Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted
Similarly, the Department pointed out that where some programmes were rated red, there were elements...
Recommendation
Similarly, the Department pointed out that where some programmes were rated red, there were elements of good progress on sub-programmes within them. While the IPA rated the Department’s MODNet Evolve programme red, the Department told us that 16 of its sub-programmes were either delivered or on track, with three remaining elements due to conclude over the next 18 months.51 It hopes to move the programme’s rating to amber in 2023.52 It also told us that the red-rated New Style of IT Base programme was responsible for the rollout of new IT during the Covid-19 pandemic, having now delivered 180,000 laptops across Defence, as well as collaboration tools for remote working and video conferencing.53 However, these are relatively basic IT items, and the technology the Department is ordering is becoming increasingly sophisticated.54
Government Response Summary
The government will update programme management policies and standards, upskill staff, and improve programme governance, targeting a summer 2023 implementation date, and notes the Next Generation Communication Network programme has improved.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4. PAC conclusion: The department is struggling to deliver its largest, most transformational digital programmes. 4a. PAC recommendation: In its update to us in six months, the department should also explain the actions it has taken to improve its performance in delivering major digital programmes. 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2023 4.2 The department already has key actions in place to improve its performance in delivering major digital programmes. The key steps are: • an update of the programme management policies and standards and to engage relevant programme staff to embed the practices; • continue to upskill staff via targeted recruitment, giving existing staff access to relevant education options; and, • improve programme governance by overhauling the governance structure for Government and Defence Digital Major Projects and implement changes to management information reporting to provide greater insight, coherence, and risk management, allowing issues and blockers to be surfaced early. 4.3 The early impact of these actions has contributed to the improvement in delivery of the Next Generation Communication Network programme, previously reported red and now reported amber following the Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s most recent assessment in February 2023.