Partnership delivers success for all: Wilson

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has highlighted the important role partnerships with the private sector can play in delivering public services.

The Minister was speaking as he marked the completion of the roll-out of the Account NI project. Account NI is the new financial processing centre for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).

During a visit to Account NI headquarters in Belfast, Mr Wilson welcomed the strong partnership between the BT led consortium and civil servants engaged in implementing the programme.

The Minister said: "People in Northern Ireland are, quite rightly, demanding better quality services and more flexibility in how they interact with government. Account NI, one of a number of reform programmes, aims to improve the delivery of accounting services across the NICS.

“Previously, local businesses who supplied goods and services to the civil service had to deal with financial systems that varied across different Departments. Account NI has provided one streamlined service that cuts down the administrative workload for these suppliers, many of whom are Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

"Our work with BT is an example of how this partnership approach can generate greater efficiency and deliver a customer focused service. My department recognises the importance of modernising the NICS and is at the forefront of delivering change for public services in Northern Ireland."

Chris Clark, Chief Executive Officer, BT Northern Ireland echoed the Minister’s comments, saying: "Account NI is an exemplar change management programme that demonstrates the benefits of private and public sector organisations working in partnership to transform the delivery of shared services to customers. The Northern Ireland Civil Service has harnessed information and communications technology as a positive enabler for reform, and by working alongside BT and our partners, can seek to reduce costs, generate efficiencies and enhance the accuracy and currency it delivers to its stakeholders. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with the wider NI Public Sector as it implements its new Shared Services organisation and executes its Reform Agenda."

The new online system was first rolled out to two Government Departments in December 2007. Today’s event marks the incorporation of all Departments onto the system.

Notes to editors:

1. Account NI is a major business transformation programme aimed at improving the delivery of accounting services across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
2. Account NI is based at Goodwood House, May Street, Belfast.
3. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 02890 527378. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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