When North Star Housing Group were looking to establish a new look ICT, Digital and Data team they turned to Golden Marzipan for their knowledge, expertise and digital assessment as Sean Lawless, Head of ICT and Digital explains:
“When we were considering the future of our ICT, digital and data function we knew we wanted some external support to ensure that we were future proofing the structure of the team. Part of this was about challenging our own ideas and preconceptions about how things should be. We commissioned Golden Marzipan as their knowledge, experience and expertise put them in a great position to offer us solid advice. They had previously worked with other similar sized providers on their team restructures and GM director, Steve Dungworth, also brought a wealth of expertise from his roles as a former director at Accent Group and board member at Leeds Federated Housing Association.”
A digital vision
North-east based North Star Housing Group, who manage around 3800 homes, were keen to ensure that a vision for a future ICT, digital and data function was a collaborative effort to ensure maximum buy-in to any future decisions as Sean continues:
“With Golden Marzipan we co-created a vision for the new structure of the ICT, Digital and Data team.”
“With Golden Marzipan, we co-created a vision for the new structure of the ICT, Digital and Data team. The work included collaborative sessions with all members of the current team, and they were driving forces in developing and shaping the proposed restructure, along with oversight from the Head of People Services and Executive Director of Finance and Business Support.”
ICT Good Governance Assessment
Alongside these collaborative sessions and ahead of developing any plans, North Star also undertook the new ICT Good Governance Assessment to provide further insight into the current performance of the ICT team and infrastructure against a national average.
Recently launched, this eagerly anticipated assessment designed specifically for the housing sector, examines six areas of ICT Governance including: ICT service management, strategy, programme and project management, resource partnerships, data management, risk management and business continuity. Through the assessment various colleagues are asked to score the providers response to certain issues under each of these themes and then the provider is awarded one of five maturity scores from ‘unaware’ to ‘assured’.
Housing providers who have already undertaken the assessment are reporting the benefits of having this clear, benchmarked view of their ICT Governance and how it is helping them prioritise and plan for future service provision.
North Star Housing Group are delighted with the outcome of their collaboration with Golden Marzipan. Sean concludes: “The co-creation approach coupled with insights from the ICT Governance Assessment have proved invaluable in creating our future vision for ICT, digital and data at North Star. The current ICT team fully support the proposed structure and its alignment with the digital strategy and targets for the team.”
If you are interested in finding out more about the ICT Good Governance Assessment or want support on future proofing your ICT function get in touch for an informal chat. Email steve@goldenmarzipan.co.uk or call us on 0333 210 7531
