Oracle Partnership Central to UK Government Procurement

Oracle is working with key UK government departments to transform their shared services platform and streamline critical functions.

Known for its strong connections with large enterprises, Oracle is now turning its focus to the public sector.

The company has announced a major collaboration with four significant government departments: the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Home Office.

The goal is to modernise these departments' operations using Oracle Cloud technology, marking a significant move in the government’s broader strategy to deliver next-generation shared services.

This transformation is expected to impact the efficiency of finance, human resources (HR) and supply chain processes for about 250,000 civil servants, which equates to nearly half of the entire UK civil service workforce.

The government’s aim is to streamline processes, enhance public services and create greater value for citizens.

Driving efficiency through unification 

Oracle’s collaboration with the UK Government is centred around the Synergy Programme.

The initiative focuses on improving shared services across the DWP, DEFRA, MoJ and the Home Office, using Oracle’s comprehensive suite of cloud applications.

Key to this partnership is the adoption of the Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). 

By creating a single platform, these departments are able to standardise their finance, HR and supply chain operations, making them more efficient and scalable. The approach aims to establish a unified operating model, leading to more integrated and automated processes.

Chris Murtagh, Chief Technology Officer and ERP Programme Director for the Synergy Programme, explains the importance of this shift: “We are building a common operating model and establishing business processes that will be used collectively across four departments that employ nearly half of all civil servants in the UK.”

He added that moving to Oracle Cloud would “expand insights, increase efficiency and allow us to better meet the needs of citizens.”

The Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite is designed to improve how government services are managed as it is equipped with applications like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Human Capital Management (HCM) and Supply Chain & Manufacturing (SCM), departments can benefit from enhanced productivity and reduced costs.

Enhanced analytics and data insights, provided by Oracle Fusion Data Intelligence and OCI, also enable informed decision-making and improved public outcomes.

Transforming public sector operations

This governmental shift to Oracle Cloud marks a significant step forward in transforming core services within the public sector.

It is set to simplify key functions, improve real-time decision-making and enhance employee experiences. By adopting a unified and automated approach, the departments can better focus on delivering essential services to the public.

“Governmental departments are under ever-increasing pressure to make sure they are working efficiently and cost-effectively," adds Siobhan Wilson, Senior Vice President and UK Country Leader at Oracle.

"The move to Oracle Cloud will increase efficiency and deliver more value to UK citizens.”

The rollout of this platform will be supported by members of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN), including IBM and Deloitte.

These partners, working closely with the DWP, will help ensure a successful and smooth implementation of the project.

Enhancing services through technology

One of the core aims of this partnership between Oracle and the UK Government is to improve public services by streamlining internal operations.

As 250,000 civil servants begin to utilise the new systems, it is expected that tasks will be performed more efficiently, leading to cost savings and higher-quality public services.

In particular, the Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP system offers advanced tools like AI and machine learning, which enable automation and predictive planning. This capability will help departments forecast demand and respond more effectively.

The implementation of Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM unifies HR processes, making tasks such as talent management, performance reviews and payroll more efficient, whilst real-time workforce insights further enable managers to make informed decisions.

Siobhan summarises the strategic benefits, stating: “This move represents a major step in transforming how these departments operate and will provide lasting benefits to citizens across the country.”

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