The Importance of Third-Party Assessments in Digital Programmes of Work

In the realm of digital transformation, especially in large public and private sector contexts where stakeholder expectations and public scrutiny are high, ensuring robust risk management and assurance is crucial. Third-party assessment provides a structured approach to managing risks and ensuring that digital investments deliver the expected benefits. This blog post explores the need for system assurance, offers practical examples, and provides guidance on what to consider when starting a program of work or establishing a capability, including governance reviews.

The Need

Third Party assessment is essential for several reasons:

• Risk Management: It helps identify and mitigate risks early in the project lifecycle, preventing costly issues down the line.

• Stakeholder Confidence: Provides stakeholders with confidence that digital investments are being managed effectively and will deliver the expected outcomes.

• Compliance: Ensures that projects adhere to regulatory requirements and industry standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

  

  
  

Practical Examples of System Assurance

1. Digital Transformation Projects: When a government agency embarks on a digital transformation project, Third Party assessment can help ensure that the project stays on track, within budget, and meets its objectives. For example, regular assurance reviews can identify potential risks such as data privacy concerns or integration challenges with existing systems. Technical debt management is a key issue that most programmes face when dealing with legacy modernisation programmes.

2. Cybersecurity Initiatives: Implementing a new cybersecurity framework requires rigorous assurance including design review to ensure that all security measures are effective and compliant with regulations. This might involve third-party assessments to validate the robustness of the security controls and improve trust in the system.

3. Public Service Platforms: Developing a new public service platform, such as an online portal for citizen services, benefits from Third Party assessment by ensuring that the platform is user-friendly, secure, and reliable. Regular design review, testing and validation can help identify and address any usability or performance issues.

4. Adoption of new digital capabilities: Adopting new digital capabilities like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and decentralised identity models can significantly enhance innovation and security, and third-party assessments provide invaluable independent verification to ensure these technologies are implemented effectively and securely along with ensuring financial and capability sustainability.

Key Considerations for Starting a Programme of Work

When starting a new programme of work or project, consider the following steps to ensure effective system assurance:

1. Early Planning: Integrate assurance activities from the outset. This includes defining the scope, objectives, and key deliverables of the assurance process. The third-party partner should be able to guide on steps required and help map assurance activities.

2. Risk-Based Approach: Adopt a risk-based approach to assurance. Identify the key risks associated with the project and focus assurance efforts on these areas. For example, if data security is a major concern, prioritise assurance activities that address this risk.

3. Clear Governance Structure: Establish a clear governance structure to oversee the assurance process. This includes defining roles and responsibilities, setting up regular review meetings, and ensuring that there is a clear escalation path for any issues identified. Again, the third party partner should be able to help with establishing the governance framework so ask them about their experience before selecting.

4. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update assurance practices to keep pace with evolving risks and technologies. This might involve incorporating lessons learned from previous projects or adopting new assurance methodologies.

5. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage stakeholders throughout the assurance process. This includes keeping them informed of progress, involving them in key decision-making processes, and addressing any concerns they may have.

   
   

   “Third Party assessment is your third level of defense” -ISACA

   

   Reference: Third-Party Assurance: Why and How? (isaca.org)

   
   
   
   

How Systems Thinking Limited Can Help

Systems Thinking Limited specialises in providing tailored assurance services that enhance internal risk management frameworks. We have established several digital capabilities and programme of work including appropriate governance structures, architecture and technical design reviews, business fit analysis, functional and non-functional assessments and ongoing financial sustainability and asset management practices. Here’s how we can assist:

• Customised Assurance Frameworks: We develop bespoke assessments and assurance frameworks based on standards that align with your organisation’s specific needs and objectives.

• Independent Assurance Reviews: Our team conducts independent reviews to ensure that your digital investments are on track and that risks are managed effectively.

• Training and Capability Building: We offer training programmes to enhance your team’s risk management, design and assurance capabilities.

• Strategic Advice: Our experts provide strategic advice on system-wide risks, future scanning capabilities, and settings to help you make informed decisions.

• Automated Strategy, Risk and Portfolio Management Tooling: We bring expertise in implementing several enduring digital capabilities that provide automation in areas of strategy development, risk and portfolio management.

• All of Government Assurance Services: We partner with Gemtech to provide all of government system assurance services. Gemtech is a100% New Zealand-owned and operated consultancy with over 24 years of experience and is a top tier panel provider in All-of-Government services.

  
  

By partnering with Systems Thinking Limited, you can ensure that your digital investments deliver the right outcomes in the right way, ultimately realising the expected benefits.

For more information on Third Party assessment and how we can help, feel free to contact us. Let’s work together to build a resilient, trustworthy and effective digital transformation programme.