Homes for Ukraine Data System Goes In-House

Why It Matters

The move demonstrates how in‑house digital transformation can lower public‑sector expenses while enhancing service delivery for vulnerable populations, setting a scalable model for future government tech projects.

Key Takeaways

• MHCLG replaced 2022 emergency supplier platform with in‑house Share system.
• Project delivered under a year, migrating three years of operational data.
• Early user feedback cites easier navigation and streamlined safeguarding checks.
• Annual running costs reduced; rollout planned for Scotland and Wales.
• Share may be repurposed for other government digital services.

Pulse Analysis

The Homes for Ukraine initiative, launched to house refugees fleeing the conflict, required a robust data backbone to match families with available homes across England. Initially, MHCLG relied on an emergency supplier‑managed platform that met short‑term needs but lacked long‑term sustainability. As the programme expanded, the pressure to secure sensitive personal information and streamline case management grew, prompting officials to seek a more resilient, cost‑effective solution.

Enter Share, the in‑house platform built on the GOV.UK Design System and guided by user‑centred research. Development teams faced a tight deadline, migrating three years of operational data while embedding advanced security controls and a resilient architecture. By adopting a phased migration and providing extensive training—drop‑in sessions, video guides, and live support—MHCLG ensured a smooth transition for local authorities. Early adopters report that the new interface simplifies safeguarding checks and offers clearer visual cues on case status, translating into faster placements for Ukrainian families. The platform’s streamlined operations have already trimmed annual running costs, and its design is being extended to Scotland and Wales to avoid duplication.

Beyond immediate savings, Share signals a broader shift toward government‑owned digital services. By retaining control over data and development, MHCLG can iterate quickly, incorporate feedback, and explore cross‑departmental reuse. The project’s success may encourage other ministries to replace short‑term contracts with bespoke platforms, accelerating digital maturity across the public sector. As the UK continues to modernise its service delivery, in‑house solutions like Share could become the blueprint for balancing fiscal responsibility with high‑impact citizen outcomes.