Fexco: Enhancing public sector transformation through advisory excellence

John Swann has been appointed as Head of Fexco Advisory Services, which aims to enhance public sector transformation through advisory excellence.

The public sector faces complex challenges as the Government pushes towards greater digitalisation and operational efficiency, from aligning with national policies to implementing transformative technology projects.

To reflect this, Fexco’s newly expanded Advisory Services will now be led by John Swann, who joined the company in November 2024.

He brings an impressive track record in programme management and advisory roles, particularly in technology and innovation, across both public and private sectors.

Martin Ryan, Fexco’s Managing Director of Managed and Advisory Services, commented: “With an extensive history of working across large government departments and major international corporates, John brings significant expertise in solving real business challenges, a skill set well aligned with Fexco’s focus on practical, operational-driven advice to deliver real outcomes.”

Swann’s experience spans the UK, Ireland, and the European Union, giving him a deep understanding of the regulatory environments and operational challenges many public sector organisations must navigate.

In previous roles, Swann led strategic initiatives for multinational companies and state agencies. This involved managing large-scale transformations, focused on the intersection of technology, innovation, and regulatory compliance. This resonates deeply with the Irish Government’s objectives in modernising public services. His knowledge of regulations such as GDPR and post-Brexit compliance shapes business and public service operations, providing a valuable foundation for supporting Irish Government departments as they continue their digital transformation journey.

Swann’s appointment signals Fexco’s commitment to delivering tailored advisory solutions that draw from real-world experience rather than relying solely on theoretical consultancy models. His focus on technology and innovation is timely for the public sector, which increasingly requires robust digital solutions to deliver services efficiently and securely.

Fexco Advisory Services blends Operational Excellence with Strategic Insight, bridging the gap between traditional operations and consulting. With over 30 years of experience, Fexco offers practical, experience-based advice, making it a trusted partner for operational and digital challenges. This is especially relevant for the public sector, where departments must balance ambitious transformation goals with daily service delivery.

Fexco Advisory Services is structured across seven key pillars, each tailored to enhance efficiency and performance in the public sector:

1. Project, programme, and portfolio management: Led by Aine McCarthy, it focuses on delivering projects using trusted methodologies, ensuring robust scope definition, governance, and project execution. It supports public sector clients in managing strategic transformation programmes and tactical projects.

2. Management consulting: Specialising in resolving targeted business challenges, this pillar leverages the extensive Public Sector experience of Fexco colleagues such as Swann, Martin Ryan, and Aine McCarthy to help public sector organisations align their business frameworks with strategic objectives, offering expert guidance to achieve these goals.

3. Customer excellence: Managing over five million customer interactions per year, this pillar improves customer experience by mapping customer journeys and redesigning processes, ensuring high levels of service performance across multiple contact channels.

4. Operational excellence: Focused on process optimisation, this pillar leverages Fexco’s 120+ Lean Six Sigma professionals and real-life operational experience to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency within public sector organisations.

5. Data services: Providing insights through data analysis and innovative GenAI products, helping public sector clients make informed decisions, optimise processes, and improve service delivery.

6. Energy and ESG advisory: This supports public sector entities in achieving sustainability goals, offering expertise in energy management and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

7. Function-specific advisory: Tailored to specific needs such as grant management, we offer specialised advice to improve functional areas within public sector organisations.

These pillars enable Fexco to deliver comprehensive, practical solutions based on extensive real-life operational experience.

Supporting the public sector’s digital transformation

Fexco’s Advisory Services significantly benefit the Irish public sector by driving digital transformation. As public services move to digital channels, government bodies face challenges like integrating legacy systems with new technologies, securing sensitive data, and ensuring compliance with national and European regulations.

Fexco’s unique approach blends operational expertise with advisory support, helping public sector bodies implement changes effectively while mitigating risks. The close collaboration between Fexco’s managed services and advisory services teams offers clients end-to-end service, from strategic planning to operational delivery.

This ensures that Fexco’s extensive experience in managing complex operations directly informs practical and actionable advice.

Furthermore, Fexco’s commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing investment in technology and sustainability solutions, crucial for public sector bodies. With PACE, Fexco’s Platform for Analysing Carbon Emissions, the company has shown its capability to lead sustainability initiatives, aiding government departments in meeting Ireland’s ambitious climate targets.

Practical solutions for real-world challenges

Unlike traditional consultancies, Fexco’s advisory approach is grounded in operational reality. Under Swann’s leadership, the team delivers pragmatic advice based on real-world successes.

Government departments trust Fexco to design and implement digital transformation strategies, improve service delivery with enhanced tools, and integrate new technologies to streamline operations, helping public sector bodies achieve their objectives efficiently.

The road ahead for public sector transformation

As Fexco expands its advisory services in 2025 and increases its workforce, this appointment further positions Fexco as a key player in supporting the Irish public sector’s digital transformation.

For senior civil servants and technology leaders in government departments, partnering with Fexco means leveraging a team that understands operational management intricacies and offers cutting-edge insights into technology, innovation, and sustainability.

Swann’s appointment as head of Fexco Advisory Services marks a new chapter, making Fexco an ideal partner for government departments navigating digital transformation and delivering efficient, secure public services.

W: www.fexco.ie