Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Share grant management approach across government and ensure early application in new scheme design.
Conclusion
The Department for Business and Trade needs to build on the progress made during the pandemic in developing the approach to the oversight of grants. BEIS responded to the initial and multiplying pressures on the administration of the schemes as the pandemic unfolded by commissioning a review of its management of the schemes. The review led to improvements to its programme management and governance. HM Treasury and BEIS also developed their approach to grant design by, for example, targeting support at those businesses most affected by the lockdown restrictions and placing an increased emphasis on prepayment checks for later schemes. DBT is now continuing to build its capability and capacity in this area by establishing what it describes as a centre of excellence for grant management. This sits within a directorate of 120 staff, compared to 20 when the schemes were first introduced. The centre of excellence has so far focused on developing its understanding of grants from an ’end to end’ perspective, to set expectations at all stages of the grant process. Recommendation 4: The Department for Business and Trade, working with the Cabinet Office, should share its approach to grant management more widely with other parts of government and ensure that this delivery experience is drawn upon at the earliest possible stage in the design of policies involving potential new grant schemes. Local authority administered COVID support schemes in England 7
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and has created a new Grant Delivery Directorate (GDD) in DBT to ensure a consistent, best-in-class approach to grant management, including fraud prevention. Lessons learned will be shared through the Cabinet Office Grant Champions Forum and the upcoming Ipsos C19 evaluation report, with guidance implemented for future schemes.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented DBT has created a new Grant Delivery Directorate (GDD) as part of the Corporate Services Group. The benefit of a centralised team is achievement of a best-in-class delivery service with economies of scale in terms of resourcing; providing long-term grant delivery capacity. In establishing the GDD, the department worked closely with the Government Grant Management Function within the Cabinet Office to ensure the design took full and appropriate account of all requirements. The GDD team will oversee the design, development and delivery of all new DBT Grant Schemes, delivering a consistent approach. The approach will protect public money and recover funds where necessary, monitor all awards and combat fraud; and ensure value for money grant delivery for all schemes. The GDD continues to work closely with the Government Grant Management Function within Cabinet Office who will identify and make improvement recommendations. Lessons learned will be shared and case studies provided for wider discussion where appropriate. Throughout DBT will seek to remain compliant with GOVS15 Functional Standard for Grants and the Grants Functional Blueprint. Opportunities to share best practice and experience with the wider grant community incorporating COVID-19 scheme lessons learned will be instigated and exhibited, including via the Cabinet Office Grant Champions Forum, and learning from anticipated Cabinet Office Emergency Situation Grants guidance implemented for future schemes. DBT anticipates publication of the Ipsos C19 evaluation report later this autumn with wide dissemination to partners, stakeholders and other government departments.