EPION CONSULTING LIMITED

Benefits Management for Microsoft 365 (M365)

Microsoft licenses are expensive, so it’s essential organisations can demonstrate return-on-investment. Our Benefits Management for Microsoft 365 service delivers a tested process for gathering, tracking and quantifying benefits. This helps demonstrate success and prioritise interventions that will enable adoption of Microsoft 365 features and applications which deliver the most value.

Features

• Identify benefits that align with your strategic business priorities/outcomes
• User engagement to identify blockers to core business functions
• Leadership engagement to define new/align with existing KPIs/OKRs
• Build a benefits tracker, pre-populating with benefits where possible
• Includes out-of-the-box Microsoft usage analytics aligned with user behaviours
• Identifying opportunities to automate where possible with M365 capabilities
• Create a framework to enable evidence-based backlog prioritisation
• Segmentation by quantifiable, qualitative, financial, non-financial, cashable, non-cashable benefits
• Support for communications team to promote and celebrate the benefits
• Support for training teams to target upskilling for best return-on-investment

Benefits

• Demonstrate return on (often significant) investment on Microsoft licenses
• Prioritise limited budget on the most impactful M365 features/functionality
• Create evidence for business cases (SOBCs, OBCs and FBCs)
• Quantified success stories reinforce and enable further adoption
• Alignment with organisation’s strategic priorities
• Focus users on value-added functionality
• Better able to prioritise future evergreen changes/updates
• Alignment of IT capability with real-world, role-specific business processes

£445 to £1,440 a unit a day

• Education pricing available

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at nick.smith@epion.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

116794015501369

Contact

Nick Smith
07484 194207
nick.smith@epion.co.uk

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: We deploy Prince2 and/or Agile qualified Project/Programme Managers and/or Prosci ADKAR qualified Change Managers and can support the following activities dependent on client need:; - Discovery / business analysis; - Project planning (Waterfall or Agile); - Change management strategy and planning ; - Communications strategy and planning; - Training and upskilling strategy and planning; - Design; - Build; - Testing (BAT, UAT); - Pilot / Proof of Concept (PoC) ; - T- change management delivery; - Migration ; - Implementation / cutover (‘big bang’ or phased rollout); - Hypercare; - Post-implementation support and handover; One of our key differentiators is our ability to flex our support to meet the needs of the project. This means providing the skills and capacity that will complement the internal capability rather than duplicating effort, collaborating effectively with other third-party partners/suppliers to make sure everyone is playing to their strengths. This results in high-performing team environments that are more effective and healthier to work in and also in better delivery of project/ programme strategic outcomes.
• Planning service works with specific services: Yes
• Hosting or software services the planning service works with:
  • Microsoft 365 / M365
  • Office 365 / O365
  • Microsoft Copilot
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Power Platform
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft Power Apps
  • Microsoft Power Automate
  • Microsoft applications

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: We offer design, development and delivery of learning/training to support adoption of cloud-based systems. Our focus is on how the technology will enable users to do their jobs, not on systems functionality/technical training per se. Cloud application vendors usually provide functionality-focused training content that we can build on or tailor to deliver organisation- and role-specific training and learning.; Our materials address the outputs of our change impact assessments (CIAs) and learning needs analyses (LNAs) created during early user engagement, so learning is focused on the specific needs of different roles.; We use a ‘blended learning’ approach, including:; - classroom/virtual trainer-led sessions; - eLearning (slide-based, on-demand/JIT video segments, immersive simulation etc.); - app-based/Learning Management System (LMS) content; - user guides/how-to guides/quick reference guides (QRGs); - social media campaign-based (e.g. Slack, Yammer); - roadshows (including virtual); - coaching/floorwalking; - drop-ins/clinics; - peer-to-peer/champion-led/train-the-trainer; We also integrate training into the broader business change activities; for example, many communications and engagement activities also carry training content (and vice versa). ; While we flex the precise deliverables based on the client’s preferences/budget, it essential to include some on-the-job training and reinforcement to embed learning. This means floorwalking, clinics and peer-to-peer/champions upskilling are included in most proposals.
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: Migration to cloud services requires users to adopt new ways of working. The project needs a deep understanding of users’ needs, challenges and pain points to ensure appropriate design and configuration, meaning it is essential that business change/change management capability is onboarded early.; Our approach:; 1) Understand the change intent - what business benefits should the cloud service deliver; 2) Assess the change impact - what impact will migration to the cloud service have on different roles (nature and scale of impact ; 3) Represent the end user during Design, Build and Test phases to ensure the right stakeholders are included and feedback mechanisms work effectively; Common challenges clients face when moving to the Cloud, include:; - User-centric migration strategy and designing intuitive information architecture; - Permissions setup, management and troubleshooting; - Information Lifecycle Management (ILM), records management and data protection; - Security classification requirements in Government (up to and including ‘Secret’/Rosa), labelling and metadata; - User behaviour risks and risk management (including data loss prevention (DLP), Cyber security and regulatory compliance / legal risks); 4) Design and deliver change interventions to equip and empower users to adopt the new system, including risk mitigation by creation of a rollback communication strategy.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: Yes
• List of supported services:
  • Microsoft 365 / M365
  • Microsoft Office / O365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Power Platform
  • Microsoft Power Automate
  • Microsoft Power Apps
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft Copilot
  • Microsoft applications

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: No

Security testing

• Security services: No

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported:
  • Buyer hosting or software
  • Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
• How the support service works: One of the most neglected aspects of business change / change management is the reinforcement phase at the end of a project. A core component of our 5E’s methodology is the ‘embed’ phase, which means building processes, networks and materials before and during the project to ensure the change sticks once our consultants leave. While the specific deliverables of each project will depend on the internal capability and budget available, we would usually build a change network (or leverage one that exists already), equipping and upskilling change agents throughout the organisation to own the change within the ‘business as usual’ context. ; We will also create templates and methodologies that continue to be useful after the Cloud project has been completed, and ensure that full knowledge transfer takes place as a part of the handover process. ; All project include a period of hypercare, usually for around one to two months after go-live, where users are given intensive support to embed the new skills and ways of working within the context of their day-to-day work. ; Finally, we like to check in (pro bono) at 3 and 6 months after the completion of the project to troubleshoot issues and provide additional strategic support.

Service scope

• Service constraints: Service levels are those that would reasonably be expected of an established, professional, high quality consulting organisation. This includes continuity of service in the event of illness or unavailability; the ability to scale teams as required; consistent approaches; normal business working hours at all times and working beyond that when situations require it (within reason); an ability to work at client sites throughout the United Kingdom; and a proven ability to work online during any Covid-19 or similar restrictions and ongoing.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: No
• Phone support: No
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: Epion does not provide technical support and deployment services for cloud software, so there is no need for 24-hour support; However, we will work outside normal working hours where required, for example, training or briefing shift workers or those who need out-of-hours support. ; As standard, all our engagements have Director-level project oversight, which extends beyond the life of the project if there are any queries or concerns, or if troubleshooting advice is required.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: No
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Other security certifications: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  We are already Carbon Net Zero across Scopes 1 and 2, and have made a commitment to be Net Zero across all 3 scopes by May 2025. This doesn't just mean buying carbon credits - we know that offsetting is not a substitute for real, meaningful action. ; For us, this is mostly business travel, which we track monthly by gathering data from each of our consultants on distance and mode of transport. We are working to reduce this as far a practical (via remote working/telecommuting) but appreciate there is a trade off with supporting our people’s mental health and wellbeing for those who get little human interaction while working from home. For this reason, we usually propose one day per week working on client site (unless clients mandate otherwise). ; We also commit:; - Not to fly for business (e.g. we did not bid for a tender we were well placed to win recently because it would have meant flying).; - Never to work with the Airline industry or Oil & Gas (unless related to the transition to renewable energy).; - To use public transport wherever practical, even if significantly more expensive.; - To report our business travel emissions internally each month and gather feedback about what we could be doing to be better.; With reference to the Social Value Model, contracting with Epion supports the following Model Award Criteria (MACs):; - MAC 4.1 Deliver additional environmental benefits in the performance of the contract including working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions. ; - MAC 4.2 Influence staff, suppliers, customers and communities through the delivery of the contract to support environmental protection and improvement; Relevant metrics:; 1. Annual reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases arising from the performance of the contract, measured in metric tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCDE).

  Covid-19 recovery

  The pandemic has led to greater levels of stress and anxiety, to a reduced sense of psychological safety, and to lower levels of resilience. These all reduce people's capacity to adopt new Cloud technologies and ways of working just as the need for change has increased.; Epion has developed an approach called 'Brain-Friendly Change' (see https://www.epion.co.uk/post/brain-friendly-change-some-reflections), which assesses and builds psychological safety along with other elements of wellbeing into our change strategies and plans.; Our services themselves also support the Covid-19 recovery, as they include training and upskilling in technology solutions (such as Microsoft 365) that enable remote collaborative working. Without adequate training, users may not have the confidence or competence to work effectively from home, which not only compromises their ability to work remotely but fails to deliver resilience in the event of another pandemic. ; We seek to follow the principles embedded in the Mental Health at Work Commitment with our people – a mix of employees and non-employed associates – and have an evidenced track record of transparency around and support for our people experiencing mental health challenges.; With reference to the Social Value Model, contracting with Epion therefore supports the following Model Award Criteria (MACs):; - MAC 1.3: Support for organisations and businesses to manage and recover from the impacts of COVID-19, including where new ways of working are needed to deliver services.; - MAC 1.5: Improvements to workplace conditions that support the COVID-19 recovery effort including effective social distancing, remote working, and sustainable travel solutions.; Relevant metrics:; 1. Percentage of all companies in the supply chain under the contract to have implemented the 6 standards in the Mental Health at Work commitment.; 2. Number of companies in the supply chain under the contract to have implemented the 6 standards in the Mental Health at Work commitment

  Tackling economic inequality

  Epion's Corporate Social Responsibility policy commits its consultants to 'give back to the societies in which it works'. Part of this is through our commitment to donating at least 8% of post-tax profit to charity, specifically those who are vulnerable or from deprived or disadvantaged backgrounds. For 2024/25 our supported charities are Refuge and Refuweegee. We also held our most recent Christmas event at a charity supporting asylum seekers as they develop new careers (Migrateful). ; Additionally, one of our Directors commits 2-3 days / month as a member of their local prison’s Independent Monitoring Board. ; We are Cyber Essentials certified. ; With reference to the Social Value Model, contracting with Epion therefore supports the following Model Award Criteria (MACs):; - MAC2.1: Create opportunities for entrepreneurship and help new organisations to grow, supporting economic growth and business creation.; - MAC2.3: Support educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications; - MAC 3.1: Create a diverse supply chain to deliver the contract including new ; - businesses and entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, VCSEs and mutuals; - MAC 3.5: Demonstrate action to identify and manage cyber security risks in the ; - delivery of the contract including in the supply chain.; Relevant metrics:; 1. Number of people-hours of learning interventions delivered under the contract, by UK region; 2. For…SMEs…; o The number of contract opportunities awarded under the contract; o The value of contract opportunities awarded under the contract in £; o Total spend under the contract, as a percentage of the overall contract; 3. Percentage of all companies in the supply chain under the contract with a current Cyber Essentials certification.; 4. Number of companies in the supply chain under the contract with a current Cyber Essentials certification.

  Equal opportunity

  Through its Corporate Social Responsibility policy, Epion has supported a charity working with young people from disadvantaged and (typically) minority groups. ; We are also heavily involved in supporting Women in Business. For example, one of our Directors mentors three early careers women and is heavily involved in the Boardroom’s mission to get more women on company boards. She is also involved in the Women in Business, Female Founders Rise, Women in Sustainability and Women in Rail networks. Epion has signed up to the Women in Rail EDI Charter, which includes a commitment to meaningful action to strengthen EDI within the company and through our work. The company is also 50% female led. ; Our flexible working policy also supports EDI, with several consultants working reduced hours enabling them to fulfil other commitments without compromising their careers. ; We have committed to the five foundational principles of good work.; With reference to the Social Value Model, contracting with Epion therefore supports the following Model Award Criteria (MACs):; - MAC 6.1: Demonstrate action to identify and tackle inequality in employment, skills and pay in the contract workforce; Relevant metrics:; 1. Total percentage of full-time equivalent (FTE) people from groups under-represented in the workforce employed under the contract, as a proportion of the total FTE contract workforce, by UK region.; 2. Number of full-time equivalent (FTE) people from groups under-represented in the workforce employed under the contract, by UK region; 3. and 4. Percentage and number of all companies in the supply chain under the contract to have committed to the five foundational principles of good work

  Wellbeing

  The high levels of stress and anxiety, reduced sense of psychological safety, and lower levels of resilience that continue to develop in places of work and society reduce people's capacity to adopt new Cloud technologies and ways of working.; Consequently, Epion has developed an approach called 'Brain-Friendly Change' (see https://www.epion.co.uk/post/brain-friendly-change-some-reflections), which assesses and builds psychological safety along with other elements of wellbeing into our change strategies and plans.; Epion's Health & Safety Policy, to which all consultants must adhere, includes provisions (e.g. travel time and client/home working environments) to support consultants’ health and wellbeing.; We seek to follow the principles embedded in the Mental Health at Work Commitment with our people – a mix of employees and non-employed associates – and have an evidenced track record of supporting people experiencing mental health challenges.; With reference to the Social Value Model, contracting with Epion therefore supports the following Model Award Criteria (MACs):; - MAC 7.1: Demonstrate action to support health and wellbeing, including physical and mental health, in the contract workforce.; - MAC 7.2: Influence staff, suppliers, customers and communities through the delivery of the contract to support health and wellbeing, including physical and mental health.; - MAC 8.1: Demonstrate collaboration with users and communities in the co-design and delivery of the contract to support strong integrated communities. ; - MAC 8.2: Influence staff, suppliers, customers and communities through the delivery of the contract to support strong, integrated communities.; Relevant metrics:; 1. Percentage of all companies in the supply chain under the contract to have implemented measures to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of employees. ; 2. and 3. Percentage and number of all companies in the supply chain under the contract to have implemented the 6 standards in the Mental Health at Work commitment.

Pricing

• Price: £445 to £1,440 a unit a day
• Discount for educational organisations: Yes

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at nick.smith@epion.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.