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Clerkswell

Agile and waterfall project management approach

ClerksWell have a proven process for delivering and managing projects. Our approach for digital project delivery adheres to the Government Digital Service Standards. We are qualified in both agile and waterfall project management to deliver world class .NET Website Content Management Systems on Sitecore, Optimizely and Umbraco.

Features

  • Proven phase approach to projects
  • Understand user needs
  • Research, search and test
  • Agile methods to define and confirm
  • Identify performance indicators, for evaluation use for successful delivery
  • Design and plan to ensure we use open standards
  • Our user experience conforms to accessibility standards GOV.UK
  • Build for open source code, whilst maintaining high security
  • Build to ensure back up and disaster recovery
  • End-to-end testing throughout development unit testing to high quality assurance

Benefits

  • Ensures alpha, beta and live is implemented with the plan
  • Report and evaluate the delivery by analysing data
  • Identify enhancements to improve performance
  • Continually review usability and evolve where necessary
  • Mobile first approach
  • Limitation and elimination of all security and privacy issues
  • End-to-end testing and quality assurance of solution
  • Sign-off plan for each stake-holder

Pricing

£750 to £1,250 a unit a day

  • Education pricing available

Service documents

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

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

4 7 3 5 9 7 8 9 3 3 9 8 7 4 6

Contact

Clerkswell Olivia Brookhouse
Telephone: 02076898800
Email: hello@clerkswell.com

Planning

Planning service
Yes
How the planning service works
We specialise in tailored Project & Programme Management services specifically designed for cloud users. Our capabilities cover a wide range of functions, including project analysis, planning, programme management, administration, PMO management, information analysis, business analysis, PMO analysis, portfolio management, and change management. Our team holds certifications in Prince 2 and we have qualifications in Agile, Waterfall, DSDM, SCRUM, SSADM, and APM.
Planning service works with specific services
Yes
Hosting or software services the planning service works with
  • Azure
  • Umbraco
  • Sitecore
  • Optimizely

Training

Training service provided
Yes
How the training service works
We create peer-reviewed documentation during the project which is available for the customer prior to them performing their User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
Documents include:
• User Guide – comprehensive guide targeted at Optimizely, Sitecore or Umbraco content editors and administrators.
• Classroom exercises – content entry exercises to support classroom training sessions.
• Technical Specification – created at the start of the project and will be provided to the customer. It will include documentation of interfaces/integrations with other systems, configurations and any other technical aspects that should be written down.
We provide classroom and one-on-one training courses:
• Administrator training – this is targeted at super users/administrators and will cover administrative activities such as user maintenance, housekeeping, security etc.
• Content editor training – this is targeted at anyone who will maintain content on the system. It will be supported by the “classroom exercises” referred to above.
Training is tied to specific services
Yes
Services the training service works with
  • Azure
  • Sitecore
  • Umbraco
  • Optimizely

Setup and migration

Setup or migration service available
Yes
How the setup or migration service works
ClerksWell can provide a full migration service, from help with choosing and planning for a new infrastructure provider, through to performing the tasks of transferring data, code and infrastructure configuration to the new provider. We can also offer training in use of the new systems if necessary.

Our approach to how a migration should be performed is bespoke to each client. We can determine what automated tools are available for a particular migration scenario. If they will provide business benefit and speed up the process we will make use of these as part of the migration workflow. Where pre-existing tools are not available, or where there they cannot be shown to provide business benefit, we can perform a wholly custom migration.

Our flexible approach copes well with scenarios where the migration requires changes to underlying configuration or data structures. Automated tools are less effective at dealing with these issues, but our experienced staff can ensure the migrated systems are configured optimally for your needs.
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
Our Quality Assurance process is outlined as follows:

• Review specifications

Clarifications, assumptions and browser matrix are reviewed at this stage

• Deployment guide review
• Test planning

Full comprehensive documentation of test plan

• Functional and non-functional system testing
• Performance and load testing

Unit Testing: the process in which the smallest testable part of the application is tested. Our technical team produce unit tests for elements that form the custom features of the entire solution. Through the tests produced, we run the tests on regular basis to monitor any impact to existing code/features.

• Stress/Load Testing
• Automated testing
• Regression testing

At every stage of the testing process, the outcome and results will be shared and discussed with the client.

Defect logging and quality reporting is done throughout this stage. We then deploy packages to UAT, there can be another round of bug fixes here and then we deploy to live.

The QA phase of development is an internal activity we undertake prior to delivering any code to ensure that what the customer receives is fit for User Acceptance Testing (UAT). We interpret QA to mean UAT in this question.

Security testing

Security services
Yes
Security services type
Security risk management

Ongoing support

Ongoing support service
Yes
Types of service supported
Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
How the support service works
ClerksWell can support both cloud hosting and software services, depending on what software you choose and what deployment model best suits your business.

Service scope

Service constraints
No

User support

Email or online ticketing support
Email or online ticketing
Support response times
• Urgent items- Immediate
• High items- 2 hours
• Medium- 16 hours
• Low – agreed on a case by case basis

• Support will be available from 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding any UK public or bank holidays).
• Support can be provided for out of hours’ deployments. These must be pre-arranged.
• Any request for services on a 24/7 basis can be provided with prior agreement on level of emergency and will be covered at a specific rate outside of this SLA.
User can manage status and priority of support tickets
Yes
Online ticketing support accessibility
None or don’t know
Phone support
Yes
Phone support availability
9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
Web chat support
No
Support levels
Our support offering is very flexible and completely tailored to our customers’ requirements. We have clearly delineated support levels based on the priority rating of the issues (this is decided by the customer).
Our support costs are dictated by the hours required and are based on our standard day rate. If 24/7, weekend support, or simply an extension of our standard 9-5 support hours we will arrange this based on the individual requirement of the customer.
• Support will be available from 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding any UK public or bank holidays).
• Support can be provided for out of hours’ deployments. These must be pre-arranged.
• Any request for services on a 24/7 basis can be provided with prior agreement on level of emergency and will be covered at a specific rate outside of this SLA.
Every project has a project team composed of an Account Manager, Project Manager, Digital consultant, and Technical Lead.

Resellers

Supplier type
Reseller providing extra features and support
Organisation whose services are being resold
Umbraco and Sitecore and Optimizely

Staff security

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

Standards and certifications

ISO/IEC 27001 certification
Yes
Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001
British Assessment Bureau
ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date
12 April 2023
What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover
Third-party systems
ISO 28000:2007 certification
No
CSA STAR certification
No
PCI certification
No
Cyber essentials
No
Cyber essentials plus
No
Other security certifications
No

Social Value

Social Value

Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

Fighting climate change

ClerksWell actively contributes to the fight against climate change through a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance, aiming to create a positive impact on both our organisation and the broader community. Here’s how ClerksWell champions sustainability:
Collaboration with Carbon Neutral Britain: These reports guide our sustainable practices and ensure transparency. Our forward-thinking approach addresses carbon emissions across all areas, including Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
Green Workplace Practices: ClerksWell maintains a green workplace by actively reducing waste, conserving energy, and minimising our environmental footprint. We continually seek innovative solutions to enhance sustainability within our office environment.
Digital Agency Impact: As a digital agency, we recognise the significant impact of data servers and product development on the environment. Our partnerships play a crucial role in this regard:
Microsoft Azure: Microsoft is committed to sustainable datacentres and hosting. They employ resource harvesting techniques and aim to run their datacentres on 100% renewable energy by 2025.
CMS Partners: Our content management system (CMS) partners also commit to sustainability. For example carbon offsetting through projects like Ecologi, Cool Effect, and Reforestaction.
In terms of our website and intranet development, ClerksWell is committed to reducing website data through various methods, including code compression, optimisation, content auditing, improved user experience (UX), search engine optimisation (SEO), and video and image compression. These efforts contribute to lowering the page and data weight of our clients’ websites and, consequently, their emissions.
Regarding office policies, we adopt a “think before you print” approach to paper use. Lights are turned off every evening, and computers are powered off instead of being left on standby. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond digital practices to our everyday operations.

Tackling economic inequality

ClerksWell's multifaceted approach to tackling economic inequality encompasses recruitment, career development, community engagement, and talent cultivation. These efforts not only benefit the organisation but also contribute positively to society at large.
ClerksWell adheres to the five foundational principles of quality work outlined in the UK government's Good Work Plan. By ensuring fair wages, job security, and a supportive work environment, ClerksWell attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds. This commitment to quality work also reduces staff turnover and fosters a motivated workforce.
ClerksWell actively promotes career development within its ranks. Through mentoring programs, employees receive guidance and support to enhance their skills and advance in their roles. This investment in professional growth not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to a more skilled and capable workforce overall.
Recognising the importance of addressing skills gaps, ClerksWell focuses on areas where talent shortages exist. By providing training and development opportunities in these critical fields, the company contributes to bridging the skills divide and supports economic growth.
ClerksWell hosts an annual intake of school students for work experience and summer internships. By offering young people exposure to real-world work environments, the company contributes to their personal and professional development. These programs also serve as a pipeline for future talent within the organisation.
ClerksWell's graduate trainee program caters to both technical and non-technical disciplines. By nurturing fresh talent, many from non-traditional STEM backgrounds, the company invests in the next generation of professionals, fostering innovation and knowledge transfer.

Equal opportunity

Since our inception over 25 years ago, we're proud to be breaking barriers and shaking up a predominately male-dominated industry with a team of powerful women working as web developers, tech leads, and all through different levels of management.
Here are several ways in which ClerksWell actively demonstrates its dedication to being an equal opportunity employer:
1. Equal Employment Opportunities: At ClerksWell, we firmly believe that everyone deserves an equal chance to thrive. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, irrespective of factors such as race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability status, or any other legally protected basis. Our commitment ensures that all individuals have a level playing field to showcase their qualifications and abilities.
2. Merit-Based Decisions: We evaluate qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements without bias, ensuring that each individual is assessed fairly and transparently.
3. Advancing Social Equity: We stand firmly against injustice, bias, discrimination, and racism. Recognising our role in addressing societal inequities, ClerksWell actively seeks to make a positive impact not only within our organisation but also in the broader community.
In summary, ClerksWell's commitment to equal opportunity goes beyond legal obligations. By fostering an inclusive workplace, we empower our workforce and contribute to positive societal change. ClerksWell's dedication to these principles ensures that our team members feel valued, respected, and motivated to excel.

Wellbeing

At ClerksWell, we understand that a vibrant and committed workforce significantly impacts overall success. Here are several strategies we employ to nurture well-being:
1. Flexible Work Arrangements: We provide flexible work hours and remote work options, allowing employees to balance professional and personal commitments.
2. Health Initiatives: always in line with the latest guidance for physical and digital workspaces. We offer the Cyclescheme Bike to Work initiative and have a walking and running club. Additionally, all permanent staff members are eligible for free private healthcare.
3. Mental Health Support: ClerksWell has a commitment to open conversations about mental health and has many years of support for UK mental health charities for example, our ongoing participation in the Samaritans ‘Brew Monday’ campaign.
4. Work-Life Balance: We actively encourage regular breaks, minimise overtime, and respect personal time, fostering a healthier work-life balance.
5. Recognition and Appreciation: Our weekly recognition program celebrates achievements, boost morale, and creates a positive atmosphere.
6. Professional Development: We believe in opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth, which contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
7. Social Engagement: Our quarterly social activities, such as painting sessions, bowling, and walking tours, bring colleagues together and enhance camaraderie. Our fundraising is also a fun way to contribute to colleagues’ wellbeing from Christmas Jumper Day to supporting a half-marathon.
By prioritising employee well-being, we cultivate a thriving environment where everyone can flourish.

Pricing

Price
£750 to £1,250 a unit a day
Discount for educational organisations
Yes

Service documents

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