Harish Rao from Crown Workforce Management emphasises the importance of secure cloud workforce management for public sector organisations amid increasing cybersecurity threats and service demands, highlighting the G-Cloud 14 framework, which provides efficient access to trusted cloud solutions
Cybersecurity threats are escalating, and so are the demands on public sector organisations. In late 2024, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a 16% rise in cyber incidents, including 20 major ransomware attacks and over 340 data exfiltration cases. High-profile breaches across healthcare, local government and critical infrastructure have laid bare the vulnerabilities in legacy systems and third-party suppliers.
As budgets tighten and digital transformation accelerates, public bodies must modernise systems, protect sensitive data and meet compliance requirements, all while delivering high-quality frontline services. The question is no longer whether to modernise, but how to do it securely and sustainably.
Managing complex workforces involves handling personal, financial, and operational data, encompassing tasks such as scheduling, payroll, and compliance tracking. With third-party platforms becoming key attack vectors, public services must ensure that any outsourced solution meets the highest standards of cybersecurity and accountability.
A secure, well-managed cloud workforce management service provides the answer, combining resilience, visibility and peace of mind.
Public sector: Doing more with less, under greater threat
Ransomware and data breaches are increasing in frequency and sophistication, with public services a frequent target due to their essential nature and legacy infrastructure. The NCSC continues to rank ransomware as the most immediate and disruptive threat to UK institutions.
Simultaneously, government departments are tasked with improving citizen services and achieving cost savings, while being constrained by outdated, on-premise systems and complex procurement cycles. These older systems often lack the scalability, resilience and real-time oversight needed to operate effectively in today’s environment.
Workforce management platforms are no exception, and many are overdue a rethink.
Why move workforce management to a managed cloud service?
Cloud adoption is no longer optional. A growing number of public sector organisations are moving business- critical systems off legacy infrastructure and into the cloud. But moving to the cloud is only part of the picture; it’s how the service is managed that makes the difference.
Crown’s Managed Cloud Service delivers the security and reliability public bodies need, without the resource strain of managing infrastructure in-house. We combine advanced cybersecurity protections with practical, operational support.
Fast-track procurement with G-Cloud 14
Moving to secure, cloud-based workforce management doesn’t have to mean a lengthy procurement process. Crown Workforce Management is available through the UK Government’s G-Cloud 14 framework, part of the Digital Marketplace. This framework is designed to make it easier and faster for public sector organisations to access trusted cloud solutions from verified suppliers.
By procuring through G-Cloud, public bodies can reduce administrative overhead, expedite project timelines, and ensure compliance with government procurement standards. It’s a trusted route that supports transformation at pace, without compromising on assurance or accountability.
Security that evolves with the threat landscape
At Crown, security is embedded by design, hosted in highly secure UK-based data centres, and certified to ISO 27001. This means:
• Your data is shielded within secure compartments, firewalled away from external access
• Your data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Robust system and infrastructure controls to prevent unauthorised access
• Regular penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
• 24/7 threat monitoring and rapid patch management
Cyber threats never stand still, and neither do we. Our service continually evolves to address new risks, leveraging leading partners and internal cybersecurity expertise.
Visible assurance through risk ledger
To help streamline procurement and provide assurance, Crown participates in Risk Ledger, the security assurance platform widely adopted by NHS trusts, local authorities and government departments.
Through this platform, clients gain real-time insight into our cybersecurity controls, policies and certifications, enabling faster onboarding and transparent supplier risk management.
Retain control while strengthening resilience
A common concern with outsourcing is loss of control. But a well-managed service can offer greater control, not less. Crown clients retain full visibility and governance over their data and system setup, while our team ensures uptime, security and compliance behind the scenes.
Compared to the demands of maintaining in-house systems, such as patching, backups, and system upgrades, the shift to managed cloud services frees up time and resources for core service delivery.
Trusted by the public sector
Crown Workforce Management is trusted by over 40% of UK police forces, as well as NHS trusts and local authorities. We also support organisations in public transport, housing, education and central government.
They choose Crown not just for our functionality, but because we understand the sector’s unique pressures, from tight procurement frameworks to the need for evidence-backed value and watertight data protection.
The time to act is now
Cyber risk isn’t slowing down, and neither are the expectations placed on public services. Now is the time to future-proof critical systems and gain the reassurance of a secure, compliant and expertly managed cloud service.
With Crown, you’re choosing a workforce management platform that protects what matters, your people, your data and your public duty.
Talk to Crown’s public sector team today to explore how our Managed Cloud Service can support your transformation, without compromise.
