DADA applied a structured discovery-led methodology aligned to Green Book principles, positioning early-stage analysis as a formal project controls and investment appraisal function.

British Transport Police (BTP) required an evidence-based assessment of core operational systems across HR, Payroll, Finance and Duty Management to inform future investment decisions aligned to 2026–2028 lifecycle milestones. The engagement was delivered under a formal Project Charter and Statement of Work, establishing clear scope, governance, responsibilities, acceptance criteria and delivery controls from mobilisation.

DADA worked as part of the BTP team, not as an external report writer. We embedded within the client’s governance rhythm, used structured workshops to understand stakeholder needs, and developed outputs iteratively with SMEs so the evidence reflected operational reality. This created a more efficient working relationship because issues, assumptions and evidence gaps were surfaced early, validated with the right people, and converted into decision-ready artefacts.

Structured discovery, data architecture and evidence-led decision support across HR, Payroll, Finance and Duty Management systems

Key elements included:

Structured discovery and stakeholder engagement

• Multi-disciplinary workshops across HR, Finance, Payroll, IT and operational teams
• Systematic capture of requirements, risks, dependencies and constraints
• Development of a Requirements Matrix and Fit-Gap analysis to ensure traceability
• Traceability from stakeholder input to recommendations.

Data and analytics assessment

• API maturity assessment and integration mapping
• Data architecture review including Data Lake feasibility
• Identification of system constraints, scalability limitations and technical debt

Risk and investment readiness

• Identification of delivery, technical and operational risks
• Scenario-based assessment to support future investment decisions
• Integration of risk insights into programme-level planning assumptions
• Defined delivery pathways aligned to organisational priorities

This engagement demonstrates DADA’s ability to undertake structured discovery, governance assessment, stakeholder engagement and evidence-led analysis within complex public-sector environments. The work required DADA to identify operational, technical and governance risks; develop traceable findings and recommendations; establish governance reporting structures; and support investment and assurance decision-making through practical, prioritised outputs. The same approach covered:

• independent and evidence-based assessment;
• stakeholder alignment across operational and corporate functions;
• practical governance and assurance improvements; and
• implementation-ready outputs that can support future transformation activity.