Getting the most out of a G-Cloud contract: clarity, communication, and collaboration

In our experience, the most successful contracts don’t just tick boxes - they deliver real results. They do this by focusing on three key principles: clarity, communication, and collaboration. With G-Cloud 15 on the horizon, here’s how to make them work for you.

Define what success looks like from the start

It’s easy to get stuck into listing tasks: ‘do this, deliver that.’ But the real question is: what do you want to achieve?

• Are you trying to improve services for users?
• Do you need to reduce delivery risks?
• Is meeting a big deadline the top priority?

Setting clear outcomes - not just tasks - helps your supplier work toward your goals. They can advise, challenge, and offer new ideas because they know what really matters.

Clarity also helps practically. Agree early on how reporting and assurance will work so there are no surprises later. You’ll get the information you need for governance and audits without chasing for it.

Talk early and talk often

Even with a clear plan, things change - priorities shift, new pressures crop up. That’s why keeping communication going is key.

• Set up a regular check-in: weekly quick updates or monthly structured reviews.
• Don’t wait for problems to arise. Speak up early if something isn’t working - suppliers prefer to adjust quickly rather than deal with trust issues later.

Regular conversations keep projects on track and prevent small issues from growing.

Work as one team

The best contracts don’t feel like ‘us’ and ‘them’. They feel like one team moving in the same direction. That’s where collaboration comes in - and it's central to how we work.

Involve suppliers in your stand-ups or project meetings. Give them context beyond the task list and let them see the challenges you’re facing. When they understand the bigger picture, they can spot risks, suggest solutions, and help you move faster.

Be open to what else they can bring. Many suppliers can support strategy, advisory work, or complementary technical services - often already included in your contract. And, when a contract ends, don’t just roll it over. Take time to review together: what worked, what could improve. This reflection makes the next phase more effective.

Success story: Southern Housing

A great example of this in practice is our work with Southern Housing. By setting clear outcomes from the start, maintaining regular check-ins, and working as one team, we were able to deliver a successful partnership that met their goals and supported long-term improvements.

Turning contracts into impact

G Cloud makes procurement easier, but it’s how you work with your supplier that turns a contract into a success. Focus on the three Cs - clarity, communication, and collaboration – and you’ll build partnerships that deliver real impact for your organisation and the people you serve.

About Zoonou

Zoonou is a UK-based software testing company. We’re a B Corp and 100% employee owned. Combining technical delivery and advisory services, we collaborate with the private, public and third sectors to create better software, services and products.