Pros
Compared to other companies I have worked for, Detica is a more relaxed environment on the whole. The new London office at the BlueFin Building (opposite Tate Modern) is situated in an impressive location (but does have its downsides). Work is varied, there are many social activities. You are provided with Kit Kats, fruit everyday and free beer every month.
Cons
Detica has major cultural problems. It is based on an antiquated hierarchical system which dehumanises its company soul. You will tend to find that in the more senior positions (Senior Manager upwards) that these individuals have been moulded into someone who has a massive sense of superiority and has lost touch with there roots. As an example, on all of the projects I have been involved with many of the Senior Managers, Executive Managers and above have never said a word to anyone in the delivery teams even on projects lasting 6 months+. Indeed, I have been in the lifts, kitchens and other social areas of the offices with the CEO and senior management team who do not even acknowledge your presence (unless you are of a worthy rank). If you believe everyone deserves the time of day, or like me is happy to talk to anyone you will wonder what has happened in this organisation. You would certainly expect more charisma from senior management teams, setting an example to others. Not talking to people because they offer no perceivable value to your promotion or sales tagets does not inspire your workforce. Certainly, in several startups in which I have worked (and you will see this in companies like Facebook) they operate flat hierarchies where superiority goes no further than your job title. Offices are mixed up, 'important people' don't all sit in their little offices sharpening their pencils. I must say, at the ranks Consultant to Principal Consultant, you will rarely see this behaviour. It seems to be something 'learned' by those who are interested in aggressive promotions and linear corporate progression. In terms of career progression, Detica like many other consultancies has poor career opportunities beyond Principal Consultant. The drive is to make everyone an Account Manager / Salesman which as we all know is not what everybody wants. This is why many of the best people I have worked with leave at PC rank. If you want to progress in an area of expertise I am afraid you will have to quit and go client-side.