Having only recently developed the first public sector shared services centre, the UK government have been quick to move forward with plans for its second independent centre.

The Cabinet Office has revealed plans for the new shared services centre in an online tender for a private sector partner to operate the centre.

The partner will have a stake of up to 75 percent in the centre, and will be responsible for management in a contract worth as much as £2 billion, mirroring a contract that Arvato secured for the operation of the first government owned shared services centre.

The latest developments in the Cabinet Office’s plan for the role out of public sector shared services centres are expected to generate savings of up to £600 million per year.

The new plans for shared services in the public sector have been criticised in some sectors, with the National Audit Office describing the new services as being overly complex and inhibiting flexibility.

Government awards Independent Shared Service Centre management contract to arvato