Recommendation 12

There is a major digital skills shortage in the UK and skilled digital professionals command a premium in the market, making it hard for departments to recruit.23 Government estimates that the number of digital, data and technology professionals in the civil service is around 4.5%, less than half the number it needs when compared to an equivalent industry average of between 8% and 12%, and so the number will need to double.24 Departments are facing particular shortages in roles such as data architects and cyber security experts, which are difficult to recruit and where the skills command a premium in the market.25 Government is trying to improve pay for specialist roles, and considers that this is improving the situation.26 However, the Roadmap’s aims will not be achieved and the cost to government will be much more over the longer term if opportunities to transform are delayed or foregone and reliance on legacy systems is prolonged.27