Provision of Microsoft Dynamics - Catalyst and Implementation Partner via CCS RM6100 Technology Services 3 (Lot 2: Transition and Transformation)

Southend Borough Council (SBC)'s current customer service and self-service platform is now no longer fit for purpose and the contract with the current provider ends in August 2023. SBC wishes to use this opportunity to replace the existing technology with a solution that meets residents' digital empowerment and service needs. Technology is a key enabler to achieving Southend's 2050 outcomes strategy, enables SBC's agreed Future Ways of Working design principles and enables the Council's Executive Team and Cabinet's to undertake their responsibilities.

SBC has selected the Microsoft Catalyst programme design route, followed by use of the Microsoft Dynamics platform in order to capitalise on the funding and consultancy support available from Microsoft.

The desired outcome of the Catalyst (design) phase of work will be a robust, definitive business case; that includes a solution architecture and financial case with which SBC can use to gain the appropriate internal financial approval and obtain funding. The partner will also make recommendations on any additional licensing requirements, which will be purchased by SBC. The purchase of any additional licenses falls outside the scope of this contract.

Following on from the approval of the business case, the partner will assist SBC in delivering our collaborative new state design as per the Catalyst programme output, by implementing the new platform and assisting to realise the benefits that were identified in the business case. The partner will additionally help to encourage the organisational change required for the new processes and culture to be embedded by delivering knowledge transfer to SBC Officers, through the use of appropriate resources and training materials, so that SBC can develop the in-house capability to update and change processes and systems, and onboard new services as and when required.