All clients

Readiness for ISO 22301 Business Continuity Standard

Access Systems provide cloud-based payment and cash management solutions as a software-as-a-service model with subscription based pricing. JEC:

• Carried out a Business Impact Analysis with the managers of the key departments to identify the key risks and mission critical activities of the company.
• Drafted a Business Continuity strategy, policy, Incident Management Plan and Business Continuity and Recovery plan in line with the ISO 22301 standard.
• Attended the assessments to provide support and assistance to Access System’s Business Continuity coordinator.

Infrastructure Review

JEC Professional Services examined Adactus Housing Group’s IT and communications infrastructure to inform Adactus Group’s IT Strategy which was under review. JEC’s review encompassed the Group’s data storage, processing, security and back-up, data and voice communication networks. 

"I needed an objective, expert view on the direction of development of our IT service. JEC provided exactly that, giving me, the other directors and Board added confidence in our IT Strategy."

Chris Smith, Operations Director

Adviza is a large and innovative charity helping  young people and adults to progress in learning and work. JEC conducted strategic options appraisals of its IT and IP telephony services, including a staff survey of IT and telephony services. JEC made recommendations on whether there were:

• strategic alternatives to Adviza’s current IT services, including Cloud based services;

• strategic alternatives to Adviza’s current IP telephony services;

• strategic advantages in combining Adviza’s mobile telephony and data services with its IP telephony services.

"JEC completed a recent project for Adviza looking at our IT and telephony set-up and recommending potential cost-savings and improvements. The project was completed in a timely and professional manner and the final report met our expectations. I would recommend JEC to others."

David Cook, Head of Support

Development of ICT Strategy

Working with Allerdale's ICT team JEC developed a new ICT Strategy which defined how ICT would support the Council in the future, breaking down the requirements into a series of manageable projects.

Subsequently JEC was commissioned to produce a professionally designed, illustrated document of the finalised strategy for publishing on Allerdale’s web site and for internal electronic distribution.

Business Continuity - Business Impact Analysis

Ashmore is a provider of investment management services, We conducted a Business Impact Analysis and reviewed the Business Continuity plans of the company.

International Bank

Agile Working Business Case

Working closely with the clients project team, a team of JEC consultants developed  a comprehensive robust business case analysing feasible options for adopting Agile Working and identify a recommended option. In constructing the business case we took a company-wide view to prioritise areas where Agile Working could best increase effectiveness and meet the strategic aims of the organisation. The business case included recommendations on work settings, desk sharing ratios, and meeting room to desk ratios. The business case was tempered with a realistic assessment of the readiness of business units for adopting new ways of working.

IT Organisational Design

The London Borough of Camden was proposing to restructure its ICT function to deliver a modern high quality ICT service.  We constructed a robust set of job families and job profiles to underpin the proposed structure. We were asked to carry out technical interviews of the candidates for the new posts.

Agile Working Business Case

Derbyshire Community Health Service Foundation Trust (DCHS) is taking a lead role in developing new models of integrated care for the population of Derbyshire. It recognised that Agile Working principles are necessary to ensure that its 4500 employees are able to work in new and different ways to support this agenda. JEC assessed the current adoption of new ways of working and carried out a full options appraisal of opportunities and savings from the further adoption for Agile Working. JEC also made recommendations concerning working environments, training in new ways of working, and document sharing practices. 

"John was able, at very short notice, to assist us in writing and consolidating our agile working business case. His ability to quickly understand our complex environment and translate our thoughts into actionable activities was outstanding. I am happy to recommend his work."

Jim Austin, Associate Director Of Transformation

at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust

Research into Agile Working, Personality and Performance 

We managed a research project commissioned the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei) to research the links between Agile Working styles, personality and performance to see if different people are more suited to different workstyles and if organisations should use different ways of working to become more productive. 584 employees and managers from Birmingham City Council, DWF, the?Department for Work and Pensions, Ministry of Justice NHS and Santander participated in the survey.

The project included a literature search, the development of a sophisticated survey tool and the design of questionnaires of employees’ and their managers’ views on workstyles and performance. We carried out an extensive analysis of the results and wrote the report of the findings and correlations, which has been published by enei. 

Development of specifications of requirements for EDRMS procurement

We provided expert consultancy support to develop two market-ready specifications of requirements for the procurement of an Electronic Document Management and Records System (EDRMS) and an aligned, but separate, procurement of a document scanning service for this social housing organisation. We were consequently invited to prepare for and attended the supplier presentations developing scoring sheets with evaluation criteria for each supplier presentation.

New Ways of Working and IT Review

This environmental charity wished to adopt new ways of working to enable its staff to be more effective in their day-to-day activities and project work. We undertook an extensive review of the charity’s current ways of working and use of IT involving the design and analysis of a comprehensive staff survey and facilitating an interactive workshop. We conducted an in-depth analysis of GAP’s IT capability and service including a procurement review of the incumbent IT supplier to determine effectiveness and recommend improvements. We advised on how IT could support new ways of working and also provided guidance on required cultural changes and modifications to the physical environment of the charity’s offices.

Due Diligence of IT systems

LBH has embarked on the implementation of its ICT strategy, which seeks to adopt customer-driven business design and data exploitation with the harmonisation of all of LBH’s data. We carried out due diligence the IT systems and software used by Hounslow Homes to identify the user of the systems, the interfaces between the systems and system functionality improvements. We made recommendations relating to user training and support and the benefits and risks of upgrading key systems.

IT Review

JEC Professional Services was commissioned to undertake a review of the charity's current provision and use of IT at Interlink’s London office and to make recommendations on whether these should be changed or updated. JEC reviewed Interlinks use of its IT systems, carried out options appraisals of Interlink’s current CRM system and IT service provision. JEC alsoconducted a skills audit to identify the training required so that staff could be trained to carry out their job roles more effectively.

"John facilitated a thorough review of the IT function at the Interlink Foundation. He skilfully pulled together the intelligence within our team and layered it with his own expertise. His work provided the platform for a complete overhaul of our IT strategy."

Chaya Spitz, Chief Executive at The Interlink Foundation

Business Continuity - Business Continuity Plan development

Kingfisher is Europe's leading international home improvement retail group that includes B&Q in the UK. We undertook a review of the Kingfisher’s current Business Continuity plans against the Business Continuity Management standard, and commercial best practice. We extensively revised the guidance documentation for Kingfisher’s international operating companies to devise and test their own Business Continuity Plans.

Business Continuity Audit

We examined  the Business Continuity plans as part of the County’s disaster recovery facilities following the failure of the Storage Area Network. We reviewed the Council’s current business continuity documentation, and interviewed a number of key staff with Business Continuity responsibilities. We made observations and recommendations on areas to be addressed based on best practice standards.

"It was really refreshing to work with a consultant who understands the challenges and could articulate some useful and practical suggestions for improvement- plus he offered useful advice even after the assignment had completed. I can fully recommend John's services, and would be happy to provide a formal reference on request"

Julie Goddard, Business Continuity Manager 

Development of Business Continuity Plans and Exercise

Lyreco is a worldwide distributor of workplace products and operates in 27 countries and 5 continents. Lyreco employs over 1,500 staff in the UK and Ireland with offices in Dublin, and Airdrie and a head office in Telford. Lyreco recognised the importance of having a well-written Business Continuity Plan tailored to its business needs.  

JEC developed Lyreco’s Business Continuity Management System comprising:

• Comprehensive Business Impact Analysis report 
• Documented Business Continuity Strategy 
• Business Continuity Policy 
• Comprehensive Incident Management Plan 
• Business Continuity Plans for each service unit 

JEC also devised and facilitated an exercise to test the Incident Management Plan and Business Continuity Plans.

"At Lyreco, we have recently completed the development of a Business Continuity Plan with the help of John Eary. His professionalism, efficiency and knowledge ensured the project was completed on plan and with buy-in from the whole management team. I would recommend John to other organisations looking for similar solutions".

Nick Dacey, Operations Director

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Gap Analysis 

Magdalene provides comprehensive, independent solutions which address the individual needs of their customers throughout the telecommunications industry. 

Magdalene recognised the importance of effective Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans. The company wanted to develop more robust Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans tailored to its business needs that will give assurance to its customers and contribute to its preparedness. 

JEC conducted a gap analysis workshop of Magdalene’s current Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery arrangements and made recommendations for resolution of issues identified and areas that required further investigation.  

Business Continuity Exercise - Design and Facilitation

We prepared and facilitated an exercise to assess the robustness of the Society’s Business Continuity Plans.

“Thanks. there was very positive feedback. The exercise was well structured; everyone was full engaged and it highlighted a number of areas we need to address. Plus it was an enjoyable day, thanks for all your support.”

Oona Gaffney, Facilities Manager

Ways of Working review

Potential Plus UK is an independent charity that supports the social, emotional and learning needs of children with high learning potential of all ages and background. The charity believed there was potential to be more effective and cost effective through adopting new ways of working as well as reducing travel time and associated expenditure. 

JEC interviewed Potential Plus UK staff and associates and key service providers.  Staff, associates, and volunteers were surveyed about their current ways of working and what technology they need to perform their role.  Potential Plus UK’s current ways of working were compared against a best practice model of Agile Working. 

JEC’s report included:

• A critique of current ways of working and an assessment of Potential Plus UK’s Agile Working Readiness;
• Proposals on new ways of working and associated benefits;
• The IT and telephony systems required to support the new ways of working with high level costings;
• Changes in the use of premises;
• Staffing and policy implications.

John’s approach was professional, knowledgeable and experienced in areas such as agile working and technology. He listened to our needs and about the constraints we operate under. He sought the views of stakeholders and made recommendations which were practical, fairly simple to implement and which were relevant to all those involved with us.

Denise Yates, Chief Executive 

English Police Force

Agile Working Readiness and Strategy

A team of JEC consultants developed an Agile Working readiness assessment of the Force. We developed a strategy for Agile Working based on an integrated approach involving the people, property and technology and information management functions, and the adoption of a shared set of principles and a common roadmap. We carried out extensive consultations through interviews with key managers, focus groups, workshops with senior leadership team and survey of uniformed and staff employees.

IT Organisational Design

We reviewed the ICT capability and resources of ICT staff for a forthcoming merger between the County Council and the local Health Board and proposed a new organisational structure to improve ICT provision through greater use of shared resources.

IT Review

Quantum Profile Systems Ltd (QPSL) is an ambitious manufacturing company.  It requested JEC to provide an independent and informed review of its current use of IT and realistic advice on how its systems could be further exploited and contribute to continuous improvement. JEC reviewed QPL’s existing IT provision including: Infrastructure (desktop and server); Key line of business systems (ERP, SharePoint, EDMS/Collaboration, Finance); requirements for flexible and remote working; and IT Policies and Procedures.

Records Management Strategy 

Radian Group wished to develop and implement an organisation wide Records Management Strategy covering both paper and electronic records including those created through the use of social media. We conducted a ‘light touch’ gap analysis assessment of Radian Group’s practices in records management against ISO 15489. We analysed the strategic options for the management of records across Radian Group. We devised a Group-wide records management policy, to include both paper and electronic records, which has been formally adopted by Radian Group. 

Project Planning

We developed a comprehensive Project Initiation Document (PID) and project plan for a project to develop a streamlined approach to customer access across this social housing organisation. was setting up . In developing the PID we identified the tasks and membership of the workstreams; carried out stakeholder analysis and prepared a communications plan.

"Thanks very much for your support in getting us started."

Alison Gregory, Customer Access Manager

Data Centre Review

We provided an independent expert to attend the sites and survey the facility condition and resilience of the Council’s two main data centres. We commented on the adequacy of existing data centre provision and whether they were ‘Fit for Purpose’. We identified key risks in relying on current provision and the enhancement or replacement of the data centres to the continued provision of reliable IT services. 

JEC was subsequently commissioned to conduct an independent assessment of the potential of a new Data Centre. 

"JEC undertook a data centre review, delivering a professional detailed report as requested on time and within budget."

Mark Jones, ICT Interim Service Delivery Manager

Learning Management System evaluation

We proposed a vision for a training management system based on emerging trends in learning management and best practice and prepared a consolidated requirements specification.

Business Continuity - Audit of Plans and Crisis Management exercise design and facilitation

We  reviewed the Business Continuity Plans and Business Continuity Management of this utility company against ISO standards and commercial best practice. Subsequently we were asked to develop and test their crisis management strategy through the development and facilitation of an exercise.

Project Management of EDRMS implementation

We managed the implementation of EDRMS Electronic Document Management and Records System (EDRMS) for Accounts Payable, HR and Children’s Social Care and managed a wide range of activities including:

• Requirements specification;
• Data cleansing and migration;
• Development and testing;
• Integration with line of business systems e.g. Frameworki;
• User training;
• Implementation and roll out.

Project Management of Smart Working project

We initially managed the ICT aspects of the Council’s Smart Working project, which is part of the Council’s Transformation programme. We identified synergies between people, property and technology workstreams and through their consolidation developed a more effective programme with more timely outcomes.  Working closely with the Council’s IT service provider, We identified a number of Smart Working initiatives and obtained some quick wins in conferencing and Wi-Fi access. The adoption of Smart Working has enabled the Council to gain additional income from the release of surplus property.