Veterans UK has signed up Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL) for a range of projects as part of its digital transformation programme over the next seven years.
The deal is valued at £300 million will take in the delivery or a range of digital services, including a new veterans portal with interactive platform for processes such as online claiming.
It will also cover the upgrade of back office systems for the agency’s functions, such as providing pensions and compensation services to armed forces veterans.
Veterans UK sits within the Defence Business Services operation of the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for a number of services including, pensions management, providing emergency support, and handling requests on service records.
SCCL is a joint venture between the Cabinet Office and Sopra Steria that provides shared services to public sector organisations.
Brilliant opportunity
Andrew Dowds, head of Veterans UK, said: “We are all eagerly awaiting the transformation that this new contract with SSCL will bring to Veterans UK. We have a brilliant opportunity to truly move our Veterans services into the digital age, providing easy access for customers and staff alike.
“We are starting from a low technological base and will move quickly through to a fully digital service. There is much hard work to do but I know that our people and SSCL staff are ready to rise to the challenge.
“Our plans will take several years to deliver but we are starting work straight away. In the meantime, please be reassured that all Veterans UK’s services and payments will continue as normal and please continue to contact us via the usual contact points.”
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
