Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Accepted
The Department stated that the Weybridge redevelopment programme is very high on its risk register...
Recommendation
The Department stated that the Weybridge redevelopment programme is very high on its risk register and is part of its major programmes portfolio. As a result, it sees the programme as a priority area for staffing.59 The National Audit Office highlighted the challenges the Department is having recruiting staff to some of the more specialist technical, engineering and programme delivery roles. The programme risk register rates the risk of not being able to recruit skilled and experienced staff as high. The reasons for this include: a limited pool of people with the specialist skills required; civil service salary limits; and headcount limits in Defra.60
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to ensure that it has the right staff capability and capacity to deliver the Weybridge redevelopment programme, including a review of capacity and capability requirements for the full lifecycle of the programme. Target implementation date: June 2023
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
6. PAC conclusion: There is a risk that the Weybridge redevelopment programme will not have sufficient staff capability and capacity to manage the Programme effectively. 6. PAC recommendation: The Department needs to ensure that it has the right staff capability and capacity to deliver the Weybridge redevelopment programme. It should report back to us once it has finalised its wider plans for staff reductions setting out how it plans to ensure it has the staff it needs to deliver the Programme. 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: June 2023 6.2 The programme continues to recruit to its agreed role profile for the current Tranche through to 2024-25. The department is currently reviewing capacity and capability requirements for the full lifecycle of the programme and continues to use all available levers to secure expert resources including specialist allowances and via its supply chain.