Recommendation 8

Only a small proportion of senior decision-makers in government have first-hand experience of digital business and senior digital leaders in departments struggle to communicate their messages effectively because their wider leadership teams lack sufficient knowledge of digital issues.13 The continued support of departments at permanent secretary level is essential for maintaining traction and setting up the Digital and Data Board is a good start. However, we have heard that some senior leaders have been sending deputies and have had to be reminded that they are expected to attend in person.14 Boards and committees are only effective if the right people attend and commit to the agreed actions.15