Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Deferred
Senior government decision-makers lack sufficient digital experience hindering effective communication.
Conclusion
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
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee's observation and will provide an outline of how this will be implemented by December 2023. The CDDO is working with the Permanent Secretary level Digital and Data Board to understand how this commitment can be adopted across government.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2025 3.2 CDDO will write to the Committee in December 2023 with an outline of how this recommendation will be implemented. The Committee should note that Civil Service HR is now Government People Group. 3.3 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2025 3.4 CDDO is working with departmental leadership at Permanent Secretary level ‘Digital and Data Board’, to understand how this commitment could be adopted across government. Government departments and delivery bodies already benefit from the wealth of expertise provided by existing non-executive directors, a number of whom have direct digital experience or have led other functions within a digitally-focused organisation.