Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Acknowledged
DfE told us that the Unit for Future Skills currently had 18 staff.
Conclusion
DfE told us that the Unit for Future Skills currently had 18 staff. It said that the Unit had struggled to recruit the highly skilled analysts it needed. We therefore asked whether these staffing pressures had been resolved. DfE explained that it had experienced some of the same challenges of recruiting highly skilled analysts that others had experienced, but that it was confident the Unit would achieve a full complement in time. DfE explained that the Unit was growing and that it would continue to make sure that it secured the right people.43 It asserted that the staffing shortfall was not affecting the Unit’s work and also noted that, due to the Unit’s small size, it commissioned research from academics and others as part of its work programme. DfE provided examples of the Unit’s initiatives to improve data transparency, which included publishing dashboards of career pathways and graduate outcomes. The Unit had also worked with HM Revenue & Customs to access better occupation data, which DfE will use to build its understanding of the skills needs of different employment sectors.44 39 Qq 20–21, 23 40 C&AG’s Report, paras 3.14–3.15 41 C&AG’s Report para 3.15 42 Qq 67–68, 72 43 Q 68 44 Qq 68–69, 73–74 16 Developing workforce skills for a strong economy
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the staffing challenges of the Unit for Future Skills but expresses confidence that it will achieve a full complement, highlighting its growth, analytical products, and assessment by the UFS Board.
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.