What's Happening?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has signed a £15 million contract with Deloitte to provide digital support for its new unit overseeing working-age services. This two-year deal aims to enhance
the delivery of core services, including the administration of Universal Credit and the operation of 646 Jobcentres. The contract will support the creation of the Jobs and Careers Service, merging the National Careers Service with Jobcentre offerings. Deloitte will provide expert digital staff to assist in modernizing these services, focusing on multi-disciplinary teams to achieve defined objectives.
Why It's Important?
This partnership with Deloitte is crucial for the DWP as it transitions to a more integrated and efficient service delivery model. By consolidating career and benefit services, the DWP aims to streamline processes and improve user experience. The move to bring digital capabilities in-house reflects a broader trend towards reducing reliance on outsourcing, potentially leading to cost savings and increased control over service delivery. This initiative could serve as a model for other government departments seeking to modernize their operations and improve public service delivery.
What's Next?
The contract with Deloitte is set to run until December 2027, with the initial focus on deploying digital capabilities to support the new working-age services unit. The DWP will continue to develop and roll out the Jobs and Careers Service, with an emphasis on integrating digital tools to enhance service delivery. As the project progresses, the DWP will likely assess the impact of these changes on service efficiency and user satisfaction, potentially leading to further adjustments in strategy and implementation.
