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| Serco - currently running the Docklands Light Railway - now picked as Southwark's IT specialists. |
"Serco has worked with Southwark Council for more than six years, providing a full range of ICT and project management services. The next phase of the ICT modernisation programme will enable Southwark Council to achieve Gershon efficiency savings of £3 million across five years. Implementing energy efficient ICT equipment and systems will also enable the Council to potentially achieve £230,000 in energy savings annually," a spokesman told LocalGov.
To enhance local career prospects, Serco has set aside £250,000 from its profits to fund an ICT accreditation and training academy for the disadvantaged young people of Southwark.
"Serco will further contribute to Southwark’s local economic development by enabling local small and medium sized enterprises to foster links with other businesses and services spread across London and the UK. This will be achieved through Serco’s business relationships currently in place with the London Development Agency and Business Link. In addition, Serco will also work with local suppliers to provide and support the ICT services in the Borough and has already selected Southwark-based Laserlife to maintain printers in the contract," said the spokesman.
Bill Murphy, Director of Corporate & Customer Services, Southwark Council, comments: “We were thoroughly impressed with Serco’s commitment in supporting our ambitions. The proposals for the renewed contract are extremely innovative and the agreement will enable us to empower the community and generate wider investment into the Borough. The Council will benefit from a continuing partnership with a services company that has strong commercial know-how and a deep public service ethos.”
Kevin Lavery, chief executive of the Serco Solutions division, said: “We are excited about the scope of the new contract and the opportunities for us to continue investing in service delivery improvements for the Council and citizens. In a period of evolution and change of Council services, Serco will continue to be a trusted partner. It has already been proved that our two organisations can work together effectively and this agreement strengthens our relationship.”
