Capita wins a £325m contract to connect Scottish public services
OUTSOURCING firm Capita has won a £325m contract to deliver a single shared network for Scotland’s public services.
Under the contract, which is for nine years, Capita will connect more than 4,600 sites, including schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacists and local council offices.
The Scottish Wide Area Network (Swan) is aimed at reducing costs, improving service and sharing data more effectively.
Chief executive Paul Pindar said: “This is an important contract win for Capita, placing us at the heart of public service delivery in Scotland and providing us with a platform to offer additional services and build our business here.”
Ian Crichton, chief executive of NHS National Services Scotland, said Capita’s bid offered “excellent value for money for the public purse”.
He added: “Swan is a good deal for the Scottish taxpayer and anyone who uses public services, whether in schools, councils, hospitals or elsewhere.”
Capita, which beat rival bidders BT, Cable & Wireless and Virgin Media Business, said four “vanguard” organisations representing 30 public services would be the first to commit to the network, generating revenues of around “£110m over the first seven years”.
A further 11 organisations are planning to join in 2014, following final discussions, Capita said.