MINDCRAFT LIMITED

Secure Managed Microsoft 365 (JV in a box, vCTO)

Our Virtual CTO service offers a comprehensive Microsoft cloud solution with 24/7 security monitoring, Cyber Essentials certification, and ITSM. It includes M365, Dynamics, Azure, backups, disaster recovery, DevOps, and data analytics. Enhance your security with optional upgrades and benefit from our Cyber Coach training for complete cyber resilience.

Features

• Microsoft Cloud Platforms: M365, Dynamics, Azure for robust IT infrastructure
• Comprehensive IT Service: Strategy, architecture, operation, and inclusive security management
• Continuous Monitoring: Security Operations Centre vigilance around the clock
• Baseline Security Certification: Cyber Essentials included with service package
• Security Upgrades available: Cyber Essentials Plus, Cyber Assurance, ISO27001
• Data Protection: Microsoft365 tenant back-ups ensure data integrity
• Threat Detection: Alerts for unauthorized logins and potential data theft
• Staff Security Training: Cyber Coach training for all employees included
• Service Management: ITIL framework for user, stakeholder engagement, asset management
• Resilient Business Operations: Business continuity, disaster recovery, assurance, and compliance.

Benefits

• Enhanced IT Strategy: Tailored Microsoft solutions for optimal business performance
• Comprehensive Security: Integrated service with proactive monitoring and incident response
• Certification Assurance: Cyber Essentials certification boosts trust and compliance standards
• Flexible Security Upgrades: Customisable advanced security certifications options and assessments
• Data Safety: Reliable Microsoft365 backups protect against data loss incidents
• Threat Mitigation: Immediate detection/response to security threats and risks
• Empowered Workforce: Cybersecurity training enhances staff awareness and incident readiness
• Operational Excellence: ITIL-aligned service management ensures consistent quality delivery
• ess Continuity: Robust DR planning/ testing for uninterrupted business operations
• Innovative Development: Agile, DevOps practices for efficient software lifecycle management.

£50 to £200 a user a month

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 angus@mindcraft.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

172293162707381

Contact

Angus Walker
07887714314
angus@mindcraft.co.uk

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: Our planning service meticulously prepares your organisation for a seamless integration with the Virtual Chief Technology Officer (vCTO) service, tailored to the Microsoft cloud environment. It begins with business analysis, assessing your current IT setup and pinpointing enhancements, followed by solution design to ensure the vCTO service aligns with your business needs, incorporating M365, Dynamics, and Azure.; A robust security architecture is central to our service, safeguarding your Microsoft365 data and monitoring for security threats, while also offering Cyber Essentials certification. We provide options to upgrade to advanced security standards like Cyber Essentials Plus or ISO 27001.; The service encompasses ITIL-compliant Service Management, fostering user and stakeholder engagement, and efficient asset management. We establish plans for business continuity and disaster recovery, alongside backups, assurance, and compliance tools like InTune and DLP.; Our planning ensures a strategic approach to your IT operations, integrating software engineering and DevOps practices for agile and continuous deployment, and preparing your staff with Cyber Coach Security Training. With our service, you gain a strategic partner dedicated to a smooth transition and robust operation of your IT services in the Microsoft cloud.
• Planning service works with specific services: Yes
• Hosting or software services the planning service works with:
  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Azure

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: Our secure managed Microsoft 365 service offers a comprehensive training program to ensure successful adoption of Microsoft365 and our supporting security services. The training is designed to cater to various learning preferences and includes:; In-Person Training: Interactive sessions led by experts, providing hands-on experience and immediate answers to queries, ensuring a deep understanding of Microsoft365 functionalities and security features.; Custom-Created Pre-Recorded Video Training: Tailored video content available on-demand, covering step-by-step instructions and best practices for using Microsoft365 and security protocols effectively.; The training encompasses key areas such as navigating the Microsoft365 environment, managing and collaborating on documents, understanding security policies, and utilising security tools provided within our service package. We focus on practical skills that enable users to leverage Microsoft365 to its full potential while maintaining a secure digital workspace.; Additionally, our training includes Cyber Coach Security Training, which educates staff on cybersecurity awareness, threat detection, and safe online practices. This ensures that your team is not only proficient in using Microsoft365 but also vigilant against potential security threats.; By combining in-person and video training, we provide a flexible and effective learning pathway that supports users through every step of their cloud journey with our vCTO service.
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: Our secure managed Microsoft 365 service facilitates a smooth transition for organisations looking to migrate to the cloud or between cloud services. It provides strategic oversight and technical expertise, ensuring that the migration process is efficient, secure, and aligned with the organisation’s goals.; Key benefits of a vCTO service in cloud migration include:; Expert Guidance: The vCTO offers expert advice on selecting the right cloud platforms and services that fit the organisation’s specific needs.; Risk Management: By identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies, the vCTO ensures a secure migration process.; Cost Efficiency: The vCTO helps optimise costs by recommending the most cost-effective cloud solutions and avoiding unnecessary expenses.; Seamless Integration: Ensuring compatibility and integration between different cloud services and existing systems is a critical role of the vCTO.; Data Management: The vCTO oversees the safe transfer of data to the cloud, ensuring data integrity and compliance with regulations.; Training and Support: Providing training and ongoing support to staff to adapt to new cloud technologies and processes.; Overall, a vCTO service is instrumental in navigating the complexities of cloud migration, from planning and execution to post-migration support, making it an invaluable asset for any organisation embarking on a cloud journey.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: Yes
• List of supported services:
  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Azure

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: Our vCTO service includes quality assurance and performance testing as part of the comprehensive cloud migration strategy. Here’s how we assist buyers:; Quality Assurance (QA): We implement a rigorous QA process that encompasses test planning, case development, and execution. This ensures that all cloud services meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.; Performance Testing: Our vCTO service conducts thorough performance testing to evaluate the responsiveness, scalability, and stability of cloud solutions under various conditions.; Continuous Monitoring: We provide ongoing monitoring to detect and resolve performance bottlenecks, ensuring optimal system performance post-migration.; Feedback Loop: A structured feedback mechanism is established to continuously improve the service quality based on real-world usage and performance data.; Best Practices: We adhere to industry best practices for QA and performance testing, including automated testing tools and methodologies.; By integrating these elements into the vCTO service, we help buyers ensure that their cloud environments are not only functionally sound but also perform efficiently, providing a reliable and effective platform for their business operations.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Cyber security consultancy
  • Security incident management
  • Security audit services

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported:
  • Buyer hosting or software
  • Hosting or software provided by your organisation
  • Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
• How the support service works: Our vCTO service provides comprehensive support for your cloud environment, ensuring that your IT infrastructure is efficient, secure, and aligned with your business goals. Here’s how we support the vCTO service:; Hosting and Software Services: We support a wide range of Microsoft cloud platforms, including M365, Dynamics, and Azure, ensuring seamless integration and operation.; On-Site Support: Our team is available for on-site assistance, providing direct support for implementation, troubleshooting, and strategic IT planning.; Offsite Support: We offer remote support services, including 24/7 monitoring from our Security Operations Centre, proactive maintenance, and immediate response to incidents.; Security Services: With Cyber Essentials certification included and options to upgrade, we ensure your cloud services are secure against evolving threats.; Training: Comprehensive training for your staff on Microsoft365 adoption and security best practices is provided to ensure smooth operation and self-sufficiency.; Our vCTO service is designed to be flexible, catering to the unique needs of your organisation, whether you require hands-on assistance or prefer the convenience of remote support.

Service scope

• Service constraints: None

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: We provide email and ticketing support, by offering flexible service levels that depend on the customer's requirements. Service levels, resolution times and priorities are negotiated in advance and are included in the agreement.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: No
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: Yes, at an extra cost
• Web chat support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support accessibility standard: None or don’t know
• How the web chat support is accessible: We provide email, ticketing and web chat support, by offering flexible accessibility levels that depend on the customer's requirements. Requirements are agreed in advance and are included in the agreement.
• Web chat accessibility testing: We provide email, ticketing and web chat support, by offering flexible accessibility levels that depend on the customer's requirements. Requirements are agreed in advance and are included in the agreement.
• Support levels: Our cloud service offerings are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers, whether they need consulting, resources, tools, or support for their cloud hosting and software. We can provide expert advice and skilled technical staff to manage the customer's cloud environment, tools for automation testing, continuous deployment, change management, and more, or support services to handle any third-party software either directly or through the customer's cloud network.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller providing extra features and support
• Organisation whose services are being resold: Microsoft, ConnectWise, SentinelOne, AFI

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• Government security clearance: Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: The British Assessment Bureau
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 19/04/2024
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: All services provided by MindCraft are in scope of ISO27001
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications: IASME Cyber Assurance Level 2

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

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

  Fighting climate change

  MindCraft contributes to UK’s net zero targets and combating climate change by adopting sustainable practices, woven into the fabric of our operations. It supports both short term and longer term sustainability goals. We do this by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving resilience and adaptation to climate impacts, and promoting environmental sustainability.; Current initiatives include:; We have minimised our carbon footprint by adopting a remote work model for all employees, significantly reducing the need for commuting. We use cloud-based platforms, video conferencing, and remote working tools to minimise travel and energy consumption.; MindCraft supports the use of electric vehicles, further cutting down on emissions related to transportation.; One of our remote offices are powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage solutions, promoting the use of renewable energy.; Under our ISO27001 certification, our processes and information systems are required to support sustainability.; Future commitments:; We will actively seek opportunities to support local environmental projects in collaboration with our clients through volunteer support and promotion and our team will be given time to support this.; Donations to Cool Earth: MindCraft works with partners to support contributions to the Cool Earth charity, aiding in the protection of our planet’s ecosystems.; A percentage of our partners’ profits is allocated to causes that protect the environment, demonstrating our investment in the planet’s future.; Our efforts reflect our belief that technology and consultancy can be forces for good, leading the way in the fight against climate change.

  Covid-19 recovery

  We help our clients navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. For example, we design and implement digital solutions that enable remote working, online service delivery, and data-driven decision making. ; ; We also help our clients adapt to changing customer needs, market conditions, and regulatory frameworks. We use our experience and knowledge of the public sector to deliver solutions that are aligned with the government's priorities and policies for Covid-19 recovery.; ; One of MindCraft’s directors is a board member and trustee for a local charity, which tackles loneliness and social isolation in the care sector, a sector hugely impacted by Covid-19. Research and academic evidence shows that loneliness among elderly care home residents, which the charity supports, has become more acute since the pandemic. MindCraft also supports this charity financially.

  Tackling economic inequality

  MindCraft addresses economic inequality through its business practices and community engagement in a number of different ways.; We offer roles to a diverse candidates, including students and multi-nationals. ; ; We actively engage with representations from Armed Forces Veterans groups encouraging veterans into new careers to encourage them to consider roles at Mindcraft, from IT technician to cyber security roles.; ; For each contract, MindCraft will support two career fairs each academic year in areas where clients need to recruit into their projects. ; Professional development: We are committed to the professional growth of our team. We ensure all our team are ITIL certified, to ensure that employees, partners, and contractors offer a consistent and high level of service delivery. We also support our team to achieve Microsoft qualifications. Our training log is a testament to our dedication to continuous learning and skill enhancement. Key partners also train all employees to Microsoft Azure Cloud Certifications to ensures a knowledgeable workforce capable of delivering consistent, high-quality services.; Educational outreach: MindCraft actively engages with schools and colleges, creating programmes that inspire and guide a diverse range of school leavers and students towards digital careers. By offering opportunities and support, we help bridge the educational gap, fostering economic mobility.; Career fairs and STEM advocacy: We support career fairs and collaborate with regional careers officers to promote STEM subjects. Our campaign provides advice and encouragement for apprenticeships and higher education, targeting areas where economic inequality is most prevalent such as in the south west.; We also support a college to provide opportunities for a charity providing mentoring and work experience opportunities for young women to start careers in cyber security.

  Equal opportunity

  MindCraft is committed to fostering equality and diversity, which is a cornerstone of how we work. Our approach to equality is multifaceted, encompassing employment practices, community engagement, and leadership representation.; Diverse employment practices: We actively seek a diverse range of candidates, including students and multinational individuals, to create a workforce that reflects our sector and our clients. For instance, we employ a PhD student from Bristol University as a Data Scientist, offering the flexibility needed to balance academic research with practical client solutions.; Work experience opportunities: MindCraft offers work experience placements to local students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing insights into digital careers and opening doors to future employment opportunities.; Support for veterans: MindCraft recognises the valuable skills and experiences that Armed Forces veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Supporting a large scale programme to find veterans’ new careers, we engage with veterans’ groups to provide pathways into new careers within our company and our partners’, ranging from apprentices, IT technician to cybersecurity roles, ensuring that their transition is both smooth and rewarding.; Local community engagement: Our commitment extends to local communities, where we collaborate with schools and colleges to develop career days and work experience opportunities. This initiative is particularly focused on school leavers and apprentices who opt for a different path from university, thereby promoting alternative routes to professional success.; Inclusive leadership: We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive workplace that not only welcomes but also celebrates diversity. Our team is multi-ethnic, and we place a strong emphasis on gender equality, with women holding 50% of the shares and being integral to our Senior Leadership Team (SLT).; Through these practices, we can deliver more innovative, effective, and empathetic solutions to our clients, while contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.

  Wellbeing

  MindCraft prioritises the health and wellbeing of our team, clients, and community. One of the three core pillars of our businesses is ‘an excellent company culture’ that supports holistic wellbeing. We do this by:; Employee Wellbeing; All our team have objectives, which support a positive company culture, alongside health and wellbeing.; We actively promote the health and wellbeing agenda through regular team meetings and quarterly away days, providing opportunities for team-building, professional development and rejuvenation.; All our teams’ objectives are aligned to the pillar of cultural excellence and feature work designed to promote health, wellbeing and a positive company culture.; We have a strong sense of team and actively promote the health and wellbeing agenda through fortnightly all team meetings and quarterly away days, offering a chance to escape the day job and focus of team-building. ; Alongside some of the partners we work alongside, we offer employees a private medical scheme, including mental health support and access to private GPs. This also includes regular information on physical and mental wellbeing.; We offer opportunities to all colleagues to undertake first aid and mental health training.; ; Client wellbeing; Our digital solutions prioritise user experience, ensuring accessibility and ease of use.; We deliver excellent training and engagement programmes for clients, empowering them to navigate new systems confidently, reducing anxiety around technology adoption.; Community Wellbeing; Directors contribute offer voluntary services to non-profits.; Our cyber and digital workshops empower individuals to stay safe online. We also engage with educational establishments to build awareness of digital career opportunities.; Environmental Wellbeing; We operate on a paperless policy and encourage sustainability and energy-efficient practices.; Under this framework, we are committing to enhancing client wellbeing by offering career mentoring. Our team will provide monthly sessions over a six-month period, setting clear goals and objectives to mentees as needed.

Pricing

• Price: £50 to £200 a user a month
• Discount for educational organisations: No

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 angus@mindcraft.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.