Oracle just announced more details about its major cloud deal with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), which is set to last ten years as part of the Synergy Programme. This initiative aims to help various government departments share resources more effectively, particularly in human resources and finance—essentially getting more bang for their buck.
Besides DWP, other participating departments include the Ministry of Justice, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Home Office. Together, they employ around 250,000 people. The deal, valued at £710 million, was officially announced in September 2024 and will run until August 29, 2034, with Oracle and IBM leading as the main providers, supported by Deloitte.
DWP aims to implement a software-as-a-service (SaaS) enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and is enlisting a systems integrator to help transition to this new platform smoothly. The goal is clear: to enhance how they capture and manage finance and HR data for more informed decision-making.
Oracle has outlined the specific tools it will deploy from its Fusion Cloud Applications Suite. They will use Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management, and Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain and Manufacturing applications. Additionally, participants will access advanced data analytics through the Oracle Fusion Data Intelligence service.
Chris Murtagh, who oversees the ERP program for Synergy, emphasized the project’s goal of creating cohesive business processes across these four departments, which account for nearly half of all civil servants in the UK. He said Oracle Cloud would provide a unified platform for improved insights and greater efficiency, ultimately better serving citizens.
Siobhan Wilson, Oracle’s senior vice president and UK country leader, noted that this deal is about responding to the growing demands on government departments to operate smarter and more cost-effectively. She highlighted how moving to Oracle Cloud is expected to boost efficiency and bring more value to UK citizens.