our pursuit to foster exemplary practices in government, we advocate for a model that ensures longevity and efficacy. Our collective vision invites the government to:

  • Challenge the notion of using headcount as a surrogate for cost-effectiveness
  • Elevate the standing of civil servants dedicated to digital delivery, celebrating their pivotal role
  • Reassess the metrics of value, to cultivate commercial models that genuinely reflect the delivery of public value

 

We also implore a thoughtful consideration and validation of this framework. Are civil servants receptive to such a consultancy model that promotes support over substitution? Does this approach genuinely enrich the value they provide? By verifying these queries, we can affirm the integrity and efficacy of our proposed path.

 

Envisioning the Future

The ambition we share with the public sector is not merely to advise but to co-create a narrative where public service and digital innovation are inextricably linked. It is within this collaborative space that the government transforms from a mere client to an active participant in crafting value for society.

 

As we venture forth, let us not forget the power of storytelling and recognition. Highlighting the achievements of civil servants and their projects not only boosts morale but also serves as a beacon for others. Celebrating success within the public sector is essential in attracting and nurturing the next generation of talent, eager to contribute to a digitally progressive society.

 

Our aim is not simply to alter the status quo but to ignite a dialogue that champions a vibrant, effective public sector, propelled by technology and driven by a shared ethos of public service. We are committed to this journey, steadfast in our belief that together, we can script a future that reflects the true potential of government in the digital age.


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

Kate Daniels

Kate Daniels

Head of Public Services , Esynergy

Dan Sofer

Dan Sofer

Executive Director , Founders and Coders