An interview with Terri Williams, Customer solutions lead for ERP in central government, Socitm Advisory
At a time when efficiency and cohesion are paramount in government operations, the Government Shared Services Strategy (GSSS) promises to modernise the government’s back office systems and improve the working lives of civil servants.
To shed light on this transformative strategy, we sat down with Terri Williams, our Customer Solutions Lead for ERP in Central Government, for an exclusive interview.
Q: What is the GSSS?
A: At its core, the GSSS is a bold consolidation effort aimed at uniting nearly 300 systems across finance, procurement, and human resources (HR) within the government. “The strategy is about standardising workflows and data, making it easier for government bodies to operate cohesively across the UK,” explains Terri.
A particular focus is on streamlining HR processes, including the often complex task of transferring civil servants between departments. The goal? A smoother experience for both employees and the departments receiving them.
Q: What are ‘Clusters’?
One of the key innovations in the GSSS is the concept of ‘clusters’. But what exactly are these clusters, and why are they so important?
A: Terri clarifies: “Clusters group departments with common needs and systems. They allow departments to leverage common design standards and platforms to streamline their operations.”
Some notable examples include:
- The Defence or Unity cluster, encompassing both civilian and military branches of the Ministry of Defence
- The Synergy cluster, uniting five departments under a single shared services platform
- The Matrix cluster, bringing together nine departments
This clustering approach promises to drive efficiency and consistency across government bodies, potentially revolutionising inter-departmental operations.
Q: Why is GSSS important?
A: For ministerial departments and Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs), the GSSS isn’t just another government initiative – it’s a step change that demands attention and preparation.
“If your department or ALB is already aligned with your top-level department’s shared services structure, you may already be using a common platform,” notes Terri. “For others, it’s vital to understand that the GSSS is coming, and it’s happening soon.”
The message is clear: preparation is key. Departments and ALBs need to be ready to engage in common design processes and plan for migrating data and systems. Failure to prepare could lead to significant disruption and risk.
Q: When to engage with GSSS?
A: If you think you have time to wait before engaging with the GSSS, think again. “This is already underway,” says Terri. Several clusters have already announced their chosen platforms, such as Oracle for the Defence and Synergy clusters and Workday for the Matrix cluster.
Even for departments not transitioning until 2026 or later, the time to start planning is now. Terri advises, “It’s important to start planning for your future needs, ensuring minimal disruption when the time comes.”
Q: How can I prepare for the future?
A: While the GSSS promises significant benefits, the transition will require careful planning and preparation. Here are some key steps departments and ALBs can take:
- Assess current systems and processes
- Identify potential challenges in data migration
- Review and update data governance policies
- Engage with relevant cluster leads or GSSS coordinators
- Develop a change management strategy for staff
Final thoughts
The Road Ahead: Embracing Transformation
The GSSS represents a significant shift in how government departments manage HR, finance, and procurement processes. By consolidating and streamlining these systems, the strategy aims to make operations more efficient and cohesive across departments.
As Terri puts it, “Now is the time to consider data-sharing agreements, data migration strategies, and overall preparedness to minimise disruption during the transition to new shared services platforms.”
For departments and ALBs, staying informed and proactive is crucial to minimising disruption and maximising the benefits of this transformative initiative. By understanding the GSSS, recognising its importance, and taking steps to prepare, government bodies can position themselves for a smoother transition and more efficient operations in the years to come.
The future of UK government operations is on the horizon, and it’s shared, streamlined, and strategically aligned. Are you ready for the evolution?
Socitm Advisory has experience working and supporting ERP programmes across central government. Find out more.
Get in touch or book a meeting with our Account Director, Bryan Gibb, to discuss your ERP journey with us.