The Agency's role: The Information Technology Services Agency works with all parts of the Department of Social Security group to maximise business efficiency through the secure and cost effective use of information systems and information technology. In this area it aims to set the strategic direction for the Department, secure the cost effective delivery of systems, maximise the effectiveness of Information Technology in improving operations and work with external suppliers in the development of services. Staff numbers have fallen due to the transfer of staff to external suppliers in 1995.
Accommodation requirements: Some 1,000 of the Information Technology Services Agency's 1,900 staff work on the Newcastle estate, mostly at Durham House, a specialist computer centre which is to be retained by NEP in the redeveloped estate. In addition to general requirements similar to those of other agencies, Durham House requires a steady flow of electricity supplies and back-up generators in the event of interruption. Computer downtime is extremely expensive to the public purse.
The Information Technology Services Agency's views of the Private Finance project: The Agency regarded Durham House's inclusion in the project as an inducement to interest bidders in the Longbenton site redevelopment. They felt that the project team had worked very hard, though they lacked sufficient "informed customer" expertise. Communication had been poor, particularly during the development of requirements. Communications had been much improved once contract management of the Private Finance service for Durham House had started. The representative of the Agency expressed a concern that the contract penalties to the Private Finance supplier may not recover the full cost to the taxpayer if the suppliers caused the computer system to go down.