We
note with interest the latest update on the review of corporate shared services,
issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which details that: “our main focus
for the remainder of the study will be on keeping DBS together, building on the
achievements already made, and examining what if any further functions it might
be sensible to bring in. We will also
be thinking about whether we can reduce the costs of corporate services by
simplifying MoD’s policies. And we are
continuing to examine different models for partnership with the private sector,
recognising that ‘one size may not fit all’ and that the nature and extent of
any such partnerships may well vary in different parts of the DBS business”.
Our
union believes that the DBS model has been a success, due mainly to the civil
servants working hard within it to deliver challenging targets whilst
maintaining a quality service to the department. We therefore welcome the
commitment to keep DBS together, build on its achievements and expand. We are
also prepared to work with the department to see how efficiency and
effectiveness could be further developed.
However
we have a serious problem with the idea that the organisation could then be
fragmented again into different parts to allow more than one partnering model
to be applied.
Our
union’s position is absolutely clear; corporate shared services should be
provided in house and by a single entity. This position has been endorsed this
week by all of the MoD’s trade unions, who are equally concerned about the
impact of potential fragmentation and privatisation of DBS on the service
received by their members.
The
MoD Corporate Shared Services review team have asked for input from staff across
the department and we would encourage members to take the department up on that
request by responding to: CSTT-FDBSDH@mod.uk.
We would suggest that, whilst expressing their own concerns, members might like
to include the following points in their response:
- Despite your personal assurances I am
concerned that the privatisation of DBS is predetermined and that the
current partnering arrangement with Serco/Accenture could simply be
expanded.
- I am concerned that the key driver for
the review is cost cutting and not service delivery.
- I would like the department’s assurance
that no senior member of staff, civilian or military will be allowed a
business appointment with either the current management partner or any
potential future bidder to personally profit from their business
knowledge.
- The provision of corporate shared
services for the Ministry of Defence should be retained in-house as it
directly contributes to defence capability and will from a critical
underpin to deliver the Whole Force Management concept.
- MoD data and the personal data of staff must
not be open to offshoring.
- The current DBS management partner
contract should be amended to exclude efficiency savings as a contract
funding option as capability and capacity could be removed for profit as
the contract winds down.
- The achievements of DBS under the management partner arrangements could have been achieved by the civil service if the department had made funding available on a spend to save basis.
Please
could you copy your response and any reply received to: pcsdbsdsg@gmail.com for information.
Getting more involved in
our campaign
What you can do now to help us:
- If you want corporate shared services to remain in-house you need to help us to recruit the non-member sat next to you. Recruitment forms and other material is available to help you from your branch, or is available to download from our website: https://www.join.pcs.org.uk/en/join-pcs/index.cfm
- Join the PCS shared services Facebook page for up to date information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/608201015918339/
- Send the attached model letter to your MP, expressing your concerns over the possible privatisation of MoD’s shared services.
- Ask your MP to oppose the off shoring of data by logging on to: http://action.pcs.org.uk/page/speakout/shared-services-save-jobs-and-protect-our-data
- We will be leafleting all workplaces with DBS members over the coming weeks and also holding meetings to update members on developments. Please come along and help us spread the word to all who will be affected.
- Keep your union contact details up to date, so that we can keep you informed of developments: https://www.join.pcs.org.uk/en/campaigns/text-and-email-alerts/get-the-message.cfm
Keeping in
touch
We have set up an electronic distribution list to keep
interested members engaged in our campaign. To get involved, please send an
email to: pcsdbsdsg@gmail.com detailing where you
work and a personal email address so we can add you.
The review will look at how shared services in the MOD will be provided in the future taking into account the current strategic business partner arrangements with Serco which are due for review in 2016.
Draft MP’s letter:
[Address line 1]
[Address line 2]
[Address line 3]
[Postcode]
[Date]
Dear [insert MP‟s name]
I am a constituent of yours living in the [insert name
of constituency/ward], and I am writing to you to raise my concerns over the recent announcement that the MOD is to consider privatising Defence Business Services (DBS) who provide
corporate services within the Ministry of Defence.
I am concerned that:
- the review has the predetermined outcome of privatisation
- the current strategic business partner has a position to influence any outcome
- defence capability and capacity will not be fully considered
- privatising DBS has the potential to undermine Whole Force Management and is linked to national security
- privatising DBS is at odds with the Military Covenant
- my personal data could be off-shored
As my MP I am writing to ask you to raise these issues
with the MOD Permanent Secretary and the Government to seek assurance that DBS
will remain in the MOD supporting defence capability.
I look forward to your reply.
Regards
[insert
name]
