Transform UK Consulting Limited

Test Automation

Transform’s Test Automation service helps organisations understand how to exploit and improve testing timescales through automation. Our assessment service looks at the specification by example to functional, code and non-functional testing and delivers a pragmatic plan. We offer deep engagement and collaboration with clients, including: central & local government NHS/healthcare.

Features

• Test Driven Development (TDD)
• Functional test automation and Behavioural Driven Development (BDD)
• Configuration management (Infrastructure/Code)
• Continuous Deployment (CD) and Continuous Integration (CI)
• Business case input development
• Review/recommend technology, platforms, software and tools
• High level solution and technical design
• Benefits identification/realisation
• Integration into Development, DevOps and WebOps
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement

Benefits

• Rooted in pragmatism – deliverable, actionable strategy
• Foundation built on user centricity–massive focus on customer insight
• Cutting edge stakeholder management – ability to secure buy-in
• Strong track record of innovative delivery
• Deep technology insight – understands trends, requirements
• Ability to work in large complex organisations
• Multi-departmental insight – can work across boundaries
• Building internal skills and capabilities for long-term sustainability
• First class design skills applied to deliverables, messages
• Focused on making rapid impact and drive long-term behaviours

£525 a unit

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

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

464676196825756

Contact

Tayla Wright-Brown
07878917864
government@transformuk.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: We have extensive experience designing and deploying solutions to the cloud. Our integrated approach supports clients from the initial strategic thinking, through the service design (including research, business analysis, UX design, prototyping) and into full software development. Our transformational approach is seen across government today, from our report for Martha Lane Fox Report, to delivering the first GDS Exemplar (Lasting Power of Attorney), to our work in multiple departments and agencies today, we have planned/designed/deployed cloud-based services for them. Our Development and DevOps approach is focused on quality - building tests and deploying code continuously. We have also migrated our software between Cloud providers multiple times. We bring small, highly skilled and experienced teams, who work collaboratively (and co-located) with clients. We involve clients in key decisions from the start, ensuring they develop a deep understanding of how the services are developed. This improves decision-making and maximises the flexibility, at lowest cost, throughout the lifecycle of their product/service. Our services are planned and executed in an iterative/agile delivery model linking Discovery, Alpha, Beta and live phases with integrated, multi-skilled teams. We also have extensive experience integrating projects into complex, multi-supplier delivery programmes.
• Planning service works with specific services: No

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: We offer many types of training associated with the services we deliver. The approach we take is based on transfer of knowledge into the organisations that we work with so that they can become self-sufficient and not dependant on us as a long-term supplier. The breadth of training covers: -Skills and Knowledge transfer through facilitated training sessions. We use several ways to engage the participants and use techniques such as Lego Serious Play to ensure that we get the audience deeply engaged in the subject matter. -Use of pairing and working with client teams embedded in our project delivery teams. This is then supported with longer term coaching and mentoring to provide client teams with access to expertise as required to help collaboratively solve problems. -We make extensive use of collaboration and content management solutions to deliver documentation (not just of the delivered service(s) but also the decisions that were taken and how these impacted/influenced the implementation). Recommendation of formal training courses for further professional training. -Networking and engagement of our clients into the community of other people with similar skills requirements. -Develop and deliver specific training / documentation for specific services for the end users.
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: At the core of a high quality digital/cloud service is a flexible well designed solution. The set-up and configuration of the service is a foundation for a smooth and rapid service delivery. We have deep experience of setting up Cloud Infrastructure for our clients using modern DevOps techniques and technologies, e.g. zero touch deployments / configuration management / integrated DevOps. We were a leader in the adoption of Cloud-based containerisation in government service delivery and the use of fully automated configuration of environments for our clients. We also have a deep understanding of how to set-up and test services to ensure they are secure and meet the government cyber security standards and comply to existing and future GDPR regulations. Our set-up/design covers not just the protection of the data but extends to data retention and other nuisances of data protection such as the right to be forgotten. We have experience of migration supporting clients transform and load their legacy data into new services that we deliver. This includes assessment of data retention and the security of data in transit. We have also helped clients to move between cloud providers and deploying on premise applications to the cloud
• 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: We are exponents of building quality into the products and services right from the initiation of a project and our delivery methodology has been developed around this fundamental principle. It includes focusing on excellence in delivery, with continuous performance reviews, through fortnightly Retrospectives, during the project, as well as the covering the functional / usability / non-functional elements of the services we develop. For example, our testing frameworks are developed to cover the deployment and testing of the deployed infrastructure. We ensure accessibility to a minimum of AA standard, responsiveness on all screen sizes and browsers; and when test on the most widely used devices. Our testing also focuses on users and utilises various testing tools to ensure services meet their needs. We focus on developing services in a pattern that allows testing at multiple layers of the service, from back-end to user interface and makes extensive use of automated testing tools to check: code, accessibility, security and performance. We also look to instrument our services to ensure that they can be effectively monitored and we can measure the availability and performance/behaviour is continuously checked and automated alerts are generated when the system fails to comply to its defining characteristics.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Security testing
• Certified security testers: No

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported: Hosting or software provided by your organisation
• How the support service works: Transform will normally be building specific client solutions to their specifications and therefore we normally work to agree support services as part of the development of the platform.

Service scope

• Service constraints: Transform will normally be building solutions specific to client requirements and specifications. Therefore we normally work within the client’s constraints.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support response times: We agree this as part of service pricing
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: WCAG 2.1 A
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), 7 days a week
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: Transform will normally be building specific client solutions to their specifications and therefore we normally work to agree support services as part of the development of the platform.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• Government security clearance: Up to Security Clearance (SC)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: British Assessment Bureau
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 20/04/2021
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: There are no areas within the service that are not covered by this certification.
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• 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 will engage with relevant stakeholders to understand existing framework activities and how we can deliver additional environmental benefits through our service provision. ; ; Our team has started an Open-Source project – Zekia – a Cloud Carbon (cloud agnostic) tracking tool for our development team and are in discussions with Defra and Government Digital Services to expand the use and contributors to this project. ; ; Green Engineering – Part of our Carbon Reduction plan is a framework assessing the impact of Carbon emissions and embedding this into the development lifecycle. We will share this with CCS and discuss how to include it in our delivery. ; ; Planet Centred Design - Our Service Design practice are collaborating with partners and clients to create a community of interest around Planet Centred Design practices and we’d welcome the opportunity to involve CCS in this initiative. ; ; Digital footprint – Our new website - deployed 1st February 2024 – is currently 88% cleaner than all web pages globally. We will continue to measure its sustainability using 3 different calculators. We have worked with clients like BEIS and Borderforce to reduce their digital footprint. ; ; We aim to co-design/co-create relevant environmental training to influence CCS’ chosen staff, suppliers and communities. ; ; We run Environmental Sustainability training for staff, suppliers and clients through our internal academy (Learnamp), e.g. ISO awareness training, Environmental Management System training and BCorp familiarisation. ; ; Events - We run multiple events for our staff, clients and key stakeholders: Series of talks by inspirational speakers (e.g. Paddy Loughman), about climate change and the ecological crisis and the pathways we can take through it; Partnering with Plantega to run tasting sessions focusing on making plant-based eating super convenient. ; ; We are subscribers to Gartner to keep ahead of eco-technology. We are members of techUK and participate in their Sustainability Strategy Forum.

  Covid-19 recovery

  Transform is proud of our response to COVID-19 and how we’ve been able to support in managing and recovering from the pandemic for our staff, clients and local communities. ; ; Since 2020 we have recruited over 300+ into our resourcing pool, with 80% of this being permanent staff. 48% of our team are located outside of Greater London; 6% work flexible hours. ; ; We have utilised agile methodology through collaborating with peers and customers to establish new ways of working for clients/teams enabling projects to continue effectively and efficiently. We have provided extensive COVID-19 support services to our clients, such as rapid deployment of additional resource and inclusive pastoral support, including extensive support to the Department for Education’s COVID-19 response.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Currently, we have multiple degree apprentices. 6+% of our total workforce and 4% of consulting staff are apprentices, covering subjects such as testing, data and UX. ; ; We provide London living-wage paid internships and work experience via leading apprenticeship providers (Multiverse, Makers, Manchester Metropolitan University) to support underrepresented groups. ; ; All managers undergo mandated hiring-without-bias training and competency-based interviewing techniques/template. ; ; Through this G-Cloud service provision, we will aim to tackle economic inequality by delivering against the following: ; ; Understand skills shortages/issues ; ; Identify key stakeholders – e.g. other suppliers, charities. ; ; Stakeholder Engagement & Strategy – Engage with relevant stakeholders and agree on initial KPIs within first month of contract award. ; ; Design the project team with CCS to ensure a diverse representation within the team. ; ; Apprenticeships/traineeships/T Level industry placement opportunities ; ; Hiring-without-bias training to all managers within the project, including CCS staff. ; ; Ensuring a minimum of one apprentice is put on each programme. With Transform providing support to apprentices at our cost, removing burden on CCS. ; ; Provide - as a minimum - London Living wage. ; ; Support educational attainment ; ; Liaise with the CCS’ appointed project team to understand skills shortages and roles needed for the new contract. ; ; Support contract workforce ; ; Using PDPs for all employees on this contract to ; ; Identify skills gaps – Provide learning and development opportunities for individual employees. ; ; In-work progression – Create 30/60/90 day plans to support employees in achieving personal goals. ; ; Apprentices – Building learning plans to support all apprentices on the project. ; ; Continuous Improvement ; ; Performance Management Transparency Report – Monthly reports to provide transparency to CCS, as part of SoW. ; ; Monthly Meeting - Communicate KPIs, targets achieved and commitments to CCS. ; ; Annual Meeting – Opportunity for Transform’s exec sponsor, CCS and stakeholders to assess plan against KPIs using feedback and reports, and review/make improvements.

  Equal opportunity

  Our staff is 45.8% female, 38% ethnic-minorities, surpassing our 20% target. By the end of 2024, we aspire to achieve gender parity. Our efforts earned us Management Today's "Best Diversity & Inclusion Initiative" award 2022, and CEO Emma Robertson earned "Best CEO Leadership on DE&I" 2023. ; ; In addition to championing inclusive and accessible approaches throughout our recruitment, retention and progression practices, in-work progression is underpinned by the following ensuring we continue to have below industry average attrition: ; ; Culture of Continuous Improvement: we encourage knowledge sharing through ‘show & tells’ and ‘learning lunches’. ; ; Clear Career Pathways: and competency frameworks for each role. ; ; Mentorship/Coaching/Shadowing: opportunities for less experienced staff to work with more experienced staff to guide and support career progression goals. ; ; Performance Reviews & Feedback: all employees have Personal Development Plans. ; ; Training & Development Plans: aggregated and assessed at an exec level to aid mobility. ; ; Internal Job Posting: all new job postings advertised internally to aid internal mobility. ; ; Recognition & Reward: Transform’s culture encourages employees to publicly celebrate each other. ; ; Pay: salary bands are reviewed quarterly and mapped to ensure equity based on a scorecard of factors. We conduct annual analysis of gender and ethnicity pay gaps with initiatives to address both. Recent pay increases were forgone by senior leaders with increases focused on those on lowest salaries amidst the cost-of-living crisis. ; ; Promotions: Quarterly Career Management Board, monitored through a DEI lens. ; ; Flexible Working: Transform’s flexible working policy supports work-life balance. ; ; Employee Assistance Programme: extensive programme, to assist employees in managing stress and personal challenges that may impact in-work progression. ; ; Support During Transitions or return to work: we proactively support employees through any workplace or career transitions. ; ; Employee Surveys & Feedback: conducted regularly to collect honest feedback on how we can better support our staff.

  Wellbeing

  Transform is committed to ensuring our G-Cloud service provision is fully aligned with Theme 5: Wellbeing of the government’s Social Value Model. ; ; Policy outcome: Improving health and wellbeing ; ; We follow the 6 Mental Health at Work commitment standards and presently, our processes include: ; ; Mental health ambassadors – we have a team of Mental Health First Aid trained staff who can offer support to the entire project team including CCS and supplier staff. ; ; Driven by our RD&I strategy, we offer all employees a fluid working approach and a flexible working agreement e.g. staggered working hours for parents/carers. ; ; During our bi-annual Employee Engagement Survey we ensure that all wellbeing responses are included and are viewed alongside DE&I metrics with any areas for improvement being given key focus at an executive level. ; ; Our most recent employee survey saw 92% of employees score positively to being asked if they felt cared about at work. ; ; On projects, we will implement the following and aim to collaborate with CCS project teams to adapt and tailor our approach: ; ; Team Charters - agree principles and ethics from day 1 to create a safe and respectful team environment. ; ; “Manuals of Me" - empower team members to articulate preferences around ways-of-working. ; ; Retrospectives - identify concerns early, providing a safe space for discussion. ; ; A thriving index – each sprint to measure team's wellbeing (Transform, CCS and relevant suppliers). ; ; Policy outcome: Improving community cohesion ; ; We offer all our permanent staff 2 volunteering days a year. 2023 activities include raising over £2,000 for MIND during Mental Health Awareness week. ; ; For this G-cloud service provision, we aim to develop a deep understanding of your users and community. We would also offer to promote CCS’ chosen charity to our teams and even collaborate with you/your chosen stakeholders to create a joint volunteering activity.

Pricing

• Price: £525 a unit
• 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 government@transformuk.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.