HT-2020-000448 - [2024] EWHC 1185 (TCC)
Technology and Construction Court

HT-2020-000448 - [2024] EWHC 1185 (TCC)

Fecha: 17-May-2024

Quality-related Obligations

Quality-related Obligations

504.

DBS relies upon a series of specific express obligations with regard to the Portals, as set out in the Contractor Solution at Schedule 3. By Clause 9.1.12 of the Agreement TCS was obliged to ensure the Services provided were in accordance with the Solution. The terms relied upon in Closing by DBS are:

(1)

Clause 1.1.1 of Schedule 3 which states:

;a) In today’s world, customers expect Government services to be aligned with private sector standards in terms of accessibility, interaction and overall level of service. Specifically, the proposed services shall be available online, through multiple devices (e.g. laptop or tablet) and with a high level of customer service. To meet those standards and operate the transition to the online world, the Contractor will:

i.

Implement a Solution that gives priority to the online channel for all interactions with third parties (customers or partners), encouraging self-service over traditional channels (that will still remain available). For instance, the Solution will allow an Applicant to request and receive a Disclosure Certificate via a straight through, 100% online journey; …

iii.

Set up and orchestrate a strategy to promote the move to the online channel, combining incentives and marketing and communication campaigns.’

(2)

Clause 1.1.4(c) which states:

‘The Solution will deliver capability and systems to support the Authority’s following strategic principles:

[at least 50% of barring referrals online by Year 2 and 90% by Year 5 and 95% of applications made online by Year 5].’

(3)

Clause 1.2.1.1 which states:

The portal will be designed to accommodate different types of usages, ranging from very occasional (e.g. an Applicant requesting a Disclosure) to very frequent users (e.g. a Registered Body checking applications every day). To that effect, the user interface will be clear, intuitive and optimised for efficient use, as well as customised for each type of user (e.g. an Applicant will have a dedicated, simple user interface; whereas a registered body will have access to more functions).

(4)

Clause 1.2.1.2 which states:

‘The portal will be designed to facilitate self-service:

i.

Easy navigation throughout the website, via navigation toolbars, breadcrumb and easily accessible shortcuts;

ii.

Powerful search engine that will allow a user to find information anywhere on the site;

iii.

Guidance through contextual help, regularly updated FAQs, etc.

iv.

User profile management for users to manage their credentials, preferences and personal details;

v.

Access to information such as previous applications, Case-related material, etc. stored in the document repository;

vi.

Access to business services & products such as Disclosure applications (basic, standard or enhanced), status checking, referrals, etc. The user journeys will be facilitated by wizard-type interfaces and online form validation; the Solution will also allow the users to save drafts and resume interrupted processes (draft applications will be stored in the secure database.’

505.

In its Closing Submissions, DBS placed particular emphasis upon the requirements that the portals are clear, intuitive and optimised for efficient use, and customised for each type of user, as required by Clause 1.2.1.1.