Oaklin Limited

Cloud consulting

Oaklin helps our clients transition from 'legacy' technologies and ways of working to cloud-centric solutions.

Our services cover the full lifecycle of cloud-based delivery: from cloud strategy and operating model design, through cloud service provider evaluation and selection, to migrating services to the cloud and implementing cloud applications.

Features

• Programme and project management of cloud solutions and migration
• Cloud migration proof-of-value/concept
• Critical Cloud technology tender selection, procurement and service transition
• Cloud strategy definition, transformation mobilisation, and migration implementation
• Pragmatic and collaborative hybrid execution of cloud-based initiatives
• Assurance of cloud-based delivery initiatives
• Organisation design for cloud-enabled businesses
• Embedding new ways of working for cloud services/ applications
• Enabling continuous delivery via the cloud
• Digital agility through robust implementation methodology

Benefits

• Clear and executable strategies tailored to you, based on experience
• We accelerate and streamline delivery processes and reduce bottlenecks
• De-risk cloud migrations via our clear, pragmatic, and efficient approach
• We inspire increased confidence in delivering new features and change
• We help deliver scalable and reusable solutions, thus maximising efficiency
• We help realise cost savings and increase return on investment
• We work to prepare and upskill your people for change
• Enable greater flexibility to change and experiment with your estate
• Better, faster software using DevOps tools and ways of working
• Bringing products closer to customers through exceptional experiences

£850 to £2,750 a unit a day

Service documents

• Pricing document

  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 opportunities@oaklin.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

323637673672003

Contact

Oaklin Opportunities
+44 (0)203 855 5865
opportunities@oaklin.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: As specialists in advising, shaping, procuring, and delivering cloud transformation initiatives, Oaklin will work with you to plan, source and deliver your desired outcomes using cloud applications and tooling. ; We have expertise across all cloud implementation phases. Our service includes:; 1) Developing cloud service design strategies by reviewing current infrastructure and application architectures, and defining target cloud architecture models and roadmaps.; 2) Business analysis to capture requirements and KPIs for key activities such as cloud migration.; 3) Mobilising transformation initiatives, conducting proof-of-concept activities, developing robust business cases, and establishing effective governance structures.; 4) Leading rigorous procurement and commercial selection exercises.; 5) Undertaking business process design of new solutions, and designing delivery blueprints using a range of techniques including our proprietary approach to business architecture.; Oaklin's experienced consultants manage complex change and transformation using industry best practice approaches (Agile, SAFe, Scrum, Lean, DevOps, PRINCE2), and have deep experience of bringing this knowledge to bear for a range of cloud-based initiatives such as cloud migration and continuous delivery via the cloud. We bring all this experience and knowledge gathered across a variety of projects to help you plan and successfully deliver your cloud transformation journey.
• Planning service works with specific services: No

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: One of Oaklin's core capabilities is Change Management, and we apply this expertise when undertaking cloud-based change initiatives.; Change management is broader than ‘training’; it is a discipline which helps to prepare, equip and support individuals to successfully adopt change to drive successful organisational outcomes. Training is one of several key components needed to embed new ways of working, which include communication, mentoring and coaching, planning and readiness. ; Oaklin has developed a five-phase change management approach which is broken down into distinct sets of activities, deliverables and target outcomes. This people-centred approach has been successfully used with our clients to train new and existing staff. ; It is underpinned by five critical success factors: ongoing sponsor engagement; cultural awareness and understanding; commitment to over-communication; early preparation for resistance; and consistent emotive reinforcement. ; At Oaklin, our consultants use a framework of tools and processes to methodically assess and engage employees, suppliers and/or customers with the target outcome of helping them to adopt new skills and behaviours. Example tools include sponsor assessment diagrams, resistance management plans, coaching plans and employee training sessions. The adoption of appropriate skills and behaviours is essential for the realisation of anticipated benefits from all cloud-based change initiatives.
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: Oaklin can help you with your migration to the cloud in three key ways: ; Cloud Migration Strategy & Planning: Oaklin combines knowledge of cloud and expertise in corporate strategy to facilitate a cloud migration strategy that will fit your needs. Based on your application estate, we will recommend a practical approach to moving your applications to the cloud and will represent this in a realistic and coherent plan. ; Cloud Migration Proof-of-Value: Oaklin can undertake proof-of-value activities and will help you to identify a single application to be moved from your datacentre to the cloud. We will help you plan, select the right target cloud technologies, perform, and measure the end-to-end process as a proof-of-concept. We will capture lessons learned so they can be applied to future cloud migration efforts. ; Cloud Migration Implementation: Oaklin will help guide your teams to a successful outcome using our experience to suit your unique environment. We will manage your migration through (for example) scoping, planning, effective governance in line with industry best practice and risk, issue, assumption and dependency management. We are comfortable leading multi-functional teams to help you achieve your desired outcomes.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: No

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: Quality assurance is a core part of Oaklin’s service offering and is a specialist service that is frequently requested by clients. ; We have developed a unique approach for verifying the ‘health’ of all our transformation initiatives, including the design and deployment of cloud-based initiatives. We recognise clients typically move to the cloud to achieve greater flexibility with their IT estate that is both cost-effective and performant, however we also recognise this isn't always a simple process. ; To help you achieve success, we offer: ; Independent quality assurance of your cloud initiatives to ascertain whether your delivered solution will achieve its anticipated benefits, and provide recommendations for remediation, if needed. ; Functional test experts to prove your target cloud solution or migration approach will work according to your business requirements and system design. ; Performance (and other non-functional) test experts to prove your target cloud solution or migration approach is secure, stable and performant at all times. Where appropriate, learnings are shared widely to ensure the organisation as a whole gains value from our work.

Security testing

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

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: No

Service scope

• Service constraints: No, Oaklin covers the full lifecycle of cloud-based delivery. If a particular capability is required that we do not offer, we are prepared to create a delivery structure comprised of one or more partner organisations which functions and delivers as one team to achieve the required outcome for our clients.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: No
• Phone support: No
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: Our standard offering does not include operational support.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

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: NQA
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 11/10/2023
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: N/a
• 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

  Oaklin's aim is to identify opportunities to actively reduce our carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability throughout our operations and value chain. We are achieving this in the following ways.; Carbon Offset Practices: Oaklin’s carbon offset practices have been recognised by the Carbon Footprint standard. The scheme aims to drive lower energy consumption and reduce negative externalities through contemporary practices such as the ‘paperless office’. We support avoidance measures and clean/renewable energy generation projects around the world. Oaklin’s active mitigation of climate change and minimisation of waste reflects the Government 25 Year Environmental Plan.; Word Forest Partnership: Word Forest are an environmental charity based in the UK who have a focus on combatting climate change by planting trees in the tropics. Since 2021, the partnership has grown materially, having attended COP together, delivered successful educational events, and shaped the Word Forest Strategy to position the organisation for their next phase of growth. We have helped plant over 600 trees in Kenya to date, absorbing approximately 160 tonnes of CO2 and providing valuable sustenance for the local community. ; Ethical investing: We are committed to providing employees robust pension investment options that deliver strong returns while promoting a sustainable future. We match employee pension scheme contributions up to 6% and offer a range of investment approaches that equip employees to tailor their financial profile to achieve personal goals. New employee pension contributions are directed by default to Oaklin’s Stewardship Fund.; Internal initiatives: All new joiners to Oaklin are provided a re-usable water bottle to reduce the number of plastic bottles used. Re-usable coffee cups are also available to all to reduce the impact on landfill waste. Mr Bamboo Cup, our supplier, plant one tree for every cup ordered. All batteries and electronic devices are recycled through an approved e-Waste company (S2S group).

  Covid-19 recovery

  We established a series of affirmative actions to help our employees, clients and partners get through the unprecedented times.; Supporting employees: Ensuring the mental and physical wellbeing of our employees remains our number one priority. Offering a workplace that employees felt safe working in during the pandemic was paramount. We made remote working the norm during this time, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to work remotely should they wish to do so. We made the office available, as not everyone has optimal working conditions at home, and some would come under undue mental stress in doing so. In making the office available, we ensured access to hand sanitisation, Perspex dividers between desks, daily temperature checks, one-way systems and signposted seating arrangements in the office and meeting rooms, maintaining a 2m distance. We established bi-weekly leadership drop-in sessions for employees to raise any concerns, whilst also ensuring effective 1-2-1 counselling between employees and their career mentors. We enhanced our ‘Wellbeing’ support package available to employees that includes telephone counselling. ; Supporting businesses: Many of our clients still had to pursue their key priorities, whilst having significantly less money available to do so. As a relationship-based business, we understood the position our clients were in, and agreed to provide consulting services at reduced fees to ensure our clients could maintain operational continuity. We established digital ways of working at our clients, through implementations of Microsoft Teams and SharePoint Online. ; Supporting our partners: We raised funds for our charity partners YoungMinds, enabling mental health specialists to expand their reach. We also provided not for profit consultancy services to YoungMinds to ensure they are able to benefit from our expertise to maintain operations and maximise efficiencies to deliver their vital mental health services.

  Tackling economic inequality

  At Oaklin, we take our social contract seriously, and strive to make a positive impact to society. We aim to do this across several different social and operational initiatives.; Social Enterprise Engagement: As part of Oaklin’s CSR agenda, we are continuously seeking new opportunities to engage with the local community. In March 2023, we invited Luminary Bakery into our office to provide an overview of the work they do. Luminary Bakery offer training, support and employment to women who have a social and economic disadvantage. They focus on providing the support and environment to allow women to grow and learn transferable skills. ; Paddington Academy Partnership: Stepping into the world of work can be difficult for most people; this first step can be made even harder for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through Oaklin's partnership with Paddington Academy, we provide careers advice and support, work experience, and coaching, for students from diverse backgrounds to improve career opportunities for those who need it most. ; Prompt Payments: We have made a commitment to pay all of our invoices within 60 days. In practice this means: Treating all our suppliers equally and fairly, paying our suppliers within the terms agreed at the outset of the contract, without attempting to change payment terms retrospectively and without changing practice on length of payment for smaller companies on unreasonable grounds. Providing clear guidance to suppliers on payment procedures ensuring there is a system for dealing with complaints and disputes which is communicated to suppliers. Advising suppliers promptly if there is any reason why an invoice will not be paid to the agreed terms. By requesting that lead suppliers encourage adoption of the code throughout their own supply chains.

  Equal opportunity

  To create equal opportunities, Oaklin follows an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Each Oaklin employee involved in recruitment must undergo unconscious bias training. We create opportunities for employment and actively look for people from diverse backgrounds. We have an Inclusion Charter that outlines ways we are inclusive through our focus on our speech and our actions. Inclusive Working Environment: Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group regularly explores how we can continue to push ourselves to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to life. The group manages a range of activities from reviewing employee benefits to looking for unintended bias in messaging to planning events that celebrate diversity. All Oaklin employees undergo diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) training on joining the organisation. This is provided in the form of a webinar from Niki Avraam, our employment lawyer to provide an overview of the main legal obligations that we have as colleagues in relation to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Oaklin Women’s Network: This aims to empower and support our women in the workplace to reach their fullest potential, whilst also empowering our men to act as allies. We support people with either a physical or mental impairment to thrive within the workforce, we actively review requirements and promote additional flexibility for people with disabilities. Oaklin has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery that is communicated to all suppliers, contractors, and business partners from the outset. upReach collaboration: Since 2022, Oaklin has collaborated with upReach, an organisation that aims to create conditions for undergraduates from less-advantaged backgrounds to access and sustain top graduate roles, by organising a range of initiatives including hosting a week of work experience and two mock assessment centres.

  Wellbeing

  Our wellbeing strategy targets four different pillars of wellbeing: mental, physical, social, and physical. To understand the health and wellbeing of our employees, we run annual wellbeing surveys and collect anonymised statistics from Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) usage. Attendance at external events helps us to understand issues on a wider scale (e.g., the Watercooler Conference on wellbeing solutions). We have trained first aiders within the office to ensure the in-office safety of our employees and clients. We understand the importance of maintaining our physical health (offering a Cycle to Work Scheme) and in the same way, we’re aware of the importance of good mental health. The AXA healthcare package offered to all employees covers aspects of physical health (e.g., Doctor at Hand, discounted gym memberships) and mental health (e.g., Stronger Minds App). Working to enhance and maintain our mental health and emotional resilience can better position our people to reach their full potential and play full part in their relationships, workplace, and community. During April 2024, we held a step challenge, “On Your Feet Britain”, and encouraged all employees to get involved to achieve the highest step count across the month. We hold regular social events at work for team building and promoting a strong organisational culture, including our annual away day, our monthly social events and our “Oaklin Families”. We are proud to support some of the most vulnerable populations in our communities through our Young Minds partnership, helping to shape their pricing and go to market strategy. Our partnership has flourished since its inception in February 2018. From holding community fundraising events, and activities in the form of bake sales, Tough Mudder participation and sweepstakes.

Pricing

• Price: £850 to £2,750 a unit a day
• Discount for educational organisations: No

Service documents

• Pricing document

  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 opportunities@oaklin.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.