Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Not Addressed
Non-executive directors and external challenge provide crucial robust oversight for government programmes.
Conclusion
We were interested to hear about the role of non-executive directors in creating an environment supportive of challenge and diverse thinking. The SRO for Universal Credit explained how it was useful having a non-executive director chairing the Programme Board.49 The SRO for Ajax spoke about how he has reset the Board to expand the number of voices around the table, trying to bring-in more diversity and non-advocate challenge. For electronic monitoring the SRO told us that, when they were discussing a potential reset, they had strengthened the independent voice with a non-executive challenge panel outside formal governance arrangements. This provided a space for ‘incredibly robust challenge’ of the programme.50 The IPA felt it could do more to explore whether departments bringing in appropriate external director skills.51
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the observation but its response focuses on the IPA's work to promote a culture of learning and psychological safety, and a review by June 2024 on enhancing transparency, rather than directly addressing the specific role of non-executive directors or external skills.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2024 3.2 The IPA works closely with project leaders across government to support a culture of continuous learning and provide opportunities for senior leaders to share lessons and exchange knowledge openly and transparently. It also runs courses for senior leaders and Ministers on how to create the conditions for success and a culture of psychological safety to ensure signs of underperformance are spotted and raised in good time. 3.3 The IPA will review how it can further address concerns regarding transparency across government programmes and projects, to help encourage open and honest working environments where team members feel able to share concerns and highlight risks and issues early. 3.4 The IPA provided further information in a letter to the Committee, issued alongside the publication of this Treasury Minute.