Kent Connects Partnership – Senior Programme Manager

Tender description

Summary of the work Kent Chief Executives (Public Services) require an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead a partnership programme of work. The programme will deliver a connected Digital Vision for Kent, better joined up digital delivery, improved sharing of data across organisational boundaries and improved transactional services for citizens and businesses across Kent. Specialist role Programme manager Expected Contract Length 12 months Latest start date 01/04/2017 Maximum Day Rate Funding for this work is capped at £145,000. Specialists who's proposal exceeds this budget figure will be excluded from the evaluation process. Early Market Engagement No early market engagement has been undertaken by Kent Connects or the Joint Kent Chief Executives Group in relation to this programme of work. Who Speclialist Work With The specialist will work alongside the existing Kent Connects project office and report to the Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, who is the Programme Senior Responsible Owner, who in turn will represent the Joint Kent Chief Executives (the Sponsor Group). What Specialists Work On To lead and implement a programme of work set out by The Joint Kent Chief Executive Group (JKC) identified in a recently commissioned SOCITM report. Work identified as part of the programme includes: • Digital – Improving Customer Access • Digital – Better Integration • Cloud Strategy • Data Sharing and Kent Data Store • Technology Procurement • Resource Improvement • Connecting Kent (1) – Smarter Cities • Connecting Kent (2) – Connectivity BDUK • Connecting Kent (3) – Kent Public Services Network (KPSN) Skills & Experience • A recognised programme and project management qualification (e.g. MSP, Prince 2, Agile etc.) • Substantial knowledge, understanding and experience of ICT, Digital and Technology Infrastructure, probably at Director, CIO or Senior Manager level • The gravitas and knowledge to rapidly build the trust of Kent Connects Partners from Chief Executive downwards • Experience of delivering successful programmes and projects through effective programme and project management skills, methods and tools. • Experience of investigating, analysing and recommending solutions for complex Programmes and projects • A successful track record of working effectively with colleagues at all levels of an organisation, and across organisational boundaries • Ability to operate and deliver successfully at a senior level in complex, collaborative organisational and political environments • Experience of working with Local Government and public sector / public services organisations at Strategic and Operational levels • Ability to support and influence others by building relationships through clear and persuasive written, verbal and physical presentation and personal credibility • Ability to prepare timely, clear and concise communications, presentations and briefings on complex and/or sensitive issues for a range of different needs and audiences • Strong experience of programme / project work within a Local Government environment, at a Strategic and Operational level • Understands the digital landscape (inside and outside of Local/Central Government) and the opportunities for improvement and innovation offered by digital technology Work Location The specialist will be based primarily in Maidstone but will require regular travel to Kent Connects partner locations within the County of Kent and possibly (on a very occasional basis) to locations outside of Kent. Working Arrangments It is required that the specialist will work on either a full time basis or, should suppliers wish to offer a solution having greater resource flexibility, a minimum of four days per week profiled across the contract duration. It’s required that the supplier will provide a suitably experienced specialist; backed up with other specialist resource that can be deployed on a flexible basis to support the work as needed. There is no limit on the value of individual expenses claims, however the total value of claims across the contract duration must not lead to the budget provision (£145,000) being exceeded. Security Clearance No security clearance requirements have been identified. Additional T&Cs No additional terms and conditions have been identified and the standard 'Digital Outcomes and Specialists call-off contract' will be used. No. of Specialists to Evaluate 3 Cultural Fit Criteria • Be transparent and collaborative when making decisions • Share knowledge and experience with other team members • Challenge the status quo • Take responsibility for their work Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 30% Cultural fit 10% Price 60% Questions from Suppliers 1. What does the £145,000 budget equate to in terms of a daily charge please? Our requirement is for a specialist who will work on either a full time basis or, should suppliers wish to offer a solution having greater resource flexibility, a minimum of four days per week profiled across the 12 month contract duration. Also, as stated in the requirements, we require the supplier to provide a suitably experienced specialist; possibly backed up with other specialist resource that can be deployed on a flexible basis to support the work as needed.Given this requirement, we are unable to specify a maximum ‘daily charge’ and have instead given information regarding the maximum budget available. 2. Can you please advise if there will be any man management required with this post? There will be no requirement for man management of any of our staff. 3. Is the maximum budget exclusive or inclusive of VAT? The maximum budget identified is exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT). This is on the assumption that the successful supplier will be VAT registered and all invoices issued as part of the contract include a valid VAT number. 4. Is the budget a gross figure including VAT or a net figure? The maximum budget identified is exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT). This is on the assumption that the successful supplier will be VAT registered and all invoices issued as part of the contract include a valid VAT number. 5. The application process doesn't offer a chance to indicate whether we are proposing a single individual or a group. Can you confirm how we can indicate this? We believe this role is best undertaken by several specialists coordinated by a nominated lead. Within the application process, please refer to your single nominated lead specialist, who would be coordinating and leading the programme of work. It is understood that the lead specialist will be supported by a team of other specialists from within their own organisation, and this will be explored further at the interview and presentation stage. 6. Have you looked at running this opportunity as a project or digital outcome? We would look to offer an outcome based, risk-shared solution to address the issues raised rather than through a fixed-term role. Is this something you would consider? We anticipate having a Specialist who is the person designated as the lead, who is able to build up knowledge and trust with the Project Sponsor Group and whom would be the person reporting on progress and effectively championing and leading the work across Kent. We are happy to receive applications from suppliers which outlines how they would anticipate delivering the outcomes and see whether it is an acceptable solution, within the overall intent outlined in the requirements. This would be explored further at the interview and presentation stage if that supplier were shortlisted. 7. Would it be possible to set up a qualification call to understand the technical requirements of the project? Sadly the option to setup a Q&A call within the Digital Marketplace, which would be available to all interested suppliers, is now not available as the requirement has been published. We would not be prepared to carry out individual calls with suppliers. 8. For £145k you could get a PM for a 12 month contract a total daily charge of £600, but the budget would not allow additional support from a project team as you have described above. Can you please confirm you would be interested in a "specialist" at £600 a day or whether this should actually be listed on "Outcomes"? It has been difficult to establish where this requirement fits, whether it be a ‘specialist’ or an ‘outcome’ that is required. There is a clear overlap in terms of this requirement, however the Kent Chief Executives are very clear that a lead for the programme of work is required, who becomes a consistent voice and point of contact for the work across all partners. At the same time, it is understood that this individual might not necessarily have all the skills required and there is potential for them to need support from within their own organisation to deliver the programme.