The Challenge

The University of Bath was seeking to understand whether its existing Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) delivery capability was fit for the future. With increasing demand on digital services across teaching, research and operations, the University recognised the need for a clear, evidence-based view of its current delivery model and a framework to support future organisational design.

The objective was to carry out a time-boxed Discovery to assess the current IT delivery capability and define a future-state model aligned to the University’s wider organisational strategy. The success of the engagement was critical in enabling:

• The development of a robust business case for transformation, to be presented to the Vice-Chancellor
• The start of a three-year DDaT transformation journey to create a modern, responsive delivery function
• A redefined IT delivery framework aligned to institutional strategy and future demand
• Following a G-Cloud procurement exercise, RedRock was selected as the University of Bath’s delivery partner for this Discovery engagement.

Our Approach

RedRock’s Managed Professional Service engagements are underpinned by the core values of Client Enablement, Teams of Excellence, Impartiality and Ownership. This engagement was overseen by a Senior Delivery Manager to ensure pace, quality and alignment with University priorities.

The Discovery was delivered within a fixed timeframe and budget, requiring a highly structured and agile approach. The team pre-planned the engagement into weekly sprints, with clearly defined deliverables and review points to ensure continuous progress and transparency.

Agile delivery principles were embedded from the outset, including lightweight governance, regular showcases and iterative feedback loops. This approach proved particularly valuable as changes occurred within the University’s DDaT Senior Leadership Team during the engagement. RedRock worked closely with the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) and both existing and newly appointed SLT members to adapt the Discovery scope where needed, while maintaining delivery momentum.

The engagement was delivered fully remotely, using modern collaboration tools to ensure frequent communication, stakeholder engagement and clear visibility of progress throughout.

Our Solution

RedRock conducted a comprehensive assessment of the University’s IT delivery capability, examining current structures, roles, processes, governance and ways of working. This enabled the team to develop:

• A clear view of the current-state delivery capability
• Future-state organisational design options aligned to strategic objectives
• Practical recommendations to support sustainable transformation over the medium term
• The final Discovery report set out a clear roadmap for change, supported by actionable recommendations that could be implemented through a combination of structural change, targeted improvement activity and broader organisational collaboration.

The Outcome

The Discovery provided the University of Bath with a clear, evidence-based foundation for transforming its DDaT delivery function.

Key outcomes included:

• A future-state organisational design to support a modern, responsive DDaT capability
• A set of prioritised recommendations spanning all teams within the DDaT function
• Clear ownership models for delivery, including actions led by IT, actions requiring wider University support, and actions owned outside of the DDaT function
• The University moved quickly to act on the findings. The DDaT team began implementing the recommended organisational changes immediately, including:
• A major reorganisation and restructure aligned to the Discovery’s proposed operating model
• The appointment of a Deputy Director for Digital and Data
• The establishment of a dedicated Programme Office and appointment of a new Head of Programme Delivery
• Early realisation of benefits from clearer accountability, improved delivery focus and stronger governance

This engagement marked the start of a longer-term transformation journey, equipping the University of Bath with the structures, capability and confidence required to deliver digital change at pace and scale, now and into the future.