Major glitch in Matrix as UK government projects watchdog rates shared services cluster red

The UK government's Matrix shared services project, part of a £4.3 billion strategy to consolidate departments onto shared tech platforms, has been rated red by NISTA due to 'major issues' in planning and delivery. The project, involving Workday and Cognizant, faces delays pushing its go-live to late 2026 and risks from departments' inability to secure testing experts. Treasury and Education have delayed joining despite Cabinet Office claims their participation is mandatory.