Expert Solutions for
the Public Sector
Specialised Shared Services Provider
Professional Shared Services
Designed by the housing sector, for the housing sector and beyond.
Barcud is a specialised Shared Services provider dedicated to strengthening Housing Associations and Public Bodies across Wales and beyond. We move beyond generic consultancy to provide expert, sector-led support that reduces risk and maximises community impact.
We aren’t just advisors; we are a shared-service partner rooted in Wales, governed by our members, and driven by a Purpose-First mission to deliver excellence for the communities we serve.
We provide two distinct streams of professional excellence, allowing our partners to operate with total confidence and compliance.
Risk, Audit & Assurance
Protect your organisation with insights from specialists who live and breathe your sector. Our audit team doesn't just check boxes; we understand the unique regulatory landscape you operate in.
- Internal Audit: Robust, independent reviews of your controls and processes.
- Risk Management: Proactive strategies to identify and mitigate organisational threats.
- Assurance: Providing boards and leadership with the data they need to lead with certainty.
Procurement & Frameworks
Modern procurement that prioritises local spend and total compliance. We manage the technical complexity so you can focus on your core mission.
- SME-Led Frameworks: Pre-vetted, high-quality local suppliers ready for immediate call-off.
- Fully Managed Tenders: End-to-end support from initial specification to final award.
- PA23 Readiness: Specialist consultancy to navigate the Procurement Act 2023.
Training & Consultancy
Build capability, unlock performance, and solve complex challenges with specialists who understand your sector inside out.
We combine practical training with hands-on consultancy to deliver lasting impact, not just theory.
- Sector-Specific Training: Engaging, real-world learning designed around the challenges your teams actually face, grounded in deep sector expertise.
- Consultancy Services: Targeted, outcome-driven support to strengthen performance, improve compliance, and position your organisation as a market leader.
Driving Value Across Wales
We are proud to be the trusted partner for a growing network of Welsh Housing Associations and Local Authorities.
Our collaborative model ensures that every partner benefits from our shared scale and collective intelligence.
Our Clients & Testimonials
“I found it a very collaborative process with real practical recommendations and insight on how we can improve.”
“The work went beyond compliance, providing clear, practical insight into where controls are genuinely effective and where further maturity is needed.”
“We always enjoy our audits with the team and find all staff professional and supportive.”
“The audit was very thorough and conducted in a constructive manner.”
“I found the audit well planned. The audit team were professional, polite and constructive throughout the review and engagement was good. Overall, the process was collaborative and well manged.”
"As always it was a positive experience and working with any of the team has always been a great experience."
“Always a high level of service with an appropriate balance of support and challenge from Barcud.”
100% of clients agree that we provide a positive and value adding Internal Audit service to their organisation.
The Barcud Difference: Why Partner with Us?
Why do Welsh organisations choose Barcud over national, generalist shared services providers?
- Sector-Led Specialist Knowledge: Our team consists of professionals who live and breathe your sector. We aren’t generalists; we are specialists who understand the specific nuances of Welsh housing and public service delivery.
- Strategic Risk Reduction & Efficiency: In an increasingly high-stakes regulatory environment, we provide the safety net your organisation needs. By identifying hidden risks early and securing highly competitive, compliant contracts, we protect your reputation and your budget. We delivering significant long-term savings that far outweigh the cost of the service.
- A “Purpose-First” Mission: As a shared-service entity, we operate with a Purpose-First Instead of extracting profit for external shareholders, we reinvest our expertise and resources back into the sector, ensuring that our success directly contributes to the strength of the Welsh public landscape.
- Removing Barriers for Local Supply Chains: We believe in fair access to public contracts. Our procurement structures are designed to remove the technical barriers that often disadvantage smaller, local firms. By levelling the playing field, we ensure our partners can access high-quality regional expertise, driving genuine competition and keeping public spend circulating within the Welsh economy.
Ready to Strengthen Your Organisation?
Whether you are looking for a compliant framework, a robust internal audit, or a strategy to navigate the new Procurement Act, our team is ready to support you.
“We move beyond generic consultancy to provide expert, sector-led support that reduces risk and maximises community impact.”
Nigel IrelandCEO
