Quadrant Chambers is pleased Simon Croall KC and Andrew Carruth are featured in The Lawyer Top 20 Cases of 2023 for Tata Consulting Services v Disclosure and Barring Services.

The Technology and Construction Court will hear a dispute between Tata Consultancy Services and a non-departmental public body (NDPB) of the Home Office over an outsourcing contract.

The NDPB is called Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) and is responsible for determining candidates unsuitable for certain employment roles, particularly those concerning children or vulnerable adults.

The UK Government contracted the Indian- headquartered Tata Consultancy Services back in 2012 to design, build and operate a new IT system for the DBS. The deal was criticised by the press and the public over how much it cost. After a report came out by the National Audit Office in 2018, which highlighted the project’s failure to deliver value, the UK Government announced in 2019 it was moving away from Tata Consultancy Services.

The case promises to be one of the biggest IT trials in recent years, is technically and factually complex, with expert evidence being given from three disciplines. The claim was issued by Tata Consultancy Services for approximately £125m, but the DBS issued a counterclaim for approximately £150m. Over 28 days this year, the court will decide on compensation arising out of delays, unpaid invoices and breach of contract.

Simon Croall KC, Andrew Carruth and Will Mitchell, and 4 Stone Buildings’ Nicholas Cox, instructed by Bristows partner Anna Cook.

Find the full list here