LOCAL GOVERNMENT
MARCH 2025
Strategic ICT Transformation for Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester Councils
The Gemini Programme helped Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council separate a long-standing shared ICT service originally created through local government reorganisation.
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The challenge
Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council had operated a shared ICT service for more than 16 years. The shared service was a product of earlier local government reorganisation, but as organisational priorities, technology needs and service expectations changed, both councils needed a model that gave them greater autonomy, clearer accountability and the ability to shape digital services around local priorities.
This type of challenge is likely to become increasingly familiar across local government as councils work through the practical consequences of reorganisation, disaggregation and service redesign.
Castlerigg’s role
Castlerigg Consulting was appointed as strategic transformation partner to provide programme direction, service transformation expertise and practical delivery grip across a complex, multi-organisation programme. Our director James Blacklock acted as the Programme Director and our wider team supported the development of the service design approach and bespoke HR approach.
Our role was to help the councils move from ambition to delivery: defining the programme, establishing governance, managing risk, shaping the service design approach, supporting workforce change and helping the programme team make pragmatic decisions that reduced cost, complexity and disruption.
At a glance
16-year shared service
Two councils moved to a new hybrid operating model.
£4.128 million
In financial benefits achieved, vs £2.67 million in the original business case.
£1.944 million
Of third-party spend reductions identified through simplification and contract review.
3,465 users
And 2,862 devices migrated with minimal disruption.
1,500 sites
SharePoint sites moved; key single sign-on services restored.
Two-tenancy model
Reduced technical risk and avoided unnecessary migration for Cheshire East.
What changed
A two-tenancy model, built for the future
The programme created two independently operated ICT services while retaining shared data centre and network infrastructure where this continued to add value. A key decision was to simplify the original technical proposal. Rather than creating three separate tenancies, the programme adopted a two-tenancy model. This reduced risk, lowered migration effort and meant Cheshire East users did not need to be moved unnecessarily.
The programme also brought service design into scope. This avoided a basic split of existing services followed by later redesign, and instead enabled both councils to create future-ready operating models from day one. The approach gave staff clearer roles, supported legal compliance and staff wellbeing, and helped ensure that the new services were built around each council’s business needs.
Why it matters for local government reorganisation
A model for the next wave of reorganisation
As local government reorganisation creates new councils, changes existing boundaries and reshapes shared arrangements, many authorities will face similar questions: which services should remain shared, which should be separated, how can continuity be protected, and how can new operating models be built without simply lifting and shifting old structures into new organisations?
Gemini underlines the importance of putting the right delivery vehicles in place. Strategy, options appraisal and high-level design are important, but complex separation depends on disciplined programme management, practical service design, strong governance, active risk management and the ability to bring HR, technology, finance and operational teams together around a deliverable plan.
Financial and delivery benefits
The original business case identified £2.67 million of financial benefits by 2025/26. Through service design, reduced reliance on agency and contractor staff, simplification of the technical environment and a stronger focus on third-party spend, the programme achieved significantly more — delivered with limited disruption for users.
£4.128m
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Achieved, vs £2.67m identified in the original business case.
£1.944m
THIRD-PARTY SPEND REDUCTIONS
Vs £485,511 originally identified in the business case.
3,465
USERS MIGRATED
Together with 2,862 devices, with minimal disruption.
1,500
SHAREPOINT SITES MOVED
Key single sign-on services restored.
Client feedback
“
The Gemini Programme has played a crucial and timely role in reshaping our ICT services to meet both current demands and future ambitions. The move to a hybrid ICT model has given Cheshire East greater control over key aspects of service delivery, allowing us to better align ICT with our local priorities while still benefiting from shared infrastructure. Working alongside colleagues from Cheshire West, and with expert guidance from our transformation partner, we’ve built a programme that is grounded in collaboration but tailored to our ambitions.
Gareth Pawlett, Director of Digital Services, Cheshire East Council
“
The Gemini Programme achieved exceptional success. The disciplined approach to delivery, combined with a relentless focus on risk and issue management, ensured the council remained on track despite the scale and complexity of change. The programme built resilient teams, supporting staff through transformation while maintaining their morale. Beyond immediate outcomes, the programme established structures and processes for long-term success, supporting the council into the future.
Roger Davies, Head of DDAT Services, Cheshire West and Chester Council
The result
Greater control, stronger resilience
The Gemini Programme gave both councils greater control over their digital futures, improved the resilience and clarity of ICT service delivery, and delivered financial benefits ahead of expectation. It also provides a strong example for the next wave of local government reorganisation: complex shared-service separation can succeed, but only when councils have the right practical delivery support, governance and programme leadership in place to turn agreed designs into operational reality.
Castlerigg’s contribution was to provide the structure, challenge and hands-on delivery leadership needed to make a complex transformation practical, manageable and successful. The programme is currently delivering phase 2 to separate the hosting and network arrangements and service teams by December 2026 with Castlerigg’s support.
Let’s make change work, together.
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Castlerigg helped us turn digital strategy into a practical business strategy for the council. Their work gave us a clear view of where we needed to strengthen our digital capability.
— Paul Gribben, Head of Digital Services, Belfast City Council
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The Gemini Programme has given Cheshire East greater control over key aspects of service delivery, allowing us to better align ICT with our local priorities.
— Gareth Pawlett, Director of Digital Services, Cheshire East Council
“
The Gemini Programme achieved exceptional success. The disciplined approach to delivery ensured the council remained on track despite the scale and complexity of change.
— Roger Davies, Head of DDAT Services, Cheshire West and Chester Council