UKGC to Overhaul £190k Finance System

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A Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure has provided a detailed look into the core software systems underpinning the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), revealing an annual spend of over £356,000 and signalling a major overhaul of its most expensive contract.

The data, released following a request on 18 January 2024, details the regulator's contracts for its primary finance, customer relationship management (CRM), and human resources (HR) software.

This information offers consumers and industry observers a rare glimpse into the operational infrastructure of the body responsible for regulating Great Britain's gambling market. The efficiency and modernity of these systems can directly impact the Commission's ability to manage its resources, interact with stakeholders, and oversee its licensees effectively.

Breakdown of UKGC Software Spending

The most significant finding is the UKGC's intention to re-tender its finance system contract this year. The current arrangement with supplier Nolan for its Great Plains software costs £190,000 annually and is described as a rolling contract that has been in place for 11 years.

This move to seek a new provider suggests a forthcoming modernisation of the Commission's core financial operations.

Other key software expenditures include:

• Finance System:

  • Supplier: Nolan
  • Software: Great Plains
  • Annual Spend: £190,000
  • Status: The UKGC plans to re-tender this contract during 2024.

• Human Resources & Payroll:

  • Total Annual Spend: £94,000
  • Details: This is split across three separate contracts for HR management (£49,000), applicant tracking (£7,000), and managed payroll (£38,000). The main HR system contract with Sage People is due to expire in May 2024.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

  • Supplier: Oracle
  • Software: Siebel
  • Annual Spend: £72,000
  • Status: This contract, which supports 175 users, is set to expire on 26 November 2024, with a review scheduled for August 2024.

Notably, the Commission stated it does not have a dedicated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which typically integrates various business functions into a single platform. Instead, it relies on separate, specialised software for finance, HR, and CRM.

Why This Data Matters

Transparency around the UKGC's operational spending provides crucial context for its role as a public body funded primarily by licence fees from gambling operators. The upcoming tenders for its finance and HR systems represent significant procurement activities for the regulator in 2024.

These changes could lead to more integrated and efficient back-office systems, potentially freeing up resources and improving the Commission's overall operational effectiveness. For consumers, a well-run regulator is essential for ensuring a fair and safe gambling market. Saferwager will continue to monitor developments related to the UKGC's procurement and operational changes.