Shared Services
Echo-9 Shared Services empowers the public, charity and non-profit sectors with cost-effective, scalable digital solutions tailored to sector needs.
For Public Contracting Authorities
We offer a member-owned shared service managed and delivered by Echo-9. Echo-9 is more than a provider we're a community. Our members share common values, goals, and challenges, working together to co-design digital services that deliver real public value. Through joint procurement, shared infrastructure, and open collaboration, we reduce costs, avoid duplication, and accelerate innovation.
Backed by robust support, transparent pricing open & strong governance, and a commitment to long-term sustainability.
Member-owned shared services
We are developing Shared Services for Public Contracting Authorities, Charities and Non-Profits. Contact Us for more information and insights into how Echo-9 enables organisations to collaborate, share resources, and deliver digital transformation together.
Echo-9 Shared Services operates a legally compliant Horizontal arrangement as defined in the Procurement Act 2023 exempt arrangement for "horizontal cooperation".
Decision Matrix
Compare Shared Service and Commercial Provider options. Adjust the weights to reflect your organisations priorities and see how the weighted scores change.
The scoring against each criteria under Shared Service/Commercial
provider are sourced from Gartner research where the key takeaways
are that:
Shared Services - Best for
organisations prioritising control, compliance, and cost
predictability.
Commercial Offering - Best
for organisations prioritising speed, scalability, and innovation.
| Criteria | Weight (%) | Shared Service | Commercial Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Alignment | 5 | 3 | |
| Cost Efficiency | 5 | 3 | |
| Control & Customization | 5 | 3 | |
| Quality & Expertise | 4 | 4 | |
| Scalability | 3 | 5 | |
| Innovation | 4 | 5 | |
| Risk & Compliance | 5 | 4 | |
| Total Weight | 100% | ||
| Weighted Score | 4.4 | 3.6 | |
Collaborative Model
Member-owned shared service organisation
Secure & Compliant
Meeting UK public sector standards
Cost-Effective
Reduce costs through shared infrastructure
Community-Driven
Co-design services that deliver real value
Shared Services
Shared Services refer to collaborative arrangements where public sector bodies—such as local authorities, NHS trusts, or educational institutions—join forces to deliver common services, typically in areas like Finance, HR, IT, or Procurement. These partnerships aim to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and achieve cost savings by pooling resources, standardising processes, and leveraging collective expertise.
Legal Basis and Procurement Exception
Under the Procurement Act 2023, certain shared service arrangements qualify as exempted contracts, meaning they are not subject to the full scope of public procurement rules. These exemptions are outlined in Schedule 2 of the Act and are designed to give public bodies the flexibility to collaborate where formal procurement would be inappropriate or inefficient. The relevant exemption applicable to Echo-9 is for "horizontal cooperation", where two or more public authorities collaborate to deliver services jointly, provided the arrangement is governed solely by public interest considerations and does not distort competition. This legal provision ensures that public and non-profit organisations can pursue shared service models that are both legally compliant and strategically beneficial, supporting Echo-9's mission to enable secure, scalable, and cost-effective digital transformation.
Governance
Echo-9 is governed by its members—public and non-profit contracting authorities—through a collaborative, transparent, and democratic structure. As a member-owned shared services organisation, each participating body plays an active role in shaping strategic direction, service priorities, and operational oversight. Governance is exercised through a representative board of elected member delegates, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective interests and values of the community. This model not only fosters accountability and trust but also ensures that Echo-9 remains aligned with the evolving needs of its members, delivering maximum value without profit-driven motives.
Want to Learn More?
Get in touch with our team to discover how Echo-9 Shared Services can benefit your organisation.