CHANGE SPECIALISTS LIMITED

Change Specialists - Cloud Support Services

Our service covers a wide range of Cloud support services required by buyers to successfully and effectively plan, set up, migrate, implement, test, quality assess, and maintain their cloud software and hosting. It also includes advising on security measures and services, as well as the provision of bespoke training.

Features

• Support in choosing systems and vendors
• Strategic advice and support in planning system implementation
• System design and assurance
• Migration from legacy to new systems
• Set up and implementation of new systems
• Bespoke training, knowledge transfer and CPD provision
• Training in all common cloud systems, software, platforms and suppliers
• Provision of specialist security services expertise and advice
• Support buyers to effectively transition to cloud services
• Provision of expertise, resource and capabilities

Benefits

• More informed and better decision making
• Reduced risk of ineffective implementation, delays and service disruption
• Greater transparency of transition project across the buyer organisation
• Reduced service downtime and disruption
• Improved knowledge and capabilities of staff
• More secure cloud system and reduced risk of cyber attacks
• Effective and secure migration of data
• Introduction of fit for purpose systems and software
• Provision of specific expertise and specialisms to meet project needs

£725 to £1,650 an instance 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 julian.brown@changespecialists.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

833467023607611

Contact

Julian Brown
07702421861
julian.brown@changespecialists.co.uk

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: One of our core services is providing advice, guidance and planning services for a range of IT and transformation projects, including the analysis, selection, planning and implementation of new cloud hosting or cloud software. Our team of experts are experienced and knowledgeable in planning the introduction of cloud software and hosting across all sectors and organisations. ; ; We would engage with key stakeholders within the buying organisation to carry out a thorough requirement analysis, ensuring all requirements, specifications, needs and feedback are identified, collated and considered in the selection and planning process. This begins with engaging with senior leaders and subject area experts within the buying organisation and extends to end-users and other stakeholders. This information enables our team to support the buyer through the decision-making process, providing professional advice and recommendations based on experience. ; ; Our team includes significantly skilled, qualified and experienced Programme & Project Leadership and Change Delivery experts that can support the buyer to plan the project / implementation comprehensively. This would include establishing a project team that would lead on the process, as well as support with the creation of a detailed project plan that would enable the close and effective planning and management of the project.
• Planning service works with specific services: No

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: We provide a wide range of training and CPD services covering all cloud infrastructure, systems, hosting and software. ; Training is developed specifically in response to buyer needs, with varying levels of detail and bespoke programmes developed for senior personnel and responsible individuals. ; We have internal capabilities to develop bespoke training materials, including videos, booklets, questionnaires, interactive multimedia etc. ; We also provide questionnaires and surveys to determine progress and understanding, allowing identification if further training is required. ; ; Our experienced trainers and mentors have provided cloud support training in many organisations and can provide bespoke training programmes on an individual basis or in groups - either remotely or on site.
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: We have significant experience supporting clients to set up and migrate to new cloud hosting / software. ; We define and understand the ‘As Is’ hosting and network architecture, working across the project team and with key stakeholders to develop and define the technical requirements and specification of the Set Up / Migration project. This also enables us to identify the capabilities and resources required for the project. ; Working with the buyer’s key stakeholders, as well as the proposed new vendor, we would undertake a thorough risk analysis of the project, identifying all risks and implementing any necessary mitigation measures. This may include business continuity plans, preventing service disruption, and utilising our cyber security expertise to ensure the process is managed securely and compliant with GDPR.; Our team would support with the development of a detailed project plan, with recommendations for phased migrations where relevant. Our migration experts would support the migration process, ensuring data is securely and reliably migrated and its integrity is retained. Our team can support with any data cleansing or data quality activities required to ensure the new cloud hosting/software is implemented effectively and fully operational.
• 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 have an extensive team of experienced, and skilled quality controllers, quality assessors, testers and analysts. ; All quality assurance and performance testing activities and phases would be documented in the agreed project plan, ensuring all resources, capabilities, capacity and dependencies are identified and available. This can be utilised when implementing a new system, or to determine the strengths and weaknesses of an existing system.; We support buyers by carrying out comprehensive quality assurance and performance testing to ensure that the hosting/software is achieving the desired outcomes. Depending on buyer requirements, this can be a comprehensive one-off service or regular testing. In all cases, our team provides a full breakdown of the findings in an easy to understand report, with additional advice and guidance provided where appropriate. ; This can also include supporting a buyer to set up a robust in-house quality assurance and testing process, based on industry leading practice and tried and tested methodologies. ; ; Services can include: component testing / unit testing, static testing, performance reviews, functional testing, system testing and system integration testing, user acceptance testing, model office testing, live proving, non-functional testing, accessibility testing, security (penetration and vulnerability) testing, compatibility testing, disaster recovery testing and operational acceptance testing.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Cyber security consultancy
  • Security testing
  • Security incident management
  • Security audit services
• Certified security testers: Yes
• Security testing certifications:
  • GBEST
  • CHECK
  • CREST
  • Tigerscheme
  • Cyber Scheme

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: No

Service scope

• Service constraints: Our support is available either remotely or at the buyer’s site, at their request. All staff and service providers are fully capable of utilising all necessary remote working systems and platforms, ensuring clients receive an exceptional service. The only constraint of our service is that staff are only available to attend client sites in the UK; however, we provide support services in all locations and regions within the UK. Services required outside of the UK are only available remotely.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: No
• Phone support: No
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: Our service covers a wide range of cloud support services required to effectively plan, set up, migrate, implement, test, quality assess, and maintain cloud software and hosting. It also includes advising on security measures and services, as well as the provision of bespoke training. Change Specialists is also a leading provider of change management, transformation, project management, delivery management, business analysis and architecture services, resources and capabilities. Our services include direct provision, providing expert capabilities, supporting permanent and FTC hires, overseeing entire or partial programmes/projects and providing independent expert advice.; ; We price each service individually, based on the specific requirements of the buyer and project. The rates are as per the attached rate card; each service, role and capability is available in different tiers, dependent on the buyer’s needs. ; ; As per our normal procedure, we appoint a senior account manager to the buying organisation. The account manager oversees all services, ensuring requirements, standards, timeframes and objectives are delivered. They are also available to contact at all times and attend all contract meetings, providing frequent performance management reports. Depending on the requirements, the account manager is supported by a team of technical experts, specifically selected for the service/project.

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: No
• 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

  Tackling economic inequality

  Tackling economic inequality

  Creating new job opportunities and promoting these to target, disadvantaged or underrepresented groups enables us to ensure we are tackling economic and social inequality. This is facilitated through a Recruitment and Selection Policy that ensures fairness, equality, inclusivity, and accessibility. When commencing new contracts or services, if additional resources are required, we always aim to recruit individuals from the local area wherever possible. We also include this criterion in the sourcing process for service providers. As mentioned, we provide all staff and new recruits with extensive induction programmes, training and CPD opportunities - allowing candidates with little industry experience to retrain, gain new skills and knowledge, and access job opportunities – tackling economic inequality and improving employment inclusion and accessibility.; ; Our supply chain already includes a range of UK based SMEs and start-ups. We commit to ensuring SMEs and VCSEs are included and considered fairly in all procurement and purchasing decisions and this is reflected in policies and procedures. We appreciate that the government has committed to ensuring SMEs and start-ups benefit from public procurement spend; as per the SME Agenda, department SME Action Plans and the Government is Open for Business Campaign.; ; Although our spend with suppliers is minimal given our services, where possible we source new suppliers from the local areas in which we work. This additional expenditure within the local economy can have further indirect employment and social benefits.; ; We also already provide free advice to new, small organisations (including VCSE's) in the UK, helping them grow, supporting economic growth and business creation. This includes advice regarding business creation and set-up, marketing, HR, finance, legal, operations, logistics, business development, IT etc.

Pricing

• Price: £725 to £1,650 an instance 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 julian.brown@changespecialists.co.uk. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.