Just days after we had the pleasure of meeting Andy Nelson, Ministry of Justice CIO, he has been formally announced by the Cabinet Office as the successor to Joe Harley at the Cabinet Office. Nelson will take on the role of UK Government CIO in March when Harley retires (see UK Government CIO to retire). Like Harley, Nelson will continue have a dual role, as he will also continue in his role at the Ministry of Justice. The search continues for CIO to replace Harley at the Department for Work & Pensions.
With current Deputy CIO, Bill McCluggage, also due to leave UK Government (on 31st January) (see UK Government Deputy CIO resigns), we have been concerned about the effect of a new CIO team finding its feet on the implementation of the ICT strategy during 2012. However, it is comforting to see Nelson taking on Harley’s Cabinet Office responsibilities. Like Harley, Nelson can demonstrate a long tenure of involvement with the development and implementation of the ICT strategy, having been involved from 'day one'. He is also Senior Responsible Owner for the G-Cloud programme. This should ensure a smooth transition and as little disruption as possible. Like Harley, Nelson also brings with him experience as a CIO in the private sector. Although not formally announced, we understand that Jo Clift, currently Director of Shared Services at the Cabinet Office (and involved with the Efficiency & Reform Group since 2007), will take over many (all?) of McCluggage’s responsibilities after his departure.
Nelson will have a big task ahead. Implementation of the ICT strategy will require strong leadership as well as support from all the major Government departments across Whitehall (see UK Government ICT Strategy: The ‘what’ to the ‘what ifs’). The good news is that it appears his appointment has been welcomed by many. On Twitter, Chris Chant, G-Cloud Programme Director, states, “Andy Nelson – absolutely the right man for the job”; Ian Watmore, UK Government COO, states “more top talent for HMG” and Tonino Ciuffini, Head of ICT at Warwickshire County Council, comments “very good news... great advocate for G-Cloud”. We are due to meet Nelson early next month and will bring TechMarketView subscribers more once we have spoken to him about his new role.