Provision of Digital Executive Assurance to DBT and Advice and Guidance to Post Office Limited.

Description

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has a requirement for the provision of coaching, feedback and assurance to support Post Office Limited (POL) to deliver its IT transformation program providing a successor to the current Horizon system. This initiative follows a rapid assurance review by Public Digital Limited (commissioned by DBT) and a Gateway review by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) conducted in April 2024. The aim is to ensure a successful and effective IT transformation that meets POL’s needs. The estimated contract value ranges from £2,500,000.00 to £3,000,000.00 excluding VAT, for an initial contract period of 2 years, with the potential option for a 1-year extension (the contract value estimate is inclusive of the extension period). The contract is anticipated to commence from December 2024, with a Contract Notice expected to be published in October 2024. This Prior Information Notice is issued solely for informational purposes and does not constitute market engagement, a Contract Notice, or a commitment to buy. The authority reserves the right to change the terms outlined in this notice. Lot 1: The Supplier shall provide assurance to DBT regarding POL’s IT transformation strategy and delivery, and also provide support and coaching to POL. The Supplier shall provide assurance to DBT regarding the ongoing process of POL’s IT transformation. This will include providing continuous feedback and updates regarding the direction of travel and any upcoming decision points or gateways. The Supplier shall represent DBT’s interests and assist DBT in providing oversight of POL’s IT transformation, in a transparent and open way. The Supplier shall sit on the relevant POL Boards/ sub-Board groups and report to DBT governance and provide views to DBT on funding requests and funding releases to support POL’s IT transformation. The Supplier shall provide support to the POL board and/or executive team to advise and guide the success of POL’s IT transformation strategy and delivery. This includes: Provision of qualified coaches with digital transformation experience to support POL teams to implement the action plans from the IPA and Public Digital reviews and support the successful delivery of the programme. Engagement with POL and DBT governance to offer advice, feedback, and assurance. This includes monitoring and assessment of the delivery of these action plans as well as the overall programme approach. Participation in relevant POL Board/sub-Board groups and/or relevant POL governance groups below Board level and reporting to DBT governance. The assurance coaches will provide advice and guidance to POL in setting clear direction and driving progress in the following areas: Vision: Guidance and advice in setting direction aligning with POL strategy. Culture: Guidance and advice to improve culture, behaviours, and outcomes. Best Practices: Guidance and advice on alignment with public sector digital delivery best practices as per Government Service Standard and Technology Code of Practice. Capability: Guidance and advice on capability across technology transformation programmes; providing executive coaching at all levels, advice / guidance on recruitment processes to get the right talent in place to deliver (such as those with user-centred and product-specific skills), and planning capability for technology transformation programmes. Technology: Advice/support on developing an effective operating model for digital transformation within the organisation. Governance: Support/advice on actions to drive continuous improvement around governance, with shared outcomes, including risk model development, transparency agenda support, and providing advice regarding funding. User-Centred Practice: Defining roles and responsibilities to ensure outcomes are delivered, establishing feedback loops, and structuring delivery teams. The Supplier will assist in creating a culture of trust and assurance, ensuring confidence in the transformed POL among staff, postmasters, government, and the public.