Kin and Carta

Sustainable Cloud Technology Assessment

We help organisations benchmark Cloud services to industry and policy standards, develop goals, measure carbon emissions and understand the scope of sustainability opportunities.
A Certified B Corp and 2022 & 2023 Microsoft US Sustainability Changemaker Partner of the Year, we provide expert advice to minimise the environmental impact of services.

Features

• Cloud sustainability overview briefing, identify business challenges, opportunities and scenarios
• Work collaboratively to complete sustainability scorecard
• Understand and prioritise sustainability aspirations
• Benchmark current knowledge around trends and practices
• Assess current technology landscape and approach to Cloud
• Explore sustainable software processes through a product lens
• Explore inward/outward facing business communications and initiatives around sustainability
• Map initiatives and opportunities that may impact your sustainability targets
• Sustainability Dashboard that highlights sustainability scores
• Sustainability Roadmap to achieve the agreed sustainability outcomes

Benefits

• Assessment and sustainability roadmap for implementation tied to business KPIs/OKRs
• Organisational position on Corporate, Social, Responsibility (CSR) into main purpose
• Identify social, environmental, and economic business challenges and opportunities
• Multivariate assessment along key measures of sustainability performance
• Utilisation of tools and techniques that Cloud offers
• Leverage optimisation opportunities in the Cloud
• Deliver rapid results on sustainability measurements
• Reduced carbon and environmental impact
• Dashboard as easy reference point for new initiatives
• Roadmap to leverage Cloud to enable sustainability journey

£400.00 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 public.sector@kinandcarta.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

896955516096025

Contact

James Davis
07914966898
public.sector@kinandcarta.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: Kin + Carta use the Cloud Adoption Framework as guidance to help plan, create and implement business and technology strategies for Cloud migration. It provides best practices, documentation, and tools to achieve Cloud adoption and migration goals. By using the Cloud Adoption Framework best practices, Kin + Carta can better align business and technical strategies to ensure success. The following form the eight (8) pillars that guide our approach to Cloud migration:; ; - Strategy: Define business justification and expected outcomes of adoption,; - Plan: Align actionable adoption plans to business outcomes,; - Ready: Prepare the Cloud environment for the planned changes,; - Migrate: Migrate and modernise existing workloads,; - Innovate: Develop new Cloud-native or hybrid solutions,; - Govern: Govern the environment and workloads,; - Manage: Operations management for Cloud and hybrid solutions,; - Organise: Align the teams and roles supporting your organisation's Cloud adoption effort.; ; The Plan pillar above specifically converts the aspirational goals of a Cloud adoption strategy into an actionable plan (aligned with organisation's business strategy). Part of this process encompasses documenting an organisation's technology strategy, capturing prioritised tasks, and then devising a (Cloud adoption) plan that maps to metrics and motivations defined in the Cloud adoption strategy.
• Planning service works with specific services: Yes
• Hosting or software services the planning service works with:
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: As we work with your team to discover, define and develop your cloud products and services, considering the long-term plan for operation and support will be key in achieving its outcomes and meeting organisational service resilience standards.; ; As the product or service evolves towards live, our team will work with your product and operational leaders to ensure that there is clarity in the desired operational KPIs, and the operational model through which it will run. This will inform a clear set of functional and non-functional requirements that ensure the service is built with resilience and operation in mind.
• Training is tied to specific services: Yes
• Services the training service works with:
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: During the Ready phase, and before adoption can begin, Kin + Carta create a landing zone to host the workloads that we plan to migrate to the Cloud. This phase follows four (4) steps:; ; 1) Cloud operating model:Explore the right operating model to support Cloud adoption.; 2) Landing zones:Architecture that accounts for scale, security governance, networking, and identity.; 3) Journey to target architecture:Validate starting point for landing zone implementation depending on nature/maturity state of organisation (greenfield, brownfield, optimising).; 4) Landing zone design areas:This covers elements like the environment, compliance and overall design.; ; After we have identified, configured, and deployed the landing zone(s) to meet the needs of near-term Cloud adoption plan, we progress to Adopt, where workloads are migrated. Workloads could be moved to the Cloud through any number of approaches i.e. lift-and-shift, lift-and-optimise, modernise. We establish an iterative process to assess, migrate, optimise, secure, and manage each workload. Each migration sprint fits within migration waves or releases. We define migration waves or releases by using the Plan, Ready, and Adopt methodologies. Within each migration sprint, a batch of workloads is migrated to the Cloud. During this iterative process, the balance between speed and modernisation is a common discussion point
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: Yes
• List of supported services:
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: We take an integrated approach to delivering quality. Every member of our cross-functional teams is involved - from Product Owners and Strategists to Designers, Developers and Testers. We believe quality requires high standards and attention to detail at every stage of delivery, and a range of tools and techniques. Throughout our iterative development process, we continuously apply a range of testing techniques and methodologies covering behavioural, functional, exploratory, regression, performance, security, usability and accessibility.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security design
  • Security testing
• Certified security testers: Yes
• Security testing certifications:
  • CHECK
  • CREST
  • Cyber Scheme

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported: Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
• How the support service works: As we work with your team to discover, define and develop your cloud products and services, considering the long-term plan for operation and support will be key in achieving its outcomes and meeting organisational service resilience standards.; ; As the product or service evolves towards live, our team will work with your product and operational leaders to ensure that there is clarity in the desired operational KPIs, and the operational model through which it will run. This will inform a clear set of functional and non-functional requirements that ensure the service is built with resilience and operation in mind.; ; We can play various roles in support; from advising on the appropriate operating model to ensure service resilience, training your existing support function, through to putting in place dedicated teams with well defined SLAs to execute on the model. ; ; We have a wealth of experience supporting cloud platforms and products, delivering high criticality support at 2nd and 3rd line, up to 24/7, using both in-team DevOps enabled support and dedicated service desks.

Service scope

• Service constraints: As the software that this offering relates to is managed and provided by the Cloud providers (AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)), their terms of service govern the use of the platform.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support response times: Typical SLA response times:; P1 (Critical) - 30 minutes response, 1 hour target resolution; P2 (High) - 1 hour response, 4 hour target resolution; P3 (Medium) - 3 hour response, 8 hour target resolution; P4 (Low) 5 hours response, 16 hours target resolution; P5 (Change) - 8 hour response, resolution at next scheduled release, case by case; Out of hours is available - SLA agreed based on needs.
• 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: No
• Support levels: Kin + Carta operates a support service desk that can work to agreed SLA terms. Our standard support service operates during normal UK business hours, with the option for extended hours or complete 24/7/365 where required. We operate with standard response and resolution times built into an SLA, operating a tiered support structure. The terms of the SLA can be bespoke depending on the requirements of the service. In addition to service desk engineers and 2nd/3rd line engineers, we also include a Service Manager who has operational responsibility for the overall service.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Reseller providing extra features and support
• Organisation whose services are being resold: Microsoft Office, Dynamics, Azure, AWS, GCP, G-Suite, Optimizely, Full Story

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: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

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

  Fighting climate change

  Kin + Carta’s approach to fighting climate change is rooted in a comprehensive and proactive strategy that encompasses both our organisation as a whole and the projects we undertake. Our recognition as a B Corporation cements our commitment to making a positive environmental impact. At an organisational level, our Climate Strategy and Action Plan sets out our approach to reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change.; ; We have set ambitious targets to be Net Zero by 2040 and net zero in our UK business by 2027. We are undertaking a number of initiatives to support this and achieved zero waste to landfill across our UK offices. We also undertake global offsetting in parallel with two non-financial KPIs for carbon intensity and absolute reduction of scope 1 & 2 published in our annual impact report, alongside the reporting of Scope 3 emission reporting which we are developing methods to minimise emissions. ; ; Our Carbon Reduction Plan outlines our specific actions to reduce our environmental impact. We lead by example and actively engage with our clients, suppliers, and communities to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices. We provide thought leadership through speaking at high-profile events and partnering with organisations like the Civil Service Environment Network. We also offer sustainability services that consider the impact of software, cloud modernisation, and data services on the environment. Furthermore, we have developed a program to educate and support our staff, suppliers, customers, and communities in increasing their efforts towards environmental protection. This includes awareness seminars and webinars, how-to guides for energy-saving techniques, and encouraging our clients to reach out to their colleagues for support and advice; ; We annually assess and review our approach and publish these results.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Aligned with our B Corp commitments, Kin + Carta drive for teams and suppliers to be as diverse as the regions we operate in. Our Code of Ethics policy and Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, Awareness (IDEA) Strategy Action Plan, rooted in the Equality Act 2010, guide progression through targeted programmes. ; ; We drive for a diversity-first approach to sourcing potential candidates, targeting underrepresented groups through specialised job boards, and assessing candidates through skills-based assessment and structured interviews.; ; We leverage our external partnerships to provide apprenticeship opportunities across our service lines, providing on-the-job training and tailored support. We host a number of community outreach initiatives, offering further training and upskilling sessions to underrepresented groups through volunteering and sponsored workshops. For example our people volunteer with non-profit organisations that empower underrepresented people to follow a career in the tech industry and areas facing skills shortages. Our women leadership and BAME accelerator programmes provide targeted support and opportunities. ; ; We track and report on diversity statistics within Kin + Carta annually, challenging ourselves to ensure that we have the right mix of people to bring a rich diversity of experience to each project. We also measure our progress in increasing representation of underrepresented groups within our workforce.; ; We actively seek out suppliers outside of our current networks - we engage with business networks and events to connect with a wide range of suppliers, including SMEs, start-ups, and businesses owned and controlled by individuals from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds. We leverage our B Corp Supplier Code of Conduct and supplier selection process to evaluate suppliers' commitment to innovation, and their ability to bring disruptive technologies to the table.

  Equal opportunity

  At Kin + Carta, we are committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity for all individuals. Our approach to equal opportunity is rooted in our Code of Ethics and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness (IDEA) Policy, which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010. ; ; We take a diversity-led approach to sourcing candidates, actively seeking individuals from underrepresented groups. We advertise job openings on specialised, diversity-focused job boards and train our recruiters and interviewers on diversity sourcing techniques, inclusive job ads, and unconscious bias. We also include diversity statements on all job adverts and encourage existing employees to refer candidates from underrepresented groups. Our recruitment process is founded on fair and objective assessment methods, focusing on skills-based assessment. ; ; We reward people fairly and equitably inline with our B Corp commitments. We complete company-wide equity studies and incorporate these reviews into our bi-annual compensation review process, alongside bonus and compensation package reviews to ensure these are equitable. ; ; We have launched a comprehensive IDEA programme that promotes inclusion, diversity, equity, and awareness. This includes initiatives such as women leadership and BAME accelerator programmes, monthly diversity speakers and panellists and support for staff-run affinity groups. We support flexible working from day one and continually audit all of our offices to ensure these are accessible for disabled and neurodivergent staff. These initiatives aim to create a culture that values and embraces diverse perspectives and experiences. ; ; We track and report our diversity and mix bi-annually to monitor our progress and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows us to measure our diversity representation and make informed decisions to ensure equal opportunity across our organisation.

  Wellbeing

  Kin + Carta’s approach to supporting staff wellbeing is rooted in our belief that our people are our most valuable asset. We prioritise creating an environment of psychological safety where individuals feel they can bring their authentic selves to the workplace.; ; We have implemented a comprehensive wellbeing programme at organisational and contract levels to support our people. ; ; At organisational level we offer a year-round programme of mental health and wellbeing activities and support materials. These activities are curated, implemented, and communicated by our Mental Health & Wellbeing taskforce and 44+ mental health first aiders. Initiatives include open mental health awareness sessions and access to therapy sessions (provided by our external partner), wellbeing workshops and coaching sessions, fitness classes and practice resources. We offer flexible working arrangements from day one. We offer Mental Health First Aid training to all staff and dedicated communication channels for awareness, feedback and learning. ; ; At contract level, measures include daily and weekly touchpoints with individuals and teams, providing open channels for ad-hoc discussions. Our Delivery Managers receive mental health first aid training to ensure they can support their team. To ensure that we capture any issues and take appropriate action, our Delivery Managers measure team mood from day one for every team. We use light touch tools to track mood trends across sprints, enabling us to quickly identify negative trends and address them appropriately. Team members are encouraged to voice their opinions and monthly face-to-face meetings and socials foster team bonding and morale. We measure the impact of our commitments through various metrics, tools, and processes. We conduct bi-annual staff wellbeing surveys to monitor wellbeing company-wide and gather feedback and continuously improve our approach.

Pricing

• Price: £400.00 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 public.sector@kinandcarta.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.