Government Shared Services Strategy Hub

What is the Government Shared Services Strategy?

The Government Shared Services Strategy (GSSS), launched in March 2021, aims to modernise and unify back office functions across government departments and arm’s length bodies (ALBs) by implementing shared Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

As part of GSSS, departments and ALBs are organised into five clusters; Matrix, Defence, Overseas (Hera), Synergy and Unity.

Each cluster operates on its own timeline for ERP implementation, with no uniform deadline imposed across all clusters. Departments will transition first and ALBs later, with some ALBs not moving to a shared service until beyond 2030.

The five clusters of GSSS

1. Matrix: Comprises 8 departments and 20 ALBs, including DSIT and HM Treasury.
2. Defence: Led by the Ministry of Defence, focusing on defence-related departments and agencies.
3. Overseas (Hera): Includes FCDO and its associated bodies, managing international operations.
4. Synergy: Encompasses departments like DEFRA, DWP, the Home Office, and the Ministry of Justice.
5. Unity: Consists of departments such as the Department for Education.

Useful resources

We get it, navigating to cluster alignment can be challenging. That’s why we’re already speaking to many ALBs, without obligation. If you’d like a no obligation chat, get in touch.

Meantime here’s a selection of our latest blogs and whitepapers offering advice around GSSS.

• ALBs and GSS: The cost of delayed action
  Insights into shared service programme challenges and how to overcome them

• Transforming government operations: Inside the Government Shared Services Strategy (GSSS)
  A useful blog introducing the GSSS

• How to ensure you’re ready for your move to the cloud
  An informative and digestible whitepaper highlighting key considerations to get prepared for a move to a shared service.

UPCOMING EVENT

Breakfast briefing – Central London, 9-11am, 4 June 2025

Overcoming the challenges of shared services

A breakfast briefing with senior government leaders for senior leaders in ALBs responsible for adoption of, or onboarding to, a shared service cluster. Free to attend.

Confirmed speakers:

• Iain Elvin, Head of Oracle Systems, HM Treasury
• Simon Acres, Head of Treasury Group Shared Services, HM Treasury
• Patrick Haston, Head of Cloud Transformation, Cabinet Office

Strategic support

At Civiteq, our ‘technology agnostic’ ERP experts have worked in central government and are currently working with departments who are already on their pathway to change.

That combination of skills and experience means they know the likely challenges you may face across your change programme and provide support to overcome them, as well as giving guidance on how you can optimise your current assets whilst you wait for your future move to your allocated cluster.