Recommendation 4

The Cabinet Office has not provided departments with up-to-date guidance on how to procure, learn from and manage consultancy. The Government Commercial Function (GCF) is responsible for the Consultancy Playbook, as well as the related Sourcing Playbook. The Consultancy Playbook offers departments relevant guidance on how to procure, manage and learn from consultants, but it was last updated in 2022. The playbook has many references to the Government Consulting Hub, including its Knowledge Exchange platform, despite this hub closing in 2023. Since 2022, emerging technologies, such as AI, have transformed consultancy and professional services. The Chief Commercial Officer explained that the GCF is in the process of updating the Consultancy Playbook and should publish a new version by Summer 2026. 4 recommendation The Cabinet Office should publish the updated Consultancy Playbook by July 2026. It should incorporate guidance about use of emerging technologies by consultancy providers.