CMC Partnership Consultancy Ltd

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement for Cloud & Digital Services

Our communications and engagement approach is based on understanding organisations and, crucially, their people. Engaging stakeholders effectively is critical to achieving the desired outcomes in any organisation. We plan strategic communications campaigns to build engagement at all levels of the organisation. We target key messages to support organisations through change.

Features

• Communications supporting the implementation, migration and operation of cloud services
• Comms strategy includes principles, branding, roadmap, success measures and interdependencies
• Campaign planning based on communications and organisation’s strategies and plans
• All messages have a clear ‘think-feel-do’ call to action
• Clear audience segmentation identifies specific communications needs
• Stakeholder analysis identifies advocates and resisters supporting effective engagement
• Multiple-media content created including video, podcast, animations, newsletters
• Champion networks support two-way feedback and advocate powerfully for change
• Equality analysis identifies any accessibility adjustments required
• Delivery of mentoring, coaching and structured training in Microsoft365

Benefits

• Communications strategy is fully aligned with organisational vision and strategy
• Campaigns planned to align with programme and change plans
• Gathering clear feedback on all communications drives continuous improvement
• Segmenting audiences allows messages to be tailored to specific groups
• Tailored content creation for maximum impact and effectiveness
• Changes are understood and adopted by people rapidly
• Champion networks build credibility and support for the change
• Communications and services are created to be accessible for all
• People with accessibility needs included and can access the communications/services
• Upskilling of customer teams grows internal communications capability

£400 to £1,400 a unit a day

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

Framework

G-Cloud 13

Service ID

831261258312440

Contact

Pippa Shimmin
01633 492 030
bids@consultcmc.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: It is important to understand an organisation’s vision, culture, plans and appetite for change to ensure an aligned communication strategy and effective campaign(s). ; ; We undertake comprehensive stakeholder mapping, then engage regularly with key stakeholders and sponsors. We develop change networks (or critical friends) to provide crucial advocates, at all levels, to support the planning, delivery and feedback of communications.; ; We create communications campaigns aligned to change and/or delivery plans. These are based on audiences’ needs and include a clear call to action. We use existing or, if required, develop new channels. ; ; We plan to raise awareness of the change, why it is required and what it means for the audiences. ; ; We plan to raise desire for the change with an understanding of the consequences for the organisation (and individuals) if the change is not adopted.; ; We plan to monitor the effectiveness of communications throughout campaigns. This is essential to ensure that the audiences understand and action the required changes.; ; We plan the reinforcement of communications to underpin the required change. ; ; Where appropriate, we plan coaching, mentoring or appropriate learning to transfer knowledge and build capability.; ; Where required we undertake Equality Analysis to ensure planned campaigns fully consider all accessibility requirements.
• Planning service works with specific services: No

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: We coach seniors in presentation skills and the importance of communications during change. We mentor colleagues in content creation, use of design tools and communications processes. We provide coaching, mentoring and tailored capability building sessions to upskill individuals and teams in change communications.; ; We also create bespoke sessions as required. Recent Microsoft365 training on a digital programme included ‘microbytes’ – 15 minute bite-size sessions on how to use Microsoft365 and other digital tools. These were videoed to provide access for non-attendees. We provided MS Teams and/or in-person Digital Facilitation training for collaborative work. We created an e-learning SharePoint platform for Microsft365 self-service learning. We produced top tips, cheat sheets and other takeaways for Microsoft365 learning
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: Working with change, programme managers and sponsors, we tailor campaigns to the needs of the audiences. ; ; We work with organisations’ communications teams to utilise existing or create new channels to deliver campaigns supporting the setup of or migration to cloud services e.g. internet, intranet, SharePoint pages etc.; ; We create clear, tailored content to ensure all audiences understand the required change, impact on the organisation and individuals, and actions required to embody the change. We create multiple formats of the same communications to emphasise key messages and provide individuals with preferred options e.g. reading, video, animation, podcasts.; ; Accessibility to communications is crucial for every individual in any organisation. We tailor communications to ensure all accessibility needs are met.
• 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 work with change managers to undertake ADKAR assessments to identify the levels of Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement. This provides analytics to identify focus areas. ; ; We measure communications effectiveness throughout e.g. using surveys, feedback forms, critical friends’ feedback, and word of mouth.; ; Our quality assurance mechanisms include peer review, copy editing, proof reading and branding checks prior to review for sign-off to ensure quality of all communications. We can also reach-back to communications SMEs within CMC.; ; We undertake Equality Analysis for documentation, intranet content, etc. to identify negative and positive impacts on protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. We consider accessibility throughout our communications e.g. the use of alt text, captions, accessible colours, text and layout, ensuring these are accessible for those with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions. ; ; We consult with accessibility representatives at design stage and prior to user acceptance testing to ensure delivery meets the accessibility needs of the organisation.

Security testing

• Security services: No

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: No

Service scope

• Service constraints: No specific constraints.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: No
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: We do not offer technical support services as they are not relevant to the services we provide, however CMC resources work flexibly to support the delivery of pre-agreed customer requirements; our consultants are available to speak to on the phone, via collaboration platforms or via email as our customers require. Standard availability is Monday-Friday 09.00-17.30hrs, but we do flex according to customer needs. We are used to working remotely and to adopting hybrid working. We are experts at facilitating workshops and other meetings virtually using collaboration tools e.g. MURAL, as well as face-to-face. We designate account managers who act as the primary point of customer contact, and assure quality and customer satisfaction.

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: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: QMS International Ltd
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 13/01/2020
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: All services are in scope of our ISO 27001 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

• Fighting climate change:

  Fighting climate change

  CMC takes our environmental stewardship responsibilities very seriously for both our consultancy delivery and internal operations. We are proud to say that we are already a zero-carbon supplier, achieving net zero in February 2022 through emission reduction and offsetting. We will continue our emission reduction approach, and offset carbon (via the Woodland Trust) where emissions cannot be avoided.; ; As a consultancy, all of our carbon emissions lie within Scope 3 of the HMG Environmental Reporting Guidelines with the chief contributors being travel and utility consumption (home-working and office). We will reduce these as far as possible by minimising travel and face-to-face meetings while promoting public transport and car-sharing. We will ensure that appropriate environmental measures are in place for staff working in the office (e.g. automatic lighting) or at home. ; ; We will continue to invest in green IT and virtual collaboration tools to optimise remote-working. This allows us to provide our services to and collaborate with customers without the need for travel by either party. We honed these services during lockdown and now find them as effective as running workshops in physical environments. Our consultants will promote carbon emission reduction strategies across all business activities, including customer service delivery. ; ; CMC has held ISO:14001 environmental management system accreditation for over 10 years and we review our environmental policy against relevant legislation, guidance and policies at least annually. Our supply chain is selected using a rigorous PQQ, evaluating supplier environmental policies, ethical manufacturing practices and use of recycled or recyclable products. Policy commitments are set for all staff to reduce environmental impact, minimise pollution, meet environmental legislation and reduce use of water whenever possible. ; ; We monitor our environmental impact, including customer delivery, using UK Government and industry standard calculations. We will provide relevant reporting for G-Cloud customers as required.
• Covid-19 recovery:

  Covid-19 recovery

  We understand how difficult the current situation is with significant numbers of people still affected by the impact of COVID-19. We are proud to say that we retained all our staff throughout the pandemic and did not make anyone redundant. We have additionally contracted two people within CMC who were made unemployed due to the pandemic, both of whom are now working in high growth sectors. For us, as an SME consultancy, this represents over 4% of our workforce. We will continue to seek opportunities to provide employment for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and commit to interview anyone in such a position provided they meet the minimum job criteria.; ; As a company, we have invested in the IT and collaboration tools required to optimise remote-working. This allows us to provide our collaborative services to customers through digital workplaces without the need to travel. Tools such as MURAL enhance our virtual delivery. We have honed these services during the lockdown period and find them just as effective as traditional workshops in physical environments. We will be glad to share our experience and practices with G-Cloud customers to aid their COVID-19 recovery if required.
• Tackling economic inequality:

  Tackling economic inequality

  CMC is committed to creating new jobs and skills and to increasing the diversity of our staff and supply chain to address economic inequalities, particularly in high growth areas of activity. We will recruit people for their attributes and talents and develop them to make the most of their skills, while working in partnership with other organisations to deliver cohesively as one team. ; ; For each opportunity, we will determine the skills required and the availability of matching consultants. If necessary, we will advertise the role either for permanent staff or within our supply chain. We will also seek opportunities to develop more junior apprentices/consultants e.g. placing them alongside an experienced consultant.; ; Our inclusive recruitment processes utilise multiple routes to avoid conscious/unconscious bias and attract diverse candidates, including ex-offenders, and people with neurodivergent conditions and/or disabilities. We offer multiple entry points including apprentice, a graduate development pathway and experienced consultant. Our employment practices follow the Good Work Plan and we have a continuous learning culture. We support our consultants to achieve relevant professional memberships and key qualifications, supported by coaching/mentoring from our SMEs. Our Community of Practice contains our consulting toolkits and online webinars and learning.; ; Opportunities for subcontracting will typically be SMEs (including start-ups) or freelance consultants, selected from our extensive pool of trusted associates. If the best candidate is in our wider supply chain, we will select them over permanent staff. We focus not only on the capabilities, but also the cultural and values fit of our subcontractors. Ethical behaviour is mandated within our supplier contracts including compliance with relevant corporate policies and those of our clients. We are signatories to the Prompt Payment Code.; ; We will minimise cyber security risks by maintaining our ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditations.
• Equal opportunity:

  Equal opportunity

  As an SME and Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) founded on highly ethical values, CMC cares about disability employment and tackling workforce inequality. Our inclusive recruitment and employment practices maintain parity across our workforce in relation to training, employment, skills and pay. Similarly, our structured approach to skills development and in-work progression ensures that all people are treated equally. These principles apply to everyone, including those with a disability or from disadvantaged or minority groups.; ; We explicitly demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive workspace and challenging attitudes towards disability through:; - Adopting the Mental Health at Work Commitment and its standards.; - Membership of Neurodiversity in Business. ; - Signing the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support Armed Forces personnel and families.; ; Our active employee-led Equality, Diversity & Inclusion group with Board-level representation monitors our commitments and employment conditions, identifying areas for improvement or awareness-raising, and implementing plans to address these.; We will continue to follow open, inclusive recruitment practices to attract a diverse range of applicants. We will ensure that pay, on appointment and ongoing, is based on comparable skills and experience regardless of disability or other protected characteristic. Any EOT profit-share is distributed equally regardless of role or level.; ; We will seek opportunities to support skills development and in-work progression. All our consultants, including those with disabilities, will receive ongoing development and recognised qualifications, both in their specialist profession, and wider to increase their consulting opportunities. Our well-established Community of Practice encourages cross-workforce learning on a range of topics for all staff. We create opportunities for staff to demonstrate skills at higher levels. Anyone meeting the criteria in our skills frameworks will be promoted and paid accordingly. ; ; We will gladly share our experience and practices if required. ; ; Although not required we have issued a Modern Slavery Statement.
• Wellbeing:

  Wellbeing

  CMC is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our staff and improving community integration. Our overarching wellbeing framework is built on the standards of the Mental Health at Work Commitment; our employment practices are based on the Good Work Plan’s principles (including equitable pay and strong staff communications and engagement). All managers complete mental health awareness training, and we have above the recommended 1:10 ratio trained Mental Health First Aiders to staff.; ; Our wellbeing approach centres on our employee-led Wellbeing Group with Board-level representation. This identifies areas for improvement or awareness-raising, implementing plans to address these. It maintains a regular schedule of events aligned to topical themes in partnership with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group, including external speakers and coffee catch-ups. We will open relevant sessions to G-Cloud customers to influence wider wellbeing. We can also support customer wellbeing activities e.g. establishing a wellbeing team and champions, creating a calendar of topical events to raise awareness, or suggesting effective feedback channels.; ; As an Employee Ownership Trust, CMC has a very strong sense of community which is exemplified by our well-established Community of Practice. This is a thriving forum where staff are encouraged to share their expertise and creative, innovative ideas in a safe, non-judgemental space. External speakers also join us regularly. This builds confidence which supports positive wellbeing, reinforced by coaching and mentoring. We also support communities through charitable donations, fundraising events and direct action e.g. mentoring support for a local school competition.; ; We have established multiple successful Communities of Practice for our clients, and will gladly support G-Cloud customers to do so if required. We are also experienced in creating internal, integrated communities such as user networks, super user groups and change agent networks. Our approach is collaborative throughout, working closely with users and other stakeholders.

Pricing

• Price: £400 to £1,400 a unit a day
• 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 bids@consultcmc.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.