CASE STUDY: Capgemini - Leaders of digital

11th October 2022

Capgemini UK’s work in Telford is enabling the government to deliver key digital services and inspiring the next generation of IT professionals.

---

A major contract brought global IT company Capgemini to Telford almost two decades ago and since then it’s become embedded in the town.

The firm’s name adorns @Phoenix, its main building where most of its 1,800 Telford-based employees work, as well as the shirts of AFC Telford United.

However, despite being a global player in digital transformation, Capgemini doesn’t tend to be a household name – even in Telford.

‘We are probably one of the least well known of the major employers here. We tend to do things more quietly than others,’ explains John Gallagher, head of delivery for the company’s HMRC Business Unit.

Those things include working with the council, Telford College and other fellow employers to help local students access high tech, higher paid jobs through a new Digital Skills Hub.

It’s a chance to share specialist skills the company has been able to build up thanks to its long-standing work with client HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Capgemini’s main focus in Telford involves providing a wide range of IT support to HMRC that has enabled the government department to bring critical national services into the digital age. 

For example, in the space of just six weeks, Capgemini created the application which enabled millions of people to apply for financial support online during the pandemic.

‘Our people are our greatest asset,’ says John, and being able to draw from a pool of talent locally and regionally is essential.

He adds: ‘One of the advantages of Telford is its geography. It’s within easy commuting distance of lots of major conurbations. But also, it’s in the heart of a vibrant community. As an IT specialist, it’s great to be able to reach local young people by working with schools and the college.’

He believes the Digital Skills Hub will enable Capgemini to better support T-Levels by offering a greater range of work experience.

‘It’s about giving people opportunities for higher aspirational roles whether they work for us or not,’ he explains.

Capgemini has been ranked one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute 10 years in a row and John says the organisation’s ethos chimes with both the council’s focus on social value and the expectations of younger people.

‘It’s a tough market in terms of recruitment and with younger people they want to know what sort of organisation you are. What are your values, what are you doing around sustainability? They want to see your credentials.
‘We’re values-driven and want to see young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, thrive in a digital world.’