DFP in 'discussions' over e-HR contract

The Department of Finance & Personnel (DFP) has announced that it intends to have further discussions with Fujitsu Services Ltd with a view to selecting them as the preferred bidder for an electronic Human Resource (e-HR) contract.

Accenture (UK) Ltd has been invited to remain available as reserve bidder.

The award of contract is scheduled for December 2005, but is subject to approval of the business case. Following award of contract, the successful bidder would become the private sector partner working with the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Northern Ireland Office to transform the way in which personnel services are delivered to around 30,000 civil servants.

The work includes the replacement of outdated computer systems, the modernisation of personnel processes and the provision of personnel administration from a shared service centre, staffed and run by the private sector partner. Implementation would be phased over a three-year period, beginning in early 2006.

Should a contract be awarded, around 500 Civil Service personnel staff would be re-deployed to other business areas.

The introduction of e-HR would result in more efficient and modern delivery of personnel services and would release staff for frontline services, in accordance with Government priorities.

While award of contract is scheduled for December 2005, it is subject to the approval of a Full Business Case, which sets out the financial implications of entering into a partnership with the preferred bidder.

Under e-HR, personnel administration – including payroll and recruitment services – would be centralised and delivered from a shared service centre, staffed by around 200 private sector employees. HR staff within the NICS and NIO will focus on strategic, policy, efficiency and workforce planning matters, and those who are surplus will be re-deployed under the NICS.

The contract with the private sector partner would be for 15 years, with the option to break from year 10.

(SP)