New Housing Management System
Embedded Assurance, supporting Head of Housing during system implementation.
The Challenge.
A local authority had embarked on a project to replace its current housing and asset management software systems as the current legacy systems were no longer fit for purpose. The project aimed to establish a future proof system, to improve efficiency across the housing service, enable remote working for staff and elements of self-service for residents.
Client Feedback.
I have worked closely with Katie (Director of One Eighty Advisory) on a large scale system implementation project for our Local Authority. Katie’s input was invaluable to offer the required challenge and assurances to ensure that the implementation would be successful, that sufficient controls were in place, that we were realising the benefits of the system as intended, that we were managing the risks appropriately, the delays, the cost to the business etc. She has a comprehensive understanding of the processes that should be followed and the potential pitfalls. Katie is an engaging and professional colleague who produces extremely professional and detailed reports and challenge, sometimes under severe time constraints but always delivered.
Katie is an asset to the team and I cannot recommend her services highly enough.
— Head of Housing, Essex Borough Council
The One Eighty Approach.
Working on behalf of Internal Audit we initially reviewed the programme to determine whether appropriately robust project processes had been established to ensure the new system would be fully operational within the intended timeframes and achieve the expected benefits. This included assessing the following elements:
Governance and reporting arrangements
Roles and responsibilities
Risk management
Project plans and dependency management
Benefits identification and realisation plans
This work identified significant gaps in the projects control environment and we made several recommendations, particular in relation to quality management and change control, as well as the need for effective clarification of the number of assumptions made by the project.
The End Result.
Due to the levels of risk to the Council our involvement evolved into a Critical Friend role, reporting directly to the SRO and providing assurance over the following:
Completeness and achievability of the project plans
Completeness of finance plans
Completeness of options appraisals
Accuracy of information to be provided to Cabinet ahead of funding requests
Reviewing key project documents, for example Project Initiation Document and Data migration strategy.
Development of gateway review processes
Ongoing advice in relation to effective project management and oversight
Our rates are extremely competitive, offering excellent value for money especially considering the significant financial and reputational cost of programme failure. Contact us today to discuss how we can help your programme.