Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Deferred
Consider Commission-Ministry of Justice dynamic to foster robust leadership in departmental dealings.
Recommendation
We recommend that the interim chair considers the dynamic of the relationship between the Commission and the Ministry of Justice and how the Commission’s leadership could be supported to take a more robust approach to its dealings with the department. (Recommendation, Paragraph 89) Remote-first
Government Response Summary
The government states the relationship with CCRC is based on Cabinet Office good practice and is constructive. It welcomes any findings from the interim Chair's review regarding potential improvements in how the department interacts with the CCRC.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Your report concludes that there is a concern about the CCRC’s independence and its relationship with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship with the CCRC is based on the Cabinet Office’s Arm’s Length Body Sponsorship Code of Good Practice6, following the key principles of great sponsorship set out in that Code: purpose: a mutual clear understanding of the purpose of the ALB assurance: a proportionate approach to assurance value: mutual sharing of skills and experience, and engagement: open, honest and constructive relationships The structures that are in place and the interaction the department has with CCRC leadership are based on those principles and delivering the department’s responsibilities set out in the Code. We agree with the characterisation by the then Chief Executive in front of your Committee of the relationship between the MoJ and CCRC as ‘constructive’. However, we welcome any findings of the interim Chair if there are improvements that can be made in how the department interacts with the CCRC – while maintaining the appropriate distance that its functions require.