The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has awarded a two-year contract to digital consultancies Scrumconnect and Olive Jar Digital to support the Department’s Data Practice.
The contract, worth up to £15.6 million, will see the firms deploy digital, data and technology (DDaT) professionals to help DWP make better use of its data. This includes data engineers, analysts, data protection specialists, data scientists and performance analysts.
DWP’s Data Practice holds some of the most complete datasets on UK society. Scrumconnect and Olive Jar said its specialist teams understand how to govern, model and apply data in real-world delivery. This includes supporting the Department’s exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics.
In a statement, Scrumconnect said the work “directly supports DWP’s ambition to run more responsive, evidence-led services that are shaped around citizen needs.”
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“This contract win is a significant step forward in strengthening the Data Practice within DWP Digital,” said Rajesh Thakrar, founding director at Olive Jar Digital. “It enables the delivery of critical DDaT roles that are driving data-led innovation and improving public services. Our mission is to support this kind of transformation through expert capability and collaboration.”
“We’re proud to be working side-by-side with DWP to embed the kind of data capability that creates lasting value,” said Fay Cooper, chief product officer at Scrumconnect. “As a long-standing digital transformation partner to DWP, we’re applying our ethos of partnership rather than just filling roles. It means that we’re building skilled, resilient teams that understand the complexity of public service delivery and who will be equipped to drive great outcomes long after our work is done.”
Scrumconnect investing in public sector services
Public sector specialist Scrumconnect is currently active in 16 of the top 75 government services identified by the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), including previous work across DWP, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, the Home Office and the Department for Education.
Scrumconnect said it is continuing to invest in regional capability at its Newcastle delivery centre. This includes new roles across delivery, engineering, and data specialisms, with a focus on building teams that support long-term public service outcomes.
