DIGEST

usiness
Talking
point
“
In this edition of
Digest all DSG employees
are reminded of the latest
Civil Service People Survey
2011, which follows on
from a similar survey
undertaken by the Cabinet
Office in 2010. Work is now
well in hand to act on the
survey’s results from last year.
DSG signs
new contract
with DE&S
A completely independent company, ORC International,
under contract from the Cabinet Office, covering all
Government Departments and their respective Agencies,
carries out the survey. This year 98 Government
organisations are participating.
The aim of the survey is to provide all staff with the
opportunity to comment on their role, their views of their
organisation and beyond, and to provide valuable feedback for
DSG, which can translate into Business Stream and Site
Action plans to take forward in 2012 and beyond. The survey
is completely anonymous whether it is completed on-line or
by hard copy and I encourage all employees to complete the
survey, so that we achieve truly representational feedback.
ORC International’s role is to produce overall feedback to
the Cabinet Office, Government Departments and Agencies.
They provide no information about an individual, or group of
individuals, from any particular organisation or any individual
views expressed, thereby maintaining complete anonymity.
In September, DSG was one of the many organisations taking
part in DSEi, which is one of the world’s biggest defence
equipment and systems events. DSG sat alongside more than
1,350 exhibitors representing 40 countries showcasing
hardware and software solutions for the Armed Forces. DSEi
provides us with face to face opportunities to share ideas,
discuss industry developments, conduct business and network
for future growth.
The event also provides us with the opportunity to meet
with industry partners, international delegations, defence
trade visitors, UK Ministers and senior staff involved in UK
defence procurement. We will feature our attendance at the
”
event in the next edition of Digest.
Best wishes
Archie Hughes
Chief Executive
L-R, David Morgan, DSG Commercial Director with
Brian Dewdney, DLE Head of Commercial
On 23 August, DSG and Defence Equipment & Support
(DE&S) signed an agreed contract amendment for the last
two years of the five year Land Equipment Repair contract
awarded in 2008.
The new contract referred to as the Revised Pricing Agreement
(RPA) is valued in excess of £200m. Following detailed negotiation,
both parties are content that the amendment will provide
enhanced benefits. For DSG, not only does the contract give
greater forward visibility of its future order book, it also provides
a more focused planning and scheduling of repair requirements
under the new arrangement along with a greater focus on demand
and supply planning. For DE&S, it is providing greater flexibility
over the work that DSG undertakes on its behalf. Ultimately the
contract is delivering best value for defence.
The new contracting model requires the Project teams to feed
their requirements to Barry Thorne, Assistant Head of Commercial
- Repair, who is the authority’s focal point within DE&S. Before
passing the requests to DSG, Barry and his team review them to
ensure they have budget approval. Once given the go ahead, DSG
assesses the demand to match the available capacity. The new
process ensures DSG does not plan and hold capacity open for
activity that is unfunded. David Morgan, DSG Commercial Director
said, “The new contract makes our operations more efficient and
cost effective going forward, while ensuring we are able to provide
the critical services our customers require. This is a major change
to the way DE&S and DSG have contracted in the past but provides
more transparency to our customer on what we do for them.”
Brian Dewdney, Director Land Equipment Head of Commercial,
said “This new contract has brought about a much closer working
relationship.”
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2011 DIGEST
3