Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Acknowledged
We asked how DfE could give the Unit for Future Skills a profile so that...
Conclusion
We asked how DfE could give the Unit for Future Skills a profile so that it had a meaningful impact on cross-government policy development and local design and practice. DfE stated that the key was for the Unit to produce outputs that stakeholders could easily use to inform their decisions. It also noted that a function of the Unit’s external advisory board of sector representatives, academics and others was to act as an advocate for the work of the Unit.42
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of the Unit for Future Skills and its role in cross-government policy development, highlighting its growth and planned activities.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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.