Avanta selects Civica for outsourced service as part of ICT transformation

Systems and business process services expert delivers hosted infrastructure for Work Programme contractor London, 23rd August 2011 - Avanta (www.avanta.uk.com), one of the UKs leading employment-focused training and enterprise companies and a prime contractor for the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)s Work Programme to get one million people back into work, has chosen Civica in an IT outsourcing agreement worth over 1 million per year. Civica, a market leader in specialist systems and business process services that help organisations to achieve a more cost-efficient way of working, has provided a hosted communications infrastructure and technical support for up to 80 Job Centre Plus and other DWP offices across the country. This outsourced service is supporting Avantas operations nationwide, helping people on state benefits to select, train for, obtain and retain employment that is suitable for their ages and capacities. Civicas technical team provided a wide area network (WAN) infrastructure, fully integrated service desk and on-site engineer support, as part of Avantas ongoing transformation of its IT capabilities, which will see the development of a responsive IT support platform that is scalable to Avantas current and future corporate ICT requirements. Civica is also providing a flexible charging model that is scalable and responsive to Avantas needs. Jon Quick, CIO of Avanta, commented: We have a dynamic and agile business and we needed a service model that reflected it. Civica started delivering the programme in May. There are three implementation phases: phase one has already seen rapid transition to the new hosted infrastructure to meet DWP deadlines. In phase two, Civica is delivering the IT transformation and in the third phase, Avanta and Civica will work together to ensure that overall service transformation and system cost efficiencies are achieved. Civica has a strong track record and technical expertise in managed ICT services across the public sector. The company already holds an ISO27001 certificate and will assist Avanta in achieving its own ISO27001 accreditation. Civica also holds a framework agreement for IT Managed Services by Buying Solutions, the national procurement partner for UK public services. Civica chief executive Simon Downing commented: The provision of managed services and outsourcing in areas where Civica has specialist expertise is fundamental to our strategy in order to respond to customers increasing needs to reduce the cost and risk of service delivery. The agreement will enable Avanta to transform its ICT capabilities and support the growth of its services while driving down support and maintenance costs. Ends

Notes to editors

Avanta works with local communities, voluntary organistions, staff and customers to develop employment and skills in the UK, employing over 1000 people across over 100 locations in the heart of communities. It works with both private and public sectors, including government agencies and departments such DWP, Jobcentre Plus, Regional Development Agencies and the Skills Funding Agency, delivering a wide range of services. About Civica Group Ltd The Civica Group (www.civica.co.uk) is an international market leader in specialist IT systems and business process services for the public sector. Through experienced people who understand service delivery, the Group applies software, managed services and outsourcing to help customers streamline their activities. Civica supplies more than 2,000 organisations in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the USA, helping our customers to achieve a successful and more cost-efficient way of working.

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