Defence Digital and techUK have developed a code of practice for relationships between the organisation and its technology suppliers.
The group, which works within the Ministry of Defence to provide digital technology to the military and business units, and the IT industry association said they published the code at the end of last year and have now produced a list of nine signatories from the defence sector and 36 from the industry.
The code is aimed at improving collaboration between the two sides, addressing issues that have caused friction in the past.
Among the key features are that people should talk to each other rather than communicating by email, encourage regular dialogue, where appropriate they should behave in line with the ISO 44001 standard of collaborative business relationship management systems, and improve visibility and engagement on future business opportunities.
The latter point includes Defence Digital signposting business in the pipeline as early as possible, before the formal procurement cycle if possible, and the industry sharing work on research and development.
Transparency crucial
techUK said: “Both industry and the MOD agree that by adopting a more transparent process of sharing of information earlier, the conduct of business should become more effective and efficient.”
It added that the list of signatories will be continually updated.
A spokesperson for the organisation said it has previously established partnerships with NHS Digital and the Home Office Digital, Data and Technology function that had similar objectives but took a different approach. It is now discussing the possibility of arrangements similar to the new code of practice with other public sector bodies.
Image from iStock, Andrey Popov
