develop UK - Specialists in HR Business Partnering

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What is IT Business Partnering?

‘IT Business Partnering’ is a term used to describe how IT aligns itself with organisational strategy to provide value-add services through true partnership with the business.

Many of the traditional changes in structure required in the move towards the business partnering approach in other functions may not be new for IT. Many IT functions already operate on a shared service/help desk approach to manage routine IT support and have account managers who liaise with the Business. However, to deliver true ‘Partnering’ with its core characteristics of genuine business understanding, provision of management decision-making support, relevant expertise and strong business relationships, there is sometimes a need for restructuring and the development of new roles. These roles include the ‘IT Business Partner’ which, unlike the more traditional ‘Account Manager’, is not simply about being the conduit between IT and the business, but is a more strategic role that engages the business in identifying opportunities for IT to enable the delivery of strategic goals. Invariably, this involves changes in approach and development for IT professionals as they become more influential and involved in delivering organisational value.

So what benefits are organisations seeking from IT partnering?

While all organisations are different, the following goals are common:

Improved business decision-making through the pro-active involvement of an IT function that genuinely understands short and long-term drivers of organisational performance
Improved focus on business outcomes rather than IT processes
Enhanced line manager capability in IT issues across the organisation through making the shift from IT being a traditional ‘support’ function to being a true ‘enabling’ function for managers
Reduced costs or improved value for money through achieving a better balance between strategic, operational and transactional activities in IT and putting work in the right place
Enhanced accountability, credibility and reputation of the IT function

For more information contact Judith.strange@develop.uk.com or telephone +44(0)7866 676230.