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NHS Arden & GEM CSU

Microsoft 365 Enablement and Support

Our service offers tailored solutions for seamless integration and ongoing management of Microsoft 365. From initial setup to user empowerment, training, and technical assistance, we ensure clients maximise productivity and security. Let us handle the technical aspects, so you can focus on your core business.

Features

  • Rapid 365 tenant configuration
  • Reliable onboarding to standalone or NHS shared 365 tenant
  • Robust migration between 365 tenants or from on-premise
  • Bespoke development on 365
  • Development of PowerApps and Flows
  • PowerBI reporting and data wrangling
  • User empowerment and embedding through training and support
  • Co-development and implementation of strategic roadmaps
  • Ongoing 365 tenant maintenance
  • Consultancy on all elements of 365

Benefits

  • Accelerates ROI realisation.
  • Proactively mitigates and manages risks.
  • Empowers users for increased productivity.
  • Augments internal resources seamlessly.
  • Leverages extensive skills, capabilities, and experience.
  • Streamlines workflows and enhances efficiency.
  • Enhances collaboration and communication.
  • Ensures data security and compliance.
  • Enables agile adaptation to evolving business needs.
  • Provides peace of mind with reliable support and maintenance.

Pricing

£300 a unit a day

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 agcsu.commercial@nhs.net. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

8 3 8 9 5 8 6 3 1 9 5 4 7 6 0

Contact

NHS Arden & GEM CSU Andrew Imrie
Telephone: 07766367120
Email: agcsu.commercial@nhs.net

Planning

Planning service
Yes
How the planning service works
AGCSU provide comprehensive planning services to assist in implementing Microsoft 365 hosting or software services effectively. Our approach is tailored to meet unique needs and requirements, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation process.
We begin by conducting thorough business analysis to understand objectives and specific challenges. This analysis forms the foundation of our planning process, enabling us to develop a solution that aligns with your goals and objectives.
Our expert teams collaborate with you, designing a solution addressing specific requirements, incorporating industry best practices and security architecture principles. We take into account factors such as scalability, interoperability, and data security to ensure a robust and future-proof solution.
Throughout the planning process, we prioritise clear communication and collaboration, working closely with you to ensure alignment with your vision and goals. We provide regular updates and seek feedback to ensure that the implementation plan meets their expectations and requirements.
By leveraging our extensive experience and expertise in Microsoft 365, we empower you to make informed decisions and achieve their desired outcomes. Our goal is to deliver a comprehensive and effective implementation plan that lays the groundwork for success.
Planning service works with specific services
Yes
Hosting or software services the planning service works with
  • Microsoft
  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft 365 NHS Shared Tenant

Training

Training service provided
Yes
How the training service works
At NHS Arden & GEM CSU, we offer comprehensive training solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients'. Starting from Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to identify the unique requirements and skill gaps, and then aggregating this into personas.
The personas are linked to codeveloped learning pathways, ensuring that individuals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in a structured and progressive manner.
We provide various types of training sessions, including: 1:1s, Group workshops, Lunch and Learns, and Open clinics, catering to different learning preferences and schedules. Our training programmes are designed to be relevant and practical, focusing on real-world scenarios and tasks that users encounter.
Our training offerings range from basic to advanced technical levels, allowing users to choose the level that best suits their proficiency and learning objectives. Furthermore, we provide bespoke training solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each client.
For our more structured programs we leverage the Microsoft booking service to streamline the scheduling process and accommodate users' availability.
By partnering with NHS Arden & GEM CSU for training, you will empower your users with the knowledge and skills needed to maximise their productivity and leverage the full potential of Microsoft 365.
Training is tied to specific services
Yes
Services the training service works with
  • Microsoft
  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft 365 suite of tools and services
  • Microsoft 365 NHS Shared Tenant
  • SystmOne
  • EMIS
  • Bespoke

Setup and migration

Setup or migration service available
Yes
How the setup or migration service works
NHS Arden & GEM CSU specialise in assisting customers with seamless migrations to Microsoft 365 or between 365 tenants. Our migration services are designed to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth transition for you.
We begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current environment, including your data and roadmap aspirations. This allows us to develop a tailored migration plan that addresses the specific needs and requirements.
Our experienced teams then leverage industry best practices and proven methodologies to execute the migration process efficiently and effectively. We handle all aspects of the migration, including data migration and user training, this ensures a seamless transition for you.
Throughout the migration process, we prioritise communication and collaboration, keeping the stakeholders informed and involved every step of the way. Providing regular updates, address any concerns or issues promptly, and work closely with you to minimise any potential disruption to your business operations.
By partnering with NHS Arden & GEM CSU for their migration needs, you will benefit from our extensive experience, expertise, and dedication to delivering exceptional service. Our goal is to make the migration process as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing our clients to focus on their core business activities.
Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services
Yes
List of supported services
  • Microsoft
  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft 365 NHS Shared Tenant

Quality assurance and performance testing

Quality assurance and performance testing service
Yes
How the quality assurance and performance testing works
At NHS Arden & GEM CSU, we offer comprehensive quality assurance and performance testing services tailored specifically for Microsoft 365 environments. Our approach ensures that you can optimise the performance and reliability of your Microsoft 365 solutions.
Initially we would analyse your Microsoft 365 environment, identifying key performance metrics and quality standards. Based on this, we develop a customised testing strategy that encompasses various aspects of 365 workloads, including user experience, system performance, and data integrity.
Our experienced professionals utilise industry-leading tools and methodologies to execute the testing process efficiently and effectively. We conduct rigorous testing scenarios to simulate real-world usage conditions and identify any potential performance bottlenecks or quality issues.
Throughout the testing process, we provide detailed reports and analysis to you, highlighting any areas of concern and providing recommendations for improvement. We also work closely with you to implement any necessary remediation measures and ensure that their Microsoft 365 environment meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
By partnering with us for quality assurance and performance testing, customers can have confidence in the reliability and performance of their 365 solutions, allowing them to maximise productivity and achieve their business objectives.

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
  • Cyber Scheme
  • Other
Other security testing certifications
  • IASME Cyber Essentials Auditor
  • CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • CISM - Certified Information Security Manager
  • CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional
  • CIPR - NCSC Assured Cyber Incident Planning & Response Course
  • SSCP - Systems Security Certified Practitioner - ISC2
  • IASME Governance Auditor
  • ISO 9001

Ongoing support

Ongoing support service
Yes
Types of service supported
  • Buyer hosting or software
  • Hosting or software provided by your organisation
  • Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
How the support service works
At Arden & GEM CSU, we offer comprehensive ongoing support for cloud hosting and software services, catering to various hosting scenarios.
For buyer-hosted or buyer-provided software, we provide assistance with configuration, troubleshooting, and optimisation to ensure smooth operation and maximum efficiency. Our team offers timely resolutions to any issues that may arise, enhancing the buyer's experience and satisfaction.
In cases where hosting or software is provided by our organisation, we offer proactive monitoring, maintenance, and updates to ensure optimal performance and security. Our dedicated support team is available to address any queries or concerns and provide timely resolutions.
For hosting or software provided by third-party organisations such as Microsoft 365, we facilitate seamless integration, troubleshooting, and coordination to ensure compatibility and interoperability. Our expertise in navigating diverse environments enables us to deliver effective support and minimise disruptions.
Our commitment to ongoing support extends beyond mere technical assistance; we strive to build long-term partnerships with our clients, offering proactive guidance and solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Service scope

Service constraints
In line with our commitment to providing cost-effective solutions, our services are primarily delivered remotely to optimise efficiency and minimise expenses. However, we are flexible and can accommodate onsite support upon request, albeit at additional costs and this would bereflected in the engagement agreement.
It's important to note that while we strive to maximise functionality, there may be limitations when working within the NHS Shared tenant environment. We have experience of work closely with clients and NHSE to navigate any platform constraints and ensure optimal outcomes.

User support

Email or online ticketing support
Email or online ticketing
Support response times
At NHS Arden & GEM CSU, we prioritize prompt and reliable support for our clients. During standard business hours, non-urgent inquiries receive a response within 1 working day, while urgent queries are addressed within 4 hours. For inquiries outside standard hours, such as weekends, we aim to respond by the end of the next working day. This ensures that our clients receive timely assistance whenever they need it.
User can manage status and priority of support tickets
Yes
Online ticketing support accessibility
WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
Phone support
Yes
Phone support availability
9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
Web chat support
No
Support levels
At Arden & GEM CSU, we offer comprehensive support levels tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our support tiers range from standard to premium, with varying levels of service and response times to accommodate different requirements.
Standard support includes email and ticket-based assistance during business hours, with a guaranteed response time of 24 hours. Enhanced support offers faster response times and extended coverage, including phone support during specified hours.
For clients requiring dedicated assistance, we provide the option to engage a technical account manager and/or cloud support engineer. These skilled professionals offer personalised support and guidance, ensuring that clients receive timely resolutions to their queries and proactive assistance in optimising their cloud environment.
The cost of our support levels varies depending on the chosen tier and the scope of services required. We offer transparent pricing structures tailored to fit within our clients' budgets while providing the level of support they need to succeed.

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
No
ISO 28000:2007 certification
No
CSA STAR certification
No
PCI certification
No
Cyber essentials
Yes
Cyber essentials plus
Yes
Other security certifications
Yes
Any other security certifications
  • ISO 9001
  • DSP Toolkit

Social Value

Social Value

Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

Fighting climate change

As part of our commitment to sustainability, NHS Arden & GEM CSU is dedicated to fighting climate change throughout our G-Cloud service provision. We recognise the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. In our operations, we prioritise environmental sustainability by implementing energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, and minimising our carbon footprint. Additionally, we advocate for environmentally responsible policies and practices throughout our supply chain and engage with stakeholders to promote sustainable behaviours. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable future, protect natural resources, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on our planet.

Specifically, we have in place:Implemented energy-efficient practices within office facilities, with energy-saving lighting, smart heating systems, and recycling programmes; reduction of paper usage through digitalisation initiatives and encouraging electronic documentation and communication; participation in net zero target required for NHS organisations by 2040; collaboration with suppliers and partners to reduce environmental impact across the supply chain, such as sourcing sustainable materials or reducing packaging waste; employee engagement activities, such as Virgin Pulse Go and Cycle to Work to reduce environmental impact

As part of our journey to achieving the Social Value Quality Mark Level 1, we have set out pledges to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to social value and these are to: achieve the net zero target required for NHS organisations by 2040, for scopes 1 and 2, and 2045 for scope 3; increase the availability of access to low and zero emission cars through our employee car schemes, by 2024; divert 100% of ICT waste from landfill and expand flexible working options for employees.

Covid-19 recovery

Arden & GEM CSU is fully committed and has signed up to the government Social Value Portal, a platform that procures/measures/manages and reports social value at supply chain level. As an NHS organisation we see social value as a key requirement that we need to continue to deliver.
Through both our work and our employment practices we address elements of several of the themes and policy outcomes described in the Social Value Model. For the Covid-19 recovery theme, our aim is to help staff, suppliers, customers, and communities to manage and recover from the impact of Covid-19.
We will continue to support the recovery from the impacts of Covid-19. From the early stages of the pandemic, we supported the local/regional/national response by providing leading edge data and analytical solutions that provided insight on population health e.g., CPNS / NIVS / National Data cell / National population segmentation modelling, we supported IT / digital support for home working. AGCSU’s Future Ways of Working group have formulated a Covid-19 business continuity plan that will be enacted should the need arise. This plan will benefit not only AGCSU but our customers too.
Throughout any project lifecycle, we will explore any additional opportunities for digitalisation, reduced emissions, and resources. Consulting with our clients throughout to ensure an ongoing continuous improvement approach and maintain high-quality outcomes.
In response to the Covid-19 outbreak our IT Service supported over 15,000 extra NHS Staff to be enabled to work from home. To support this, we built and delivered new equipment and tools, including:
 2,000+ new devices
 New mobile printing solutions
 New support system for new laptops
 Deployed Microsoft Teams to all users

Tackling economic inequality

Arden & GEM CSU has skills policy focussed on increasing the average level of skills of the workforce and reduce inequalities in the way skills are distributed, keeping the supply of skills aligned/responsive to needs.

We pay all our staff, the National Minimum Wage and have employment practices that promote fair pay/participation/progression.

A)Local Employment Opportunities: We have provided local Work Experience Placements/Apprenticeships/Graduate jobs and have worked with local communities, as well as training/education institutions to provide opportunities for local employment/training. e.g., apprentice/graduate schemes, as well as offering undergraduates work-experience. At the University of Warwick, we are currently looking at developing opportunities for short-term masters placements and longer-term sandwich-year placements.

We are committed to using local suppliers to provide equal opportunity and access for SMEs. We also support local charities and encourage staff to give back to local communities, providing allowances such as volunteering days.

B) Social Benefits: We have a track-record of engaging with hard-to-reach groups and local communities to improve the local social fabric. We work in partnership with local organisations to develop creative solutions to tackle health-challenges and have a strong tradition of working with local suppliers and organisations including academia/Academic/Health Science Networks/third sector.

C) Health/wellbeing of local communities: All employees and their families have access to our Employee Assistance Program that includes financial wellbeing/support. AGCSU was part of the team that delivered education and awareness sessions to the 1.3m NHS staff. The team are subject matter experts in wellbeing delivery and conducted Wellbeing webinars with a focus on financial health.

D) Serving the local community: AGCSU is developing an employee volunteering policy to help local communities. We are offering all permanent Band 8a and above colleagues an opportunity to be trained in Value and Stewardship which is a key enabler to delivering the new Triple Aim duty.

Equal opportunity

Arden & GEM CSU has a skills-policy focussed on increasing the average level of skills of the workforce and reducing inequalities in the way skills are distributed, keeping the supply of skills aligned/responsive to needs. We will adopt this approach to each, and every call-off contract delivered under the framework.

Equal opportunities:
AGCSU has been awarded the Social Value Quality Mark Level-1 for our commitment to measuring, growing/embedding social value.
We are an equal opportunities employer and positively recruits disabled people and has both an Internal and External EDI Lead. We have a well-established and active BAME, LGBTQ+. Women, Armed Forces and Disability networks operating across our organisation. We are also active participants in NHSE Workforce Race Equality Standard experts’ network. AGCSU has been awarded Disability Confident Leadership Status.
In addition, AGCSU has been awarded the prestigious ‘IIP’ and ‘IIP-gold for Wellbeing’ in overall recognition for how we invest in our workforce. We ensure people have the flexibility, skills, competencies and values to deliver our corporate objectives and deeply held organisational values.

We pay all our staff, the National Minimum Wage and have employment practices that promote fair pay, participation and progression.

Local Employment Opportunities:
We have provided local Work Experience Placements, Apprenticeships and Graduate jobs and have worked with local communities, as well as training and education institutions to provide opportunities for local employment and training. e.g., apprentice and graduate schemes, as well as offering undergraduates work-experience.

Social Benefits:
We have a track-record of engaging with hard-to-reach groups and local communities to improve the local social fabric. We work in partnership with local organisations to develop creative solutions to tackle health-challenges and have a strong tradition of working with local suppliers and organisations including academia, Health Innovation networks (Academic and Health Science Networks) as well as the third sector.

Wellbeing

At NHS Arden & GEM CSU, we prioritise the health and wellbeing of our workforce and stakeholders. Throughout our G-Cloud service provision, we actively promote physical and mental health initiatives within our organisation. Our approach includes comprehensive health and wellness programmes, access to mental health resources, and flexible work arrangements to support employee wellbeing. Additionally, we advocate for health and wellness in the communities we serve, engaging with local partners to promote healthy lifestyles and mental wellbeing. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we aim to enhance the overall wellbeing of our workforce and contribute positively to the health of our communities.

Specifically, we have in place:
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering counselling services, mental health support, and resources for stress management.
* Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours to support work-life balance.
* Health and wellness workshops, seminars, and activities covering topics such as nutrition, mindfulness, and physical fitness.
* Access to online resources and platforms for mental health support and education, such as webinars or online counselling services.
* Employee-led support groups or peer-to-peer networks focused on mental health awareness and support.

As part of our journey to achieving the Social Value Quality Mark Level 1, we have set out pledges to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to social value and these are to:
* Become a menopause friendly organisation.
* Increase our support for our Armed Forces Network.
* Introduce a cycle to work scheme to promote active travel and offer employees the opportunity to spend time outdoors.
* Achieve ISO 45001, replacing our existing OHSAS 18001.

Pricing

Price
£300 a unit a day
Discount for educational organisations
No

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 agcsu.commercial@nhs.net. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.