In the fast-changing world of IT management, charities can significantly benefit from adopting strategic partnerships, a lesson learned from Joanne Todd's extensive experience at BT, DWP, NHS, and now St. John Ambulance, as she explains.
_______________________________________________________

By applying Service Integration and Management (SIAM) principles, she has shown how collaboration, precise role definitions, and a unified approach can transform IT strategies, making them more effective and resource-efficient—critical benefits for charities operating with limited budgets.

Harnessing SIAM Principles for Charity IT Strategy

Todd's journey with SIAM began at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), where a multi-supplier approach evolved into a more collaborative model. This adaptability is crucial for charities, where a one-size-fits-all strategy rarely works. SIAM's flexibility allows organisations to tailor IT management to their unique needs, making it an ideal framework for the third sector, where resource optimisation is paramount.

Before any IT transformation, it's vital to define roles and responsibilities clearly. Joanne's experience shows that success hinges on knowing who your partners, suppliers, and beneficiaries are. For charities, this clarity is essential to avoid inefficiencies and ensure that every effort is aligned with the organisation's mission. Clear role definitions help streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance accountability—benefits that can make or break a charity's IT project.

The Power of Partnerships in the Charity Sector

Todd's approach to partnerships has optimised resources and driven efficiency across the board. In the charity sector, where resources are often stretched thin, the ability to leverage partnerships is even more critical. By fostering open and honest relationships with suppliers, charities can access additional resources and expertise at minimal cost. Todd's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she ensured the continued delivery of services without compromising quality or increasing costs, is a powerful example of what's possible.

Collaboration is at the heart of SIAM, and Todd's career demonstrates its importance. During her time with the NHS, she combined ITIL principles with SIAM to foster a collaborative environment, an approach that proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic. For charities, especially during crises, collaboration between multiple stakeholders can lead to rapid, practical solutions, ensuring that services to beneficiaries are maintained without disruption.

One truth

A central tenet of the SIAM model is the concept of a single version of truth—ensuring that all stakeholders work from the same data and insights. For charities, where every resource counts, this principle minimises discrepancies and miscommunication, leading to better decision-making and quicker problem resolution. Todd's success in maintaining this consistency across various projects highlights its importance for charities seeking to maximise their impact.

Scaling When It Matters Most

The pandemic was a stress test for IT management, and Todd's work in setting up the national test and trace service showed the importance of a robust IT strategy. For charities, applying SIAM principles and fostering partnerships across sectors can be the key to scaling services effectively, ensuring that essential support reaches those who need it most, even in times of crisis.

Todd's experiences demonstrate the importance of securing the landing zone before take-off—a lesson charities can't afford to ignore. By clearly defining roles, fostering true collaboration, maintaining a single version of truth, and leveraging partnerships, charities can optimise their IT strategies, navigate complex challenges, and ultimately increase their impact.

Todd will share more insights at Scopism's Service North Conference in November, where she will discuss the power of partnership in transforming IT strategy. Her experiences offer valuable lessons for charities seeking to strengthen their IT management through strategic partnerships, helping them to serve their communities better.

Joanne Todd is the CIO at St John Ambulance. She has a deep history with Service Integration and Management (SIAM) with a career spanning high-level IT roles, including BT, DWP and the NHS, playing a crucial role in setting up the UK's national test and trace service, applying SIAM principles to scale services effectively.

---