A Front-Line Command engaged RB Safety to produce a Capability Management Plan (CMP) to deliver sustainable, affordable and coherent Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) of a critical Defence enabler vital to the delivery of Defence Board Strategic Objectives. The task incorporated the breadth of the Defence communication network, systems and capability both fixed and deployed, outlining capability options for Defence, and articulating the capability and resource implications of those choices.
The end-to-end capability relies upon many complex component elements of C4ISR that span simultaneously the Develop, Deliver, Generate and Operate functions. As an enduring capability strand that could not be treated as a single Change Programme within the Defence Operating Model, the task included the planning and delivery of an integrated and effective capability together with assured coherence of all related dependencies, including those not under direct command.
The dedicated SQEP resource provided the experience and knowledge necessary, with a deep understanding of the complexity of the task, the political and military context and significance of the need for coherent capability planning in support of a multi-billion-pound programme. Working collaboratively within the geographically dispersed delivery teams in ISS and capability planners in both HQ and User communities, the RB Safety staff approach to TLCM was entirely compliant with the MoD’s Generic Capability Management as detailed in the Capability Management Practitioners Guide. The methodology adopted incorporates examples of relevant good practice in capability management, produces outputs that meet goals in support of the Through Life Management of systems and is fully compliant with the System of Systems Approach. RB Safety staff combined sound defence and business operational experience with systems engineering, project, programme and portfolio management skills to enable robust, optimised and evidence-based decision making.
Successful completion was aided by significant, wider Company experience of operating to the highest levels in policy development and leadership, procurement, operation, training, maintenance and strategic oversight of all elements of combat and strategic weapon systems in UK submarines and in the global arena. Reach-back to wider experience in the Defence sector was available across tri-service domains with a plethora of knowledgeable policy makers and technical specialists available to support a strong customer-facing team.