Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
Defra lacks a clear vision for its transformed business, impeding digital transformation planning.
Conclusion
However, Defra has not yet developed a clear vision for how its business will operate after transformation. Business transformation and digital transformation are closely linked but without clarity on what the transformed Defra will look like, it is difficult for its digital specialists to prepare. Decisions taken now may need to be reversed when the new Group structure is implemented and this could mean systems have to be rebuilt.38 Given this, we asked Defra how it could design a digital programme. Defra told us that it was working through what it might do in terms of further joining up the Defra Group and any structural changes that this might involve. It told us that it thought that the way that it currently operated its IT, on a Group basis, should mean that any changes would not affect, or be an issue, for its digital programme.39
Government Response Summary
The government considers the recommendation implemented, stating that Defra's digital investments are overseen by robust governance structures and its new systems are designed with a modern, composable architecture for future flexibility, ensuring digital transformation is integrated into Defra's wider transformation programme.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented. The majority of Defra’s investment in new digital systems is overseen by Defra’s ExCo, Delivery Committee and Investment Committee. Smaller projects are part of a wider portfolio overseen by a cross Defra and arm’s length body prioritisation group. All that work is consistent with the digital approach approved by ExCo and is being developed as an integrated part of the overall Defra transformation. All digital projects in Defra and its biggest arm’s length bodies are governed by a single Portfolio Approval Board and a single Technical Design Authority. These ensure that projects meet common Defra standards on digital, data, technology, security, sustainability, and resilience. All digital delivery is carried out by the Digital Data and Technology Services (DDTS) function or by suppliers managed by DDTS. These groups ensure that Defra’s systems comply with CDDO and Defra data and architecture standards, guardrails. Defra’s Investment Committee, including the Chief Digital and Information Officer, provides oversight of all major investments to ensure projects and programmes meet the needs of Defra Group, not just project requirements. This ensures that Defra’s new digital systems are designed on a modern, composable architecture which will deliver common technology capabilities, platforms and components that maximise reusability. For example, they will make full use of modern cloud-based technologies, a common delivery platform and other design features which will allow the future reconfiguration of services. Digital transformation is a core component of Defra's wider transformation programme and currently identifying cross-cutting business activities that occur across the group. This will enable more consistent delivery models and processes, for areas such as delivering grants and licensing and permitting services. Defra has also started a full re-fresh of Defra Group Architectural Policies and Standards which will complete in 2023.