1. RCUK Shared Services Centre Project

2. 2 Why are the Research Councils setting up an SSC? “… a step change in the number of back office functions that are provided on a common basis across [the] Councils” “… to secure further efficiencies in the administration of the Science Budget … so as to generate more resources for research itself.” letter from Prof Sir Keith O’Nions, Director General for Science and Innovation to Prof Ian Diamond, Chair of RCUK Executive Group, Jan 2006

3. 3 Research Councils’ organisational context Research Councils’ core activity is the support of Research, Training and Knowledge Transfer. “Fit for purpose” support functions are a key enabler. Need for change: Over 1500 FTEs – scale for potential economies Multiple ways of performing the same activity Multiple (different) systems Variation of key metrics between Councils High degree of manual intervention required in process operation Lack of measurement regimes Lack of clear ownership and accountability.

4. 4 Vision for the SSC (1) Convergence of Administrative Services Services will be —delivered by a single organisation —integrated - common end-to-end processes based on a common set of administrative policies —efficient - delivered through specifically designed organisation and information systems —responsive - service managed through effective governance and control by all Councils The SSC will enable the Councils to support the direction and management of research, training, institutes and facilities more effectively and efficiently.

5. 5 Vision for the SSC (2) The SSC will provide —Greater value for money —Harmonised and more efficient services —Significant improvements in service metrics —Significant reductions in the costs of administration —A clearer, consistent customer focus —An organisation dedicated to service delivery —Expert business partners for Councils & Institutes —Services delivered to agreed standards.

6. 6 Scope of the SSC Human resources Finance Procurement IT and administrative IS Grants processing, including fellowships and studentships. The SSC will be based in Swindon. It will provide services to the Research Councils and their Institutes covering:

7. 7 Timescale 2007200820092006 Grants Roadmap Report Gateway Reviews 12 Business Justification 3 Process and Organisation Design Detailed Design and Implementation Planning Pilot Transition to SSC SSC starts services Competitive Dialogue (Systems Integrator) PID

8. 8 Governance – Key Points The RCUK Shared Services Centre will be a separate legal entity, in the form of a Company limited by Shares. Subject to formal approval by HMRC, the Shared Services Centre is intended to become part of the same VAT group as the Research Councils. The Shared Services Centre will be governed by a Board of Directors, with representatives from each RC. To provide continuity and independence, the Chair of the Board of Directors will be an independent, paid Chairman. Each RC will have an equal vote in board decision making.

9. 9 High level organisation of RCUK SSC (draft as at 21 June) Chief Executive [2 – 3 year posting] Senior Relationship Manager Relationship Managers [2 FTE] Finance Manager HR & Office Manager Head of Operations [2 – 3 year posting] Performance/ Cont Improvement [3 FTE] Commercial Director [2 -3 year posting] Service Delivery Manager (Finance & Procurement) Contact Centre Manager Service Delivery Manager (IT) Service Delivery Manager (Grants) Service Delivery Manager (HR) Strategic sourcing teamDelivery Team Training Delivery [ 2-3 year posting] Office Support [5 FTE] Delivery Team RELATIONSHIP MGTSERVICE DELIVERY BUSINESS SUPPORT