CloudSource Ltd

Programme and Project Assurance

Where a Public Sector organisation has lost confidence in their digital transformation project, CloudSource will complete a programme of collaborative workshop assessments where our consultants will analyse the project. The output is to make a set of recommendations that are critical to the successful delivery of the project.

Features

• Programme of collaborative workshop assessments
• Business assurance tracking that the project remains viable
• User assurance tracking the user needs are being met
• Assurance that the solution is technically appropriate
• Highlight reporting
• Assessment reports
• Foundation reviews
• Best practice project and change management
• Business change impact analyses
• Benefits realisation framework

Benefits

• Assessing the risks and strengths of the project
• Providing unbiased, independent evaluation of the projects prospects for success
• Risks are collected, prioritised and mitigated
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses of project approach
• Recommending effective project, process and technology controls
• Validating progress and potential to meet goals
• Enabling effective project reporting and communication
• Obtaining a “clean bill of health” for a healthy project
• Prevention of potential common pitfalls
• An improved knowledge of the project and its status

£466 to £1,200 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 bid@cloudsource.uk.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

896294673636059

Contact

Susannah Williams
07813082217
bid@cloudsource.uk.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: CloudSource provides a flexible and collaborative approach to Programme and Project Assurance and Assessment planning.; ; We have a dedicated Project Management Office who specialise in the delivery of Programme and Project Assurance and Assessment.; ; Our methodology follows a proven, GDS aligned process, delivering Agile Scrum with an overarching waterfall governance process.; ; Throughout delivery our preference is to work collaboratively through the timeboxed assessment with customers and partners, using a one-team, one-goal approach.; ; A Project plan and milestones are aligned with deliverables and a frequency of Highlight Reports are delivered to provide clear view of the Assessment progress, activity status, leading to a high degree of confidence in achieving the desired outcome.
• Planning service works with specific services: Yes
• Hosting or software services the planning service works with: Programme and Project Assurance

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: CloudSource Business Change Consultants will assess the training needs with an organisation though an Impact Assessment during the Alpha stage of a programme.; ; We provides two types of training; classroom face-to-face training (supported by documentation) to super users or end users of systems, and end user online training that enables users to train on non-production environments, and also provide interactive guided use on live systems to help first time users navigate the system or service.; ; CloudSource recommends and delivers multiple training cycles during a project to ensure that knowledge is embedded into the users with regard to future-state processes.; ; Our preference is to 'train-the-trainer', allowing the client's own staff to deliver the wider training and instil confidence within their teams.; ; We offer ongoing recommendations improvements for training where a need is identified through the nature and quantity of support tickets raised in our Managed Services team.
• Training is tied to specific services: Yes
• Services the training service works with: Programme and Project Assurance / Assessment

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: CloudSource provides a flexible and collaborative approach to managing cloud migration for modernising applications, building new cloud-based applications, all while transitioning to a new technology operating model and culture.; Our methodology follows a proven, GDS aligned Agile Scrum process. We conduct an assessment of the buyers current hosting and software usage and map these to future requirements. Having established the “as is” and “to be” status we prepare a plan to bridge the gap. In all cases we prepare a cloud readiness assessment for our buyers to understand and document how we will implement cloud hosting or software services.; Throughout delivery our preference is to work collaboratively through the timeboxed assessment with customers and partners, using a one-team, one-goal approach. A Project Plan and milestones are aligned with deliverables and a frequency of Highlight Reports are delivered to provide clear view of the Project progress and activity status, leading to a high degree of confidence in achieving the desired outcome.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: Yes
• List of supported services:
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Power Platform
  • Microsoft Azure
  • KingswaySoft SSIS, Data Migration Service

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: By combining CloudSource broad public sector process knowledge with our Testing capability, we make testing much more than just finding software defects. Our approach is to restore quality, resilience and business focus, and make Testing an enabler and accelerator of business change. We have experience in assessment, optimisation, management and delivery of testing services.; ; CloudSource test management service is woven into our mature Agile delivery lifecycles from development through to Business User Acceptance Testing.; ; Our test engineering service encompasses the full test lifecycle, including functional, non-functional and data testing, front to back test automation, full-stack test engineering and third-party integration management.; Our expertise and in-house intellectual property and tooling enables us to accelerate test delivery, reduce risk and cost, improve test accuracy and coverage.

Security testing

• Security services: No

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported:
  • Buyer hosting or software
  • Hosting or software provided by your organisation
• How the support service works: CloudSource Business As Usual (BAU) support and managed services approach combines best of breed technology with best practice ITIL aligned processes and we tailor these services to meet the changing demands of our customers. ; ; Our support model is broken down into a number of operational sub-services, ensuring that the definition of system and service targets are meaningful, measurable and is tailored to each of our customers’ unique requirements.; ; Our support framework is built around industry standards. We provide fully managed services under the ITILv3 framework for critical systems and services requiring high availability using Microsoft Azure Service Management and Monitoring tooling.

Service scope

• Service constraints: No immediate constraints.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support response times: This would be dependent on the client requirements and agreed ‘response’ service level agreement (SLA). We operate a number of different bespoke SLA models across our client base.
• 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: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support: Web chat
• Web chat support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Web chat accessibility testing: Chat is instigated through the CloudSource support portal.
• Support levels: CloudSource provide second line support to the client's Business Support Teams which are available via Portal, phone and Email. An issue or request is captured as a ticket and progressed by a Support Consultant.; ; Support levels are based on severity of the issue ranging from P1 (critical) to P4. ; Response Times are:; P1 - 30 mins; P2- 1 Hrs; P3 - 4 Hrs; P4 - Next day; ; A Support Consultant is allocated to the issue to resolve, with an ability to call on other resources within the Managed Services department or the wider development, testing, consulting or project management teams within the company.; ; We operate various commercial models for support ranging from pure 'Time & Materials' (T&M) through to premium support with a one-off cost for unlimited consumption. Standard T&M hourly support costs are currently £130 per hour plus an annual retainer fee dependent on complexity of a solution. Premium support models will need to be priced on an individual bid basis.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller providing extra features and support
• Organisation whose services are being resold: Microsoft

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Security Clearance (SC)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: QMS International Ltd
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 06/12/2020
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: No exceptions.
• 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

  At CloudSource, since its formation, we have taken steps to encourage all of our staff to take public transport where possible. All of our company vehicles are electric. We encourage the use of online meetings instead of business travel where possible, and in this way, also influence our customers and suppliers to consider the environmental impact of their actions. Our team has always been set up to work remotely, and this has been the case since before COVID-19.; Our IT Hardware suppliers are chosen carefully, and consideration is given to the reuse and recycling of hardware. Obsolete kits are sent for secure destruction and then recycled rather than landfill. Waste from homes and offices is recycled as much as possible.; We work with our staff to ensure they consider the environmental impact of their home working environment, too. Our environmental Policy evidences this.; We operate a Paper-free office, utilising only Cloud storage, with no printers, toner, or paper used.; CloudSource is working towards achieving net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 and has a carbon reduction plan in place to achieve this.

  Covid-19 recovery

  CloudSource supports public sector organisations in managing and recovering from COVID-19 by digitising their operations to enable them to provide more efficient and effective services. We take a consultative, collaborative, client-focused approach and bring expertise in digitising central government, regulatory bodies, and healthcare organisations. We support organisations in delivering the highest possible standards of public service and achieving improved stakeholder and citizen engagement in an ever-changing world. ; For public sector organisations to achieve their full digital potential, CloudSource advises and guides by driving strategy, mobilising complex transformational programmes of work, and harnessing the power of Microsoft Cloud Technology with Azure Services, Dynamics 365, and the Power Platform to deliver more value in less time through a modernised technology platform. ; Our well-versed blueprint for digital transformation within the public sector includes commonly found business processes, including Citizen & Stakeholder Engagement, Onboarding, Complaints and Enquiries, Freedom of Information (FOI), Data Protection Act (DPA), Ministerial Correspondence, Streamlining of Contracts Management are to name just a few. Our blueprint also contains a much longer list of business processes that are unique to central government departments, regulatory bodies, and healthcare organisations and that ensure compliance, transparency, and benefit to citizens, businesses, and the environment. ; At CloudSource we have also taken steps to support our team in recovering from COVID-19 by providing private healthcare, including a mental health and wellbeing package, which reduces the burden on NHS services. ; We have implemented hybrid working to accommodate employees who are unable to return to office work or need to shield. For those who are able to return, we have a safe working environment and have implemented COVID-19 safety procedures, which involve a separate risk assessment.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Maximising value to our clients, industry, and wider communities is a CloudSource priority. We will address industry skills gaps, supporting and inspiring future generations and promoting industry-wide advancements. ; CloudSource will offer additional educational opportunities through a combination of Level 3 Apprenticeships, Graduate Scheme, and Industry Placement. This will be achieved using existing links with educational institutions and employee referrals. Our COO will establish new links and advertising opportunities both locally and in deprived areas or where there are those who face barriers to employment and opportunities. ; Adding value, Apprentices will be paid a full salary at CloudSource’s cost. ; We will also continue to train and develop our workforce, funding: ; • Annual Microsoft Certified Partner exams; • PSM1 Certification (Project Management); • PROSCI Change Management training ; ; CloudSource has developed a unique internal Mentorship Program: a 12-month program designed to develop the next generation of consultants. Mentees gain invaluable hands-on live-project experience, delivering additional project value, but they are not billed to clients. This scheme benefits the customer in that they receive quality consultancy at no cost to themselves, but also serves to influence staff, suppliers, and customers to support these employment opportunities as it provides mutual benefits and measurable outcomes. ; CloudSource supports the development of scalable and future-proofed new methods to modernise delivery and increase productivity. We do this by helping organisations define a customer-focused process designed through a customer-centric lens, powered by cloud solutions, optimised by digital collaborative design workshops, and scalable through seasonal disruption. We build strategic alliances with partners in our client’s ecosystem to help clients execute their digital strategy with their leadership and governance team.

  Equal opportunity

  CloudSource is driving positive change, championing diversity in a traditionally non-diverse industry. Ultimately, we will maximise the inclusivity of opportunity by dismantling longstanding access barriers. ; Equality and Diversity are embedded in our culture. Our Current workforce diversity statistics demonstrate these: ; • 38% are female, with 12% being female and in a senior/management role. ; • 58% are from an ethnic minority background. ; • 27% are female, from an ethnic minority background and are in a technical role. ; • 10 nationalities are represented. ; ; Encouraging diverse representation by creating new opportunities for young people will include introducing an annual two-week work experience placement at our London office, open to young women and underrepresented ethnic minority groups in ages 18-24. We plan to contact schools/colleges to advertise this opportunity, targeting deprived areas. ; Visibility and Representation are vital in encouraging and inspiring traditionally marginalised groups. We have multiple strategies to maximise diverse representation and visibility: ; • Our Careers video includes testimonials from employees of diverse ages, genders, and ethnicities. ; • We will attend local schools’ careers fairs annually with female and ethnic minority representation. ; • Incorporate pride flag colours into our logo during Pride Month and support London Pride. ; ; We believe we do not have any barriers to disabled people in employment at CloudSource. Our offices have full disabled access, and our joiners process takes into account any reasonable adjustments required. Note – this takes place only after an offer of employment has been made and accepted. We also offer hybrid working to further support employment opportunities from disabled people.

  Wellbeing

  At CloudSource, we have created an environment where our staff feel supported and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. We have created a professional yet caring environment for our staff to really thrive and achieve their best. This is achieved through a highly respectful culture, one which celebrates each individual’s strengths and talents while supporting them to grow and develop new skills at their own pace. We ensure that staff are supported with regular 1-2-1 sessions with managers and mentors to help support them with any issues they may encounter. As we are a small company, this means we develop a closer relationship with our team than may happen in larger organisations and means we can help support with any mental or physical issues if needed. ; We have a comprehensive private medical insurance policy in place that includes mental health support and is fully funded by CloudSource. We do not want the cost of private medical insurance to be a barrier to our employees gaining the help and support they need, both mentally and physically. ; We also try to support our employee’s religious observance where operationally possible. We will try, on request, to amend an employee's working pattern so that breaks can be given at times that coincide with their needs for religious observance. As an alternative, we will, where possible, give employees reasonable time off during working hours for religious observance.

Pricing

• Price: £466 to £1,200 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 bid@cloudsource.uk.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.