Overcoming barriers to modernization in public services
Finding resilient cost savings without compromising service quality
Shift to win.
Elevate your level of cost competitiveness by implementing proven planning, control frameworks, and deep behavioural change that sustains realized value.
We are getting an increasing number of calls across the country from all levels of government with asks for help on how to do more with less and how to do more with the same. Both asks highlight challenges with effectiveness relative to operating costs.
—Angela Choi, Partner and National Fiscal Sustainability Leader, Deloitte
The directive is clear: organizations need to do more with less
Finding resilient cost savings without compromising service quality remains a significant challenge. Short-term fixes—like delaying technology investments or freezing hiring—may offer temporary relief, but they often lead to deeper inefficiencies that demand costly reversals in the future. Institutional inertia, siloed perspectives, outdated processes, and lack of cross-departmental collaboration make it difficult to address both daily inefficiencies and larger systemic issues.
To drive lasting change, public sector organizations must train their teams to think and operate differently. Deloitte’s Evolving to modernize public services article highlighted the ways in which government and public institutions can shift from a surplus-oriented focus towards a value driven approach that delivers value for money and leads to benefits realization.
Organizations must understand the barriers they face and use them as a catalyst to modernize their institutions. To deliver impactful services to citizens, decision-makers must identify and implement resilient strategies that support their ability to spend more productively while simultaneously modernizing their teams and tools.
Deloitte’s approach to resilient modernization
Given the constraints many organizations face, there is often a lack of in-house capacity to modernize independently. To address this gap, organizations should consider engaging with professionals who have expertise in cost transformation, deep public sector experience, and a comprehensive understanding of its unique complexities.
Deloitte’s approach centres on three core solutions. These solutions are designed to complement each other or be undertaken individually, depending on the organization’s needs.
If organizations want to do more with less and achieve lasting improvements in cost efficiency and service delivery, Deloitte’s professionals will meet organizations where they are and help identify the right starting point.
Continuing change with structured governance
If you have beneficial initiatives that need to be sustained and optimized, the Centre of Excellence (COE) provides the governance and continuous improvement framework necessary.
A COE serves as the backbone of change management and allows benefits to be realized. Acting as a strategic hub, it continually monitors initiatives, refines processes, scales improvements, and holds departments accountable for their roles in the transformation.
What does a COE look like?
Deloitte works with organizations to build a COE based on three core functions:
Client impact
A client sought help to revitalize a 2021 cost reduction plan. While they had implemented some quick wins, costs were creeping back, and progress on complex initiatives had stalled. We established a COE and governance, then mobilized teams to execute an integrated cross-initiative work plan in a coordinated, repeatable, and strategic manner. With the COE in place, the client now has a solid foundation to capture value resiliently and effectively.
Integrating for impact
Deloitte’s integrated approach—combining the strengths of the Fiscal Resiliency Academy, Solutions Lab, and COE—empowers public sector organizations to overcome persistent challenges and achieve fiscal resiliency. By adopting these solutions, organizations can achieve the fiscal health necessary to continue delivering high-quality services without compromising financial stability. This ensures organizations are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of their communities.
Engaging with Deloitte
Ready to modernize your organization? Deloitte is here to help pinpoint the right starting point for your journey towards fiscal resiliency. Whether your organization seeks alignment, needs to overcome a barrier, or aims to sustain improvements, our tailored solutions are designed to achieve impactful results.
Let’s shift into action. Engage with us to build a fiscally resilient future that benefits your operations and the communities you serve.
