Difference between revisions of "Serco"

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'''Serco''' is a giant outsourcing company operating in the UK, described as ""probably the biggest company you've never heard of."<ref>Jane Martinson, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2006/feb/24/columnists.guardiancolumnists Happy, touchy feel and driven by god], The Guardian, 24 February 2006</ref>
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'''Serco''' is a giant outsourcing FTSE 100 company operating in the UK, described as ""probably the biggest company you've never heard of."<ref>Jane Martinson, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2006/feb/24/columnists.guardiancolumnists Happy, touchy feel and driven by god], The Guardian, 24 February 2006</ref>
  
Areas it operates in include the following: health, defence, transport, prisons, education, aviation and leisure.
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Areas it operates in include health, defence, nuclear power, transport, prisons, education, aviation and leisure.
  
 
==Healthcare==
 
==Healthcare==
 
Serco health employs over 300 doctors and nurses in primary care and community health services, including out of hours care. Serco also provides facilities management in three NHS hospitals and prison health care.
 
Serco health employs over 300 doctors and nurses in primary care and community health services, including out of hours care. Serco also provides facilities management in three NHS hospitals and prison health care.
  
It was beaten by [[Circle]] in a bid to be the first private healthcare company to run an NHS hospital.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11838687 Private firm becomes first to run NHS hospital], BBC. 25 Nov 2010</ref>
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It was beaten by [[Circle]] in a 2010 bid to be the first private healthcare company to run an NHS hospital.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11838687 Private firm becomes first to run NHS hospital], BBC. 25 Nov 2010</ref> 
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In May 2012 a ''Guardian'' investigation revealed that Serco, which is poised to win much of the new wave of NHS outsourcing contracts, was under investigation by the health regulator, the Care Quality Commission. It had allegedly provided an "unsafe" out-of-hours GP service, and there were claims that it had manipulated results where it failed to meet targets. <ref>Felicity Lawrence [http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/25/serco-investigated-claims-unsafe-hours-gp Serco investigated over claims of 'unsafe' out-of-hours GP service], guardian.co.uk, Friday 25 May 2012 21.56 BS </ref>
  
 
==Nuclear==
 
==Nuclear==
Serco describes itself as one of the world's most experienced companies in nuclear safety, technology and management.
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{{Template:NuclearSpin}}
===Lobbyists===
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Serco describes itself as 'one of the world's most experienced companies in nuclear safety, technology and management'. Its nuclear '''Technical Consulting Services''' (TCS) division supports the operation of over 20 nuclear reactors, and 'serves as the lead nuclear safety advisor to [[Westinghouse]], designer of the AP1000 nuclear reactor currently under assessment for the UK's new civil nuclear programme'. <ref name="nuclear"> [http://www.serco.com/markets/nuclear/index.asp Nuclear], Serco website, accessed 28 May 2012 </ref>
*[[Bellenden]] - lists 'Serco Defence, Science and Nuclear' as a client on the UK Public Affairs Council register in 2011 <ref> UK Public Affairs Council register for the Period 1 September 2011 to 30 November 2011 </ref>
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It also gives 'independent advice to the Royal Navy on the safety of their nuclear submarines for over 45 years, providing safety documentation, independent peer review, risk management, human factors and occupational safety support'. <ref name="nuclear"/>
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In May 2012 Serco announced it was in talks with [[AMEC]], a UK consultancy, engineering and project management services company about selling TCS. <ref> I-Nuclear, [http://www.i-nuclear.com/2012/05/23/amec-in-talks-to-buy-serco-groups-nuclear-technical-consulting-services/ Amec in talks to buy Serco Group’s nuclear Technical Consulting Services], May 23, 2012, accessed 28 May 2012 </ref>
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AMEC completed the acquisition in July for GBP 137 million and integrated TCS into its own business during 2012. <ref> Nuclear Engineering International, [http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?sectionCode=132&storyCode=2062663 AMEC acquires Serco nuclear business], 02 July 2012, acc 10 September 2012 </ref>
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===Atomic Weapons Establishment===
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Serco manages the UK [[Atomic Weapons Establishment]] (AWE) as part of a consortium with [[Lockheed Martin]] and [[Jacobs]]. According to Serco, 'AWE is one of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world, developing the sophisticated materials, quantum physics and computer modelling vital to the safe and effective maintenance of the UK's nuclear deterrent.  AWE experts also play a leading role in nuclear non-proliferation and international nuclear security'. <ref name="nuclear"/>
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===National Nuclear Laboratory===
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Serco partners with [[University of Manchester]] and [[Battelle]] to manage the [[National Nuclear Laboratory]] (NNL), 'the leading nuclear technology services provider in the UK.  NNL has expertise across the full range of nuclear technology, including waste management, nuclear safety and non-proliferation, materials and corrosion and plant inspection. <ref name="nuclear"/>
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===External lobbyists===
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*[[Bellenden Public Affairs|Bellenden]] - lists 'Serco Defence, Science and Nuclear' as a client on the UK Public Affairs Council and APPC registers from 2010-2012. <ref> Association of Professional Political Consultants. APPC Register Entry, 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2010 </ref> <ref> UK Public Affairs Council register for the Period 1 September 2011 to 30 November 2011 </ref> <ref> APPC Register Entry, 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2011 and APPC Register Entry, 1 Dec 2011 - 29 Feb 2012 </ref>
  
 
==Controversy==
 
==Controversy==
PR Week reported in November 2010:  
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''PR Week'' reported in November 2010:  
 
:"Outsourcing giant Serco is on the hunt for fresh public affairs support as it seeks to restore its reputation in Westminster following a barrage of negative headlines. Serco... has been attacked for the manner in which it conducts negotiations with suppliers. Last week, the company was forced to apologise for demanding cash rebates from its biggest suppliers in an attempt to help it deliver the Government's cost savings. According to reports, Serco's stance angered Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude because the Government had agreed with Serco that the cuts would come from its own profit margins, rather than those of suppliers and sub-contractors.<ref>David Singleton, [http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/1040220/Public-Affairs-Under-fire-Serco-calls-help-lobbying/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH Under-fire Serco calls for help with lobbying], Pr Week, 12 Nov 2010</ref>
 
:"Outsourcing giant Serco is on the hunt for fresh public affairs support as it seeks to restore its reputation in Westminster following a barrage of negative headlines. Serco... has been attacked for the manner in which it conducts negotiations with suppliers. Last week, the company was forced to apologise for demanding cash rebates from its biggest suppliers in an attempt to help it deliver the Government's cost savings. According to reports, Serco's stance angered Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude because the Government had agreed with Serco that the cuts would come from its own profit margins, rather than those of suppliers and sub-contractors.<ref>David Singleton, [http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/1040220/Public-Affairs-Under-fire-Serco-calls-help-lobbying/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH Under-fire Serco calls for help with lobbying], Pr Week, 12 Nov 2010</ref>
  
 
==Lobbying==
 
==Lobbying==
Serco employs [[Weber Shandwick]] for lobbying services. The account is led by [[Joe Phelan]] at Weber.<ref>[http://www.publicaffairsnews.com/no_cache/home/uk-news/news-detail/newsarticle/new-biz-round-up-december-2010/73 New-Biz roundup], Public Affairs News, Dec 2010</ref>
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*Serco employs [[Weber Shandwick]] for lobbying services. <ref> PRCA Public Affairs Register: Consultancies – March to May 2013 </ref> The account is led by [[Joe Phelan]] at Weber.<ref>[http://www.publicaffairsnews.com/no_cache/home/uk-news/news-detail/newsarticle/new-biz-round-up-december-2010/73 New-Biz roundup], Public Affairs News, Dec 2010</ref> Serco previously employed lobbying firm [[Fleishman-Hillard]] for a 'specific lobbying issue' until 2010.   
Serco previously employed lobbying firm [[Fleishman-Hillard]] for a 'specific lobbying issue' until 2010.   
 
  
 
*[[Four Communications]] also list Serco as a client as of November 2011 on the UK Public Affairs Council register. <ref> UKPAC Register, Period 1 September 2011 to 30 November 2011 </ref>
 
*[[Four Communications]] also list Serco as a client as of November 2011 on the UK Public Affairs Council register. <ref> UKPAC Register, Period 1 September 2011 to 30 November 2011 </ref>
  
Serco previously enlisted [[Weber Shandwick Square Mile]] for its financial communications work from 2000- 2005, though its relationship was on an ad hoc basis for the first according to PR Week until the arrival of Serco director of corporate communications [[Dominic Cheetham]] from British Gas until 2004 <ref> Tom Williams, Square Mile out as Serco reviews financial comms, PR Week, 17 June 2005 </ref>
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*Serco previously enlisted [[Weber Shandwick Square Mile]] for its financial communications work from 2000-2005, though its relationship was on an ad hoc basis according to ''PR Week'' until the arrival of Serco director of corporate communications [[Dominic Cheetham]] from British Gas in 2004. <ref> Tom Williams, Square Mile out as Serco reviews financial comms, PR Week, 17 June 2005 </ref>
  
 
==People==
 
==People==
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*[[Christopher Hyman]], chief executive
 
*[[Stephanie Elsy]], UK director of government relations.
 
*[[Stephanie Elsy]], UK director of government relations.
 
*[[Lisa Lipshaw]], government relations manager
 
*[[Lisa Lipshaw]], government relations manager
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*[[Charles Carr]], communications director, Defence, Science and Nuclear, since 2011, based in Bath. Previously was director of communications, Mortgages at [[Lloyds Banking Group]] and has worked at [[Celerant Consulting]] and [[BAE Systems]] <Ref> [http://uk.linkedin.com/in/charlescarrcomms Charles Carr profile], LinkedIn, accessed 28 May 2011 </ref>
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==Revolving Door==
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*[[Lord Filkin]], former minister at the Home Office, the Department for Education & Skills and the Department for Constitutional Affairs, and a government whip in the House of Lords, was appointed non-executive director in 2006.<ref> [http://acoba.independent.gov.uk/media/acoba/assets/acobaninthreport2006_08.pdf The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments Ninth Report 2006-2008] ''Advisory Committee on Business Appointments'', accessed 4 November 2014 </ref>
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==Legal firms used==
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*[[Linklaters]] (principal legal adviser) (corporate); [[Ashurst]]; [[DLA Piper]] LLP; [[Hogan Lovells]]; [[Kemp Little]] LLP; [[Nabarro]] LLP; [[Pinsent Masons]]; [[White & Case]] LLP <ref>  [www.chambersandpartners.com/ftse-survey Lawyers to the top FTSE 100 companies], Chambers and Partners, accessed 28 May 2012  </ref>
  
 
==Contacts==
 
==Contacts==
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[[Category:Healthcare Industry]]
 
[[Category:Healthcare Industry]]
[[Category:Nuclear]]
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[[Category:Nuclear Spin]]

Revision as of 16:03, 4 November 2014

Serco is a giant outsourcing FTSE 100 company operating in the UK, described as ""probably the biggest company you've never heard of."[1]

Areas it operates in include health, defence, nuclear power, transport, prisons, education, aviation and leisure.

Healthcare

Serco health employs over 300 doctors and nurses in primary care and community health services, including out of hours care. Serco also provides facilities management in three NHS hospitals and prison health care.

It was beaten by Circle in a 2010 bid to be the first private healthcare company to run an NHS hospital.[2]

In May 2012 a Guardian investigation revealed that Serco, which is poised to win much of the new wave of NHS outsourcing contracts, was under investigation by the health regulator, the Care Quality Commission. It had allegedly provided an "unsafe" out-of-hours GP service, and there were claims that it had manipulated results where it failed to meet targets. [3]

Nuclear

Nuclear spin.png This article is part of the Nuclear Spin project of Spinwatch.

Serco describes itself as 'one of the world's most experienced companies in nuclear safety, technology and management'. Its nuclear Technical Consulting Services (TCS) division supports the operation of over 20 nuclear reactors, and 'serves as the lead nuclear safety advisor to Westinghouse, designer of the AP1000 nuclear reactor currently under assessment for the UK's new civil nuclear programme'. [4]

It also gives 'independent advice to the Royal Navy on the safety of their nuclear submarines for over 45 years, providing safety documentation, independent peer review, risk management, human factors and occupational safety support'. [4]

In May 2012 Serco announced it was in talks with AMEC, a UK consultancy, engineering and project management services company about selling TCS. [5]

AMEC completed the acquisition in July for GBP 137 million and integrated TCS into its own business during 2012. [6]

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Serco manages the UK Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) as part of a consortium with Lockheed Martin and Jacobs. According to Serco, 'AWE is one of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world, developing the sophisticated materials, quantum physics and computer modelling vital to the safe and effective maintenance of the UK's nuclear deterrent. AWE experts also play a leading role in nuclear non-proliferation and international nuclear security'. [4]

National Nuclear Laboratory

Serco partners with University of Manchester and Battelle to manage the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), 'the leading nuclear technology services provider in the UK. NNL has expertise across the full range of nuclear technology, including waste management, nuclear safety and non-proliferation, materials and corrosion and plant inspection. [4]

External lobbyists

  • Bellenden - lists 'Serco Defence, Science and Nuclear' as a client on the UK Public Affairs Council and APPC registers from 2010-2012. [7] [8] [9]

Controversy

PR Week reported in November 2010:

"Outsourcing giant Serco is on the hunt for fresh public affairs support as it seeks to restore its reputation in Westminster following a barrage of negative headlines. Serco... has been attacked for the manner in which it conducts negotiations with suppliers. Last week, the company was forced to apologise for demanding cash rebates from its biggest suppliers in an attempt to help it deliver the Government's cost savings. According to reports, Serco's stance angered Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude because the Government had agreed with Serco that the cuts would come from its own profit margins, rather than those of suppliers and sub-contractors.[10]

Lobbying

  • Four Communications also list Serco as a client as of November 2011 on the UK Public Affairs Council register. [13]
  • Serco previously enlisted Weber Shandwick Square Mile for its financial communications work from 2000-2005, though its relationship was on an ad hoc basis according to PR Week until the arrival of Serco director of corporate communications Dominic Cheetham from British Gas in 2004. [14]

People

Revolving Door

  • Lord Filkin, former minister at the Home Office, the Department for Education & Skills and the Department for Constitutional Affairs, and a government whip in the House of Lords, was appointed non-executive director in 2006.[16]

Legal firms used

Contacts

Website:http://www.serco.com

Notes

  1. Jane Martinson, Happy, touchy feel and driven by god, The Guardian, 24 February 2006
  2. Private firm becomes first to run NHS hospital, BBC. 25 Nov 2010
  3. Felicity Lawrence Serco investigated over claims of 'unsafe' out-of-hours GP service, guardian.co.uk, Friday 25 May 2012 21.56 BS
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Nuclear, Serco website, accessed 28 May 2012
  5. I-Nuclear, Amec in talks to buy Serco Group’s nuclear Technical Consulting Services, May 23, 2012, accessed 28 May 2012
  6. Nuclear Engineering International, AMEC acquires Serco nuclear business, 02 July 2012, acc 10 September 2012
  7. Association of Professional Political Consultants. APPC Register Entry, 1 Sep - 30 Nov 2010
  8. UK Public Affairs Council register for the Period 1 September 2011 to 30 November 2011
  9. APPC Register Entry, 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2011 and APPC Register Entry, 1 Dec 2011 - 29 Feb 2012
  10. David Singleton, Under-fire Serco calls for help with lobbying, Pr Week, 12 Nov 2010
  11. PRCA Public Affairs Register: Consultancies – March to May 2013
  12. New-Biz roundup, Public Affairs News, Dec 2010
  13. UKPAC Register, Period 1 September 2011 to 30 November 2011
  14. Tom Williams, Square Mile out as Serco reviews financial comms, PR Week, 17 June 2005
  15. Charles Carr profile, LinkedIn, accessed 28 May 2011
  16. The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments Ninth Report 2006-2008 Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, accessed 4 November 2014
  17. [www.chambersandpartners.com/ftse-survey Lawyers to the top FTSE 100 companies], Chambers and Partners, accessed 28 May 2012