UKCloud webinar: What’s new in G-Cloud 11?

Yesterday, Chloe attended the ‘What’s new in G-Cloud 11?’ Webinar with Nicky Stewart, Commercial Director at UKCloud. In case you didn't catch it, check out her summary...

Nicky first began by describing the changes to the G-Cloud framework since it first began, stating how over the last seven years the changes to the G-Cloud framework have been huge! From the first G-Cloud in 2012 with less than 300 suppliers, and only 17 hundred services, to the present day whereby more than 34 thousand different organisations can buy through G-Cloud, ranging from Central Government departments to independent charities.

Nicky then noted how any main changes to the framework will be more noticeable within G-Cloud 12. Stating how the main differences between G-Cloud 10 and 11 were relatively few, within these changes CCS have incorporated a few new clauses to instil corporate social responsibility into the G-Cloud supplier community. For example, G-Cloud 11 now includes ‘The Government Commercial Functions Supplier Code of Conduct.’ This explains the standard behaviours expected of suppliers, for example it requires them to be transparent and ethical, whilst also relating to the expectation that they will deliver their promises. Within this, suppliers also expect the Government to be transparent. This has been described as a reasonable document that suppliers should read and comply to, and not to be seen as a hindrance.

In addition to this, a now mandatory standard for G-Cloud suppliers is compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, even if your company does not have a turnover of over £36 million you are still required to comply.

Additional changes:

• G-Cloud 11 also requires suppliers to be compliant with the Technology Code of Practice – a set of criteria to help government design, build and buy technology.
• With regard to NHS changes, HSCN is now recognised as an official government network.
• Cyber Security obligation has strengthened, with suppliers required to have the most up to date anti-virus software from reputable sources. – Additionally, now you can only submit NCSC certified cyber security services to the CCS cyber security framework, not certified services you can continue to sell under G-Cloud 11 under lot 3.

Important G-Cloud dates:

• March 25^th – G-Cloud 11 opened.
• Wednesday 8^th May 5pm- CCS clarification response questions deadline.
• Wednesday 15^th May 5pm- Submission application deadline.
• Thursday 20^th June – Intention to award notification to all applicants stating whether suppliers have been successful or not.
• Monday 1^st July- If successful, 10-day standstill period (In which suppliers cannot make a public announcement within this time)
• Tuesday 2^nd July- G-Cloud 11 is expected to go live.

UKCloud’s top tips for G-Cloud 11:

• Know your market.
• Be relevant to your market.
• Have a look around the Digital Marketplace.
• Check the spend data and look at various pricing documents.
• Understand what the market needs.
• Understand what is driving G-Cloud customers.
• Put yourself in the mindset of the buyer/ read the buyers guidance.

UKCloud have had massive success on the framework, so suppliers should certainly take note of this advice!