CIO as a service (CIOaaS)

Ascot London Consultancy offers a truly independent and flexible Chief Information Officer as a Service (CIOaaS) to the market which is not affiliated to any IT provider or vendor, ensuring the interest remains with you –  the client.  It is ideal for SME, charity or school organisations that are unable to afford a full-time head of IT.

What is the role of a Chief Information Officer?

The Chief Information Officer (also known as a Chief Digital Information Officer) is responsible for the strategic insight on how technology will drive the business forward. They are the bridge between an organisation’s technology and business sides and link them to meet the businesses’ objectives and goals. They manage IT resources and budgets, make recommendations on or purchase equipment, manage IT resources, plan and develop policy, evaluate security, and calculate how to make an additional profit using the business’s technology. They are responsible for the company’s technology roadmap.

On a day-to-day basis, they review new technology, identify when the business’s current technology will need to be replaced, manage vendors for cost efficiency, and ensure the business technology can meet future needs. They are a key factor in reviewing current business processes while optimising (improving, automating, etc.) them and planning for future business processes.

People typing on computer keyboards

Why choose a CIO service?

Typically, SME companies, charities and schools do not have the benefit of a board-level CIO representative with a strong blend of commercial, leadership, and technology skills to direct the process of digital transformation.

Primarily, this is often due to the cost of employing such an individual and the business requirements not necessitating a full-time position. Our CIO as a Service is an ideal solution.

Our Chief Information Officers can help. With proven skills across a wide range of sectors, we have the experience to design and implement the services, solutions and strategy to deliver your vision and business goals.

Following an initial discussion, we would work out a plan as to how we can help, and the required commitment.  This could be an on-going requirement or this could be as little as a few weeks or regular pre-determined on-site days per month.​

Key Benefits

  • Digital Transformation Strategy
  • Cost control (Opex and Capex)
  • Governance and best practice
  • Managing third party suppliers, improved procurement
  • Board-level reporting
  • Auditing
  • Technical solution design and validation
  • Project validation
  • Strategic IT roadmap produced, consider appropriate technology, e.g. cloud technology, cybersecurity
  • Assist in IT due diligence and acquisition setup
  • Flexible commitment

Who would benefit from this service?

This fully outsourced service model is suitable for SME businesses, charities, and schools where no staff member is performing the Chief Information Officer’s role and does not wish to carry the on-going salaried cost of employing one.

What is the business outcome?

The main benefit and business outcome of contracting a CIO is that our clients do not have to become technologists or business information specialists or carry the financial burden of an expensive executive salaried staff member. An added benefit is that IT and Technology roadmaps remain current and up to date, with ongoing improvements planned and delivered.  You will get the in-house benefits without the full-time salaried in-house costs.

Man touching cloud computing symbol

Inclusions, Exclusions and Terms

Because of the variance in potential engagement scope, Ascot London Consultancy would assess the contract requirements and provide pricing once the full scope and role have been identified.