Rahima Bhatti

Our Team – Meet Ian, Our Head of IT Service Delivery

01/12/2025Rahima BhattiOur Team, UncategorizedComments Off

Humanising Delt - Image for blog post (5)

Meet Ian: Our Head of IT Service Delivery

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it? Please can you describe what a typical day/week looks like in your current role?

I’m Head of IT Service Delivery. Our recent partnership with North Somerset Council has given us the opportunity to realign IT Services. My new role now covers all customer facing IT delivery services, adding the Field Engineering teams and Service Management to the clan! I also continue to look after the Delt Service Desk.

Why did you apply for your role at Delt?

I’ve previously worked in both a large corporate environment and for a family-run high street retailer. Of these experiences, I prefer small-medium sized business, where I can add real value and make a meaningful impact. Finding an organisation I genuinely wanted to be part of—where I could apply my skills and experience to make a difference—was very important to me.

What advice would you give to someone new joining your team at the start of their career?

Build your reputation by doing your job well and showing reliability in what’s expected of you. Once you’ve established yourself, Delt offers plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career. Talk with your Team Leader about your career aspirations and work together on a personal development plan that supports your goals.

Life at Delt is what you make it—the more you engage with the opportunities available, the more you’ll get out it.

What has been the highlight of your career with Delt so far?

It’s all about people. There are people in the organisation, who have grown and ‘blossomed’, it’s always hugely gratifying seeing individuals achieving their potential and developing their career.

How would you describe the team culture at Delt, and how does it contribute to your job satisfaction?

The culture at Delt is collaborative, supportive, and people-focused. There’s a spirit of willing to help each, sharing knowledge, and working together to “get things done”, which creates a real sense of belonging.

Feeling part of something bigger than yourself is rewarding with a positive impact of working as one team.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love live music, whenever possible, I’ll go to live gigs, most people would have to google the bands I’ve seen this year. I like DIY, I’m an Engineer from the early days, so can turn my hands to most things mechanical (Doesn’t always work out well, but that’s half the fun too) Living in Devon, we have some great countryside, I enjoy a good walk, mostly flat though! You’re unlikely to find me yomping up a great big hill!

Ian Humber, Head of IT Service Delivery

Meet more of our team

Learn more: IT Services

Stuart Anstead – Non-Executive Director

26/11/2025Rahima BhattiUncategorizedComments Off

Stuart Anstead – Non-Executive Director

Stuart, originally from Devon, moved to North Somerset in 1999 to embrace rural life and raise his family after a career in London. He has worked in various roles within local government since 1996, achieving significant success in transformation initiatives. For the past fifteen years, he has focused on contract management, overseeing services such as Revenues, Benefits and Welfare, Customer Experience, ICT, Facilities Management, and Libraries.

Having previously served on a Local Government Pension Board, Stuart is eager to take on the new challenge of contributing to the Delt Board. He holds a degree from the University of Portsmouth and has successfully applied his transferable skills across the diverse range of services in local government.

Outside of his work, Stuart enjoys family life, caring for his beehives, staying active and renovating his cars.

Nicola Bonas – Chief Customer Officer

09/10/2025Rahima BhattiUncategorizedComments Off

Nicola Bonas – Chief Customer Officer

Having graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2003, Nicola has spent the last 23 years living and working in Devon, 16 of those within NHS communications and public affairs.

Mother of two children and four cats, her real passion lies in the claws of one mouse, Mickey Mouse! When she is not working, jumping to the demands of her children and opening and closing doors for her cats, she is usually in the most magical place on earth – eating the snacks, wearing the ears and singing the songs. A die-hard Disney fan doesn’t even come close.

Her work passion lies with people, doing the right things, ensuring people are seen and heard and that public services don’t leave anyone behind. An ethos which saw her and her previous team win a prestigious Parliamentary Award in 2022 for ‘Health Equalities’.

She joins Delt in October 2025 but is not new to the organisation, having worked on the creation of Delt in 2014, leading on the branding, staff engagement, vision and values work for both Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon.

With a leadership background in communications, marketing, public affairs and engagement she brings a wealth of experience, creativity and plenty of enthusiasm.

Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn

Our Team – Meet Joanna, Our Senior Procurement Officer

01/10/2025Rahima BhattiOur Team, UncategorizedComments Off

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Meet Joanna: Our Senior Procurement Officer

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it? Please can you describe what a typical day/week looks like in your current role?

Hi, my name is Joanna, and I am Senior Procurement Officer. I joined Delt just over 2 years ago. I have a very varied role, and no two days are the same. I look after the tactical and governance side of the procurement team and spend my time developing and mentoring my team, ensuring all of your orders/projects are processed and delivered in a timely manner, building relationships both internally and with our key customers and making sure all our policies and procedures are up to date.

Why did you apply for your role at Delt?

I applied for my role at Delt after spending a few years contracting. The flexibility Delt offers enabled me to return to full-time work. I also hadn’t worked directly in the Public Sector before, so I wanted to add that experience to my CV!

What does your journey at Delt look like?

I started in a Senior Buyer role and, within six months, was promoted to Senior Procurement Officer. I now manage a team. The great training and development opportunities at Delt have enabled me to continue learning, and I’ve completed several internal programmes that have helped build my confidence both professionally and personally.

What advice would you give to someone new joining your team at the start of their career?

My advice to anyone starting out in their career is to continually develop and learn.

What has been the highlight of your career with Delt so far?

I have most enjoyed building relationships with colleagues, suppliers and customers and working with more junior members of staff to train and develop them.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, sea swimming, rowing and cycling. I also enjoy art and photography.

Joanna Powell, Senior Procurement Officer

Meet more of our team

Learn more: Procurement

North Somerset Council

06/08/2025Rahima BhattiOur CustomersComments Off

North Somerset Council

We’re pleased to welcome North Somerset Council as our newest shareholder.

About North Somerset Council

North Somerset Council is a unitary authority responsible for providing a wide range of services to the residents, businesses and communities of North Somerset. Covering both urban centres and rural areas, the council plays a key role in local planning, infrastructure, education, social care, and environmental services.

Working Together

As a new shareholder, North Somerset Council joins a group of public sector organisations working in partnership with us.

From October 2025, we will be supporting the council with:

IT Services – Supporting day-to-day operations and enabling future digital development.
Payroll Services – Managing accurate and reliable payroll processing.
Print Services – Providing practical and cost-effective print solutions.

We look forward to working together and supporting the delivery of essential services for the people of North Somerset.

View our customers

Stephen Smith, Lead Service Delivery Manager at Delt

Our Team – Meet Steph, Our Lead Service Delivery Manager

04/08/2025Rahima BhattiOur Team, UncategorizedComments Off

Stephen Smith, Lead Service Delivery Manager at Delt, smiling in office setting

Meet Steph: Our Lead Service Delivery Manager

Stephen Smith is a Service Delivery Manager at Delt, supporting both Transforming Futures Trust and internal services. With a background in customer service and service delivery, Steph brings years of experience to his role and focuses on building strong relationships, solving problems, and making sure customers feel heard.

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it? Please can you describe what a typical day/week looks like in your current role?

I am a Lead Service Delivery Manager and look after Transforming Futures Trust and Delt. I also manage one other Service Delivery Manager who shares the same passion as mine for delivering great customer service. No two days are the same, as we can get escalations from our customers that we own and get support from the Delt teams to resolve.

Why did you apply for your role at Delt?

I was made redundant by Computer Sciences Corporation in September 2016, having spent 21 years with them as a Service Delivery Manager and in other roles, and needed a new venture. I joined Delt in March 2017 as a Commercial Manager and moved into Service Delivery in November 2018.

What does your journey at Delt look like, how have you progressed and how have we helped you?

Delt has always been supportive of my development within my role. This has allowed me to do the best I can to deliver great service to my customers.

What advice would you give to someone new joining your team at the start of their career?

That every day you learn something new! This role can sometimes be frustrating because we can’t ‘fix’ things (we’ve got experts for that). We are part of the extended team of the customer, to take their feedback and discuss with the technical teams to ensure that we are doing the best for them.

What has been the highlight of your career with Delt so far?

For me, it’s making a difference to our customers and being a trusted advisor to them.

How would you describe the team culture at Delt, and how does it contribute to your job satisfaction?

I feel that we are working collectively to do a good job, and that the team understands that in the role of an Service Delivery Manager, we are the voice of the customer and can act as a shield to the teams. So it’s important we are updated so we can communicate effectively. This makes my job so much easier because it’s crucial in providing the best customer service.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

My passion is golf, and I was the China Fleet Golf Captain for several years. I play most weeks, either as a casual round at the club or in China Fleet/Cornwall golf competitions. It’s a great way to keep fit and have fun out in the great environment.

Stephen Smith, Lead Service Delivery Manager

Meet more of our team

Explore our services

Andy Sharp – Non-Executive Director

18/07/2025Rahima BhattiUncategorizedComments Off

Andy Sharp – Non-Executive Director

Andy joined Plymouth City Council in 2009 and has undertaken a range of roles across the Council, initially in transport before moving into a service transformation as a Programme Manager and then Head of Business Improvement with a key focus on modernising services focusing on facilities, digitisation, health and safety, organisational strategy and culture. Currently working as Head of Environmental Operations Andy leads a team of 200 frontline staff to deliver highly valued waste collection, cleansing, grounds maintenance and arboriculture functions. Andy started his career by undertaking a graduate scheme with First Group and worked for two Train Operating companies based in Manchester and London.

Having initially undertaken his undergraduate degree in English and Film Studies at Exeter University Andy returned 17 years later to complete an MBA in 2021 at their Business School.

NEWS – iTrent is Now Live!

06/06/2025Rahima BhattiNewsEngagement, staff, surveyComments Off

iTrent is Now Live! Your New HR & Payroll System is Ready to Use

We’re excited to announce that our new HR and payroll platform, iTrent, is now live and ready for you to use. iTrent replaces CoreHR and brings a more streamlined, user-friendly experience for managing your personal details, pay information, absences, and more.

Below you will see the links to access the system based on whether you are logging in as an employee or a line manager.

We have also provided links to useful training platforms based on how you will use the system.

Employee Self-Service - Access iTrent Here

Manager Self-Service - Access iTrent Here

Training Platforms

iTrent Employee Self Service

For employees who currently use CoreHR to view payslips, request annual leave, submit overtime, and file mileage claims.

iTrent Employee Self Service (Navigation Only)

For employees who currently use CoreHR to view payslips & P60s.

iTrent Managers

For managers who approve annual leave, timesheets, and expenses.

iTrent Business Managers

For business managers and HR team members who may input absences, timesheets and expenses on behalf of employees and/or approve employee requests.

Delt Training Platform

For Delt employees and line managers who use the system.

NEWS – Delt Shared Services Certified as the Sixth Most Loved Workplace in the UK for 2024

06/11/2024Rahima BhattiNewsEngagement, staff, surveyComments Off

Delt Shared Services Certified as the Sixth Most Loved Workplace in the UK for 2024

5th November 2024, Plymouth, UK

A Plymouth-based company has beat off a host of national competitors to become one of the most loved workplaces in the UK.

Delt Shared Services, a Devon-based shared service provider co-owned by Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon, has made number 6 in the UK Most Loved Workplaces list – coming ahead of major companies such as drinks manufacturer Jägermeister UK, Kraft Heinz and Hilton Grand Vacations.

The award recognises companies with outstanding employee satisfaction and is backed by research from the Best Practice Institute (BPI).

It highlights Delt’s dedication to encouraging a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Giles Letheren, CEO at Delt said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have been accredited as a Most Loved Workplace. It’s especially important as it recognises companies for creating emotionally connected workplaces.”

“The team at Delt is truly exceptional, and our people are our most valuable assets. Our commitment to collaboration, teamwork, opportunities for advancement, and a culture of understanding and respect are some of the reasons why we have earned this recognition.

“We believe that creating a workplace where everyone can thrive empowers us to collaborate effectively and deliver exceptional results for our customers. This is essential to fulfilling our aim of helping people do amazing things.”

Jane White, Chief People and Culture Officer added: “We are extremely pleased to be recognised by the prestigious Newsweek as #6 on their list of Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces. Delt works hard to ensure that our culture is employee-centric, and this award is a recognition of the hard work we’ve put into gathering employee feedback and taking actionable steps that benefit our employees.”

The Love of Workplace Index™ survey, used by Newsweek to determine rankings, evaluated employee sentiments across various aspects of workplace satisfaction. Employees rated their experience on elements such as respect, collaboration, support, and sense of belonging within their workplace.

The assessment focused on companies’ performance in various areas defined by the Spark Model, as outlined by BPI, including Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Killer Achievement. The analysis examined employee sentiments regarding engagement, workplace positivity, and commitment to the organisation’s success, ultimately determining the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces.

“I started Most Loved Workplaces out of inspiration from my community of people who consciously place love for their employees at the center of their business model,” said Louis Carter, the founder, and CEO of BPI and a social/organizational psychologist, thought leader, entrepreneur, and author. Carter’s book, “In Great Company: How to Spark Peak Performance by Creating an Emotionally Connected Workplace,” identifies the specific areas needed to become a highly respected, reputable organisation where people love to work with each other – a Most Loved Workplace.

Delt Shared Services has gone from just two customers in 2015 to more than 250 today across 400 locations, helping it to return £5 million to its public sector owners for investment in public services. It plays a crucial role in supporting many of the area’s critical services, including NHS trusts, local government, blue light services, and educational institutions.

It was the brainchild of Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon, who wanted an organisation that would deliver essential back-office functions such as IT, HR and payroll while keeping high-tech roles in the local area. And it worked.

To date, Delt’s efforts have made a significant impact creating an annual socio-economic gain of nearly £20M in the region.

Last year Delt surprised everyone by coming 9^th in the same awards, published annually by Newsweek.

For the full Newsweek list of 2023’s Most Loved Workplaces, please visit: UK’s Most Loved Workplaces 2024 – Newsweek Rankings

To find out more about Delt, watch their latest promotional video: Delt Shared Services 10th Anniversary 2024 – YouTube

NEWS – Delt Shared Services Expands Commitment to Community: Joining Care Leavers Covenant to Empower Young People Leaving Care

01/11/2024Rahima BhattiNewsEngagement, staff, surveyComments Off

Delt Shared Services Expands Commitment to Community: Joining Care Leavers Covenant to Empower Young People Leaving Care

31^st October 2024, Plymouth, UK

Delt Shared Services, a leading IT and business support provider jointly owned by Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon, has recently joined the Care Leaver Covenant, furthering its commitment to support young people leaving care in Plymouth and surrounding areas.

According to statistics from 2023, 38% of care leavers aged 19, 20, and 21 were not in employment, education, or training, compared to just 13% of their peers in the general population*

To address this gap, Delt is leveraging its expertise in IT, and business services to provide tailored employment opportunities, mentorship, and skills training for care leavers—empowering them to build independent futures while reinforcing its commitment to social impact and community support.

The Care Leaver Covenant, a national initiative supporting young people aged 16-25 as they transition to independent living, connects businesses and organisations with care leavers through dedicated support packages. By joining this Covenant with Plymouth City Council, Delt is enhancing its social impact by providing practical support aligned with its strengths in IT and business services.

“As a signatory of the Care Leaver Covenant, Delt offers care leavers access to current vacancies, personalised application assistance, direct access to hiring managers, guaranteed interviews, and constructive feedback,” said Lindsey Daw, Learning and Organisational Development Specialist. “Our partnership with the Covenant reflects our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. We’re committed to empowering young people leaving care in our local community through hands-on experience and career development.”

In addition to employment opportunities, care leavers will have access to voluntary placements in IT, estates maintenance, and human resources, gaining practical skills under the guidance of dedicated mentors. Delt also provides financial sponsorships to support qualifications and skills development, equipping care leavers with the tools they need to succeed.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care said: “I am thrilled to hear that Delt have joined us in signing the Care Leaver Covenant, signing the Covenant means that they can support a care leaver in their next step in life, by providing guidance, and job opportunities.”

“We know that leaving care can be both an exciting journey and a daunting time. I want to say thank you to Delt for doing this and I hope it encourages more Plymouth businesses to sign up to offer opportunities to support our city’s care experienced young people.”

Giles Letheren, CEO, affirmed, “At Delt, we believe in nurturing talent from all backgrounds and providing equal access to opportunities. We look forward to making a meaningful difference through this partnership and encouraging others in the business community to do the same.”

Delt Shared Services is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that supports the growth and success of care leavers.

Interested candidates

To view and apply for current vacancies, visit Delt Services Current Vacancies or reach out via email at Recruitment@deltservices.co.uk for more information.

You can also learn more about Delt Shared Services’ involvement with the Care Leaver Covenant and explore available opportunities through the Care Leaver Covenant website: Delt Shared Services | Employment Vacancies, Voluntary Work Experience, Sponsorship for Qualifications – Care Leaver Covenant (mycovenant.org.uk)

*Source: Labour Force Survey, year ending 31 March 2023, via GOV.UK Education Statistics. Percentage of young people aged 19 to 21 in England who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).