Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, has been awarded a £150 million, five-year contract by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to revolutionise its service desk and end user services.
Under this partnership, Atos has committed to delivering the UK government’s most environmentally friendly and sustainable digital workplace solution to date. Working with partners including Circular Computing, to provide industry-leading remanufactured laptops. The project will prioritise sustainability while ensuring high-quality performance.
The initiative aims to create a unified and agile service for DEFRA’s 34,000 users by incorporating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), analytics, and automation. This contract represents a significant step forward in improving the quality and efficiency of DEFRA’s digital operations.
Part of the solution involves repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and re-issuing IT hardware instead of relying on wholly new products. This approach reduces the environmental impact associated with technology procurement. Additionally, packaging and shipment requirements will be minimised, and disused devices will be donated to charitable organisations and third-party social enterprises, further supporting social and environmental goals.
Rod Neale, CEO of Circular Computing, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. He remarked, “Atos’s partnership with DEFRA is a clear stepping-stone towards wider inclusion of second-life IT within the public sector. It continues our collaborative approach with Atos to spread the word on remanufacturing and the benefits it presents.”
Neale also addressed outdated perceptions of public sector IT procurement, stating, “This announcement also strips away the notion that the public sector has no alternative to ‘brand new’. Through adopting remanufactured IT with guaranteed performance, DEFRA will be on course to cut their carbon emissions while ensuring cost savings and value for money.”
Michael Herron, Head of UK&I at Atos Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We are delighted to be working with DEFRA on their end user services, enabling their team to concentrate on the important work they deliver. We have a track record of success in this area, providing best-in-class services supported by cutting-edge technology platforms that focus on people, planet and productivity.”
A large central government agency taking this partnership marks a pivotal moment in the UK public sector’s efforts to adopt sustainable practices within IT procurement. By integrating advanced technologies with environmentally conscious initiatives, Atos and DEFRA are paving the way for a greener, more efficient digital future.
