Essex County Council has indicated that it plans to change the course of its technology transformation in a deal with Socitm Advisory – the consultancy arm of the public sector IT association.
It comes with a claim, published by Socitm Advisory, that the council’s previous technology modernisation programme was falling short of expectations and in need of redesign.
The deal is worth £1.92 million over nine months and will involve the consultancy delivering work packages aimed at transforming Essex’s technology services function and developing its technical portfolio of change.
Socitm Advisory said it will help to develop a new technology footprint that is sustainable and underpinned by best practice processes, procedures and governance.
Jason Kitcat (pictured), executive director of corporate development at Essex County Council, said: “Socitm Advisory has delivered at pace with strong, credible, grounded advice to help us re-imagine our technology services function.
“Through Socitm we’ve been able to access highly experienced experts to assist us with every aspect of our roadmap as well as providing excellent interim leadership at short notice during a restructure.”
Previous programme
The move is the latest step in a sharp change of direction for the council’s transformation plans. In February of last year it staged a high profile launch of its Smart Essex Digital programme, led by David Wilde, the executive director of digital at the time, and comprising three workstreams: Smart Lives, Smart Movement and Smart Places.
Kitcat joined in June of last year with the council saying they would be working together, but Wilde moved on a few months later.
In October the council produced a digital roadmap outlining four priorities with a heavy focus on social care.
