Demystifying cloud as part of digital and service transformation

What cloud means when it comes to transformation and what you need to consider

When considering cloud in the context of transformation, it’s vital that you understand that it’s not just about moving services off-premise but adopting modern digital approaches to service delivery. Cloud transformation impacts strategy, governance, and organisational skills. You need to carefully plan around your goals – whether primary focus is save costs or enhance customer services.

One key consideration is your level of control. Moving infrastructure to the cloud doesn’t always mean outsourcing all responsibility; maintaining some control may require different in-house expertise compared to using fully outsourced Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions.

Cloud also demands strategic thinking about data. Without consideration you could get ‘locked-in’ by a vendor, and added to that you need to consider the challenges of integrating multiple cloud services, as this is likely to complicate access to and management of your data.

Cost is another factor; cloud services aren’t always cheaper. In some cases, keeping certain services on-premise can be more economical. Additionally, data security is paramount, especially considering international standards like ISO 27001 and regulations like GDPR , particularly around where your data is hosted, hosted providers are may provide dedicated

Why organisations are moving to cloud as part of their transformation  

Typically we see councils moving to the cloud to reduce costs, particularly around hardware and software maintenance, which can be expensive to refresh on-premise. Cloud services alleviate the strain on outdated systems and improve customer experience by offering more reliable infrastructure. The shift from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx) can also be advantageous, spreading costs over time. Additionally, managing updates well means cloud platforms will continuously evolve, offering your organisation improved security and innovation.

However, you’ll need to consider how you will manage costs and cybersecurity, to avoid overspending and ensure protection, as cloud services require new approaches to governance and security.

How to ensure a successful move to the cloud

To ensure a successful cloud migration, you should start by developing a clear, validated strategy. This involves conducting a thorough discovery phase to audit systems, understand current infrastructure, and identify needs. Many councils don’t have a complete grasp of their IT landscape, with hidden systems or unmanaged purchases, making this baseline assessment crucial.

As a council, you should define your goals, governance frameworks, and timelines before moving ahead with procurement. It’s essential to control spending and system management early on to avoid issues with uncontrolled purchases and poorly integrated platforms. Larger councils, especially those lacking dedicated resources for strategy and governance, may need external support to manage this complex process.

Additionally, rushing into cloud investments without a solid foundation can lead to problems. Some councils hire experts and invest in platforms without clear objectives or governance in place, which results in wasted resources. Getting the basics right—such as your data architecture, operational models, and governance—will avoid costly missteps. Proper planning is key to preventing issues down the line, ensuring that cloud investments are aligned with your goals and properly managed.

What good looks like

We’ve seen many councils successfully move to the cloud, with East Riding of Yorkshire council being a notable example. They approached the process methodically, focusing on data strategy and taking measured steps towards transformation.

Our recommended key considerations for a successful cloud migration include:

1. Baseline assessment: You should first understand your current IT landscape. This involves auditing systems, identifying strategic goals, and assessing your capabilities.
   
2. Governance and strategy: Establishing a clear digital and data strategy is essential. You will need a well-defined plan for managing data, operations, and governance to prevent unmanaged growth and system sprawl.
   
3. Phased approach: Rather than rushing, you should prioritise strategic use cases that deliver real value before scaling up their cloud infrastructure. This helps control costs and ensures the benefits of the cloud are realised.
   
4. Mindset shift: Moving to the cloud is not just about relocating services; it requires rethinking processes and adopting cloud-native practices. Without adopting cloud-native practices, migrating to the cloud may amount to little more than changing the location of services – leaving potential benefits unrealised.
   
5. Training and resources: You need the right skill sets and governance frameworks in place to manage and optimise cloud services effectively. Without this, even a technically successful migration could fail to deliver real benefits. The public sector often faces skill shortages and budget constraints for attracting cloud talent, so alternative solutions – like hybrid teams, managed services, or targeted upskilling should be anticipated.

Conclusion

Cloud transformation is far more than a simple migration of services; it’s about reshaping how you operate, deliver services, and manage data. Your success requires a clear strategy, robust governance, and the right skills to harness the cloud’s potential.

As a council, you should thoroughly assess your current systems, prioritise strategic goals, and approach the cloud with a mindset shift, embracing new ways of working.

By taking a phased, well-planned approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that cloud investments deliver real value, align with long-term objectives and enhance service delivery for your communities.

At Socitm Advisory we can help you balance your priorities and translate the acronyms. Read about our latest work and have a chat with one of our team.

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