Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Accepted
In February 2022, DfE announced the creation of a Unit for Future Skills to look...
Conclusion
In February 2022, DfE announced the creation of a Unit for Future Skills to look at data and evidence on where skills gaps exist and in what industries. The Unit will examine the interaction between the jobs and skills markets, and work with the Office for National Statistics to produce better data on skills demand.40 The Unit is a division within DfE, but is intended to work across government to also meet the information needs of other departments. DfE also intends that the Unit will engage with businesses and training providers in local areas, to establish what additional analysis they would find helpful.41 DfE told us that it was trying to make sure it was data- and evidence-driven in what it did and, in setting up the Unit, it was trying to give information to people to help them make decisions.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s conclusion and details the growth and planned work of the Unit for Future Skills (UFS), with success measured by access to robust jobs and skills information. Success will be assessed by the UFS Board and Chair, Sir Ian Diamond.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 The Unit for Future Skills (UFS) has grown rapidly over its first year from zero to 20 staff (January 2023). Planned headcount is 30 - four new starters are joining by February 2023 and remaining vacancies are expected to be filled by April 2023. 6.3 The UFS has risen to the challenge of delivering at pace, creating analytical products while recruiting and developing its strategy and approach. As the team grows and matures, more can be achieved. The department is confident that current resourcing will ensure the unit can deliver on the workplan for 2023. 6.4 Success for the UFS will be when skills system decision makers have access to robust and easy-to-use jobs and skills information, supporting them to invest in the right training and skills development, wherever they are based in the country. In the shorter term, we will forge a pathway of improvements including more robust and timely data; better access to well- structured information; and producing useful insights. The UFS will also drive coordination and linking of relevant analysis, both across and outside of government, to maximise its utility. 6.5 UFS success will be assessed by the UFS Board and Chair, Sir Ian Diamond. They hold the unit to account for delivering outputs against the workplan and examine evidence on the reach, impact and feedback of data products and activity. 6.6 The department wrote to the Committee on 13 February 2023 with further details, as requested.