Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 10
10
In March 2022, the Delivery Authority had already lost some newly recruited staff and access...
Conclusion
In March 2022, the Delivery Authority had already lost some newly recruited staff and access to technical contractor expertise. Then, in May 2022, the CEO of the Sponsor Body announced her resignation, along with two other senior members of Sponsor Body staff.27 The Clerk of the House of Commons told us that retaining some of the Sponsor Body’s “very considerable expertise” was vital to successfully restoring the Palace.28 He told us that should the Sponsor Body be abolished under the Act, the legislation requires staff to be transferred to any successor body when the statutory instrument came into effect.29 In its June 2022 report, the Commissions recommended that all Sponsor Body staff be transferred to the in-house team “with all reasonable speed in order to end the current period of uncertainty”.30 As no decision has yet been taken, neither the House of Commons nor House of Lords plan to include contingent liabilities in their accounts to reflect these future costs.31 On 26 May 2022, the Sponsor Body announced that an interim Chief Executive, Dr Patsy Richards, would take up post in the “coming weeks”.32
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Clerk of the House and the Clerk of the Parliaments commit to implement this recommendation. Target implementation date: Not applicable, as this recommendation is ongoing. As noted in paragraph 27 of the Commissions’ report, the Delivery Authority will remain in place, and will remain independent, under the Commissions’ proposals. It is worth noting that the vast majority of the people working on the programme are employed by the Delivery Authority or its supply chain. The CEO of the Delivery Authority will remain accountable for the skills and expertise to deliver the Programme, and their independence remains unchanged. The creation of the Client Team as a new Joint Department within Parliament is the responsibility of the Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the House, and they will be responsible for ensuring it has the right capabilities. An interim CEO was announced on 26 May 2022. Dr Patsy Richards has been seconded from the House of Commons to provide the leadership and stability needed by the sponsor function at this time. The interim CEO is assessing capability and capacity gaps within the sponsor function to ensure it has the necessary skills and expertise. This exercise will be completed by the end of the summer recess. Proposals by the two Clerks regarding the application of TUPE legislation to transfers of those staff working in the Sponsor Body aim to mitigate the risk of losing staff with the right experience and skills. Paragraph 42 of the Commissions’ Report sets out that the Programme Board “will bring together Parliamentary and lay members, with the right skills and expertise, especially in major programmes, to fulfil its remit.” The Client Board, once established, will consider proposals for the membership of the Programme Board and appoint its members. Subject to endorsement by both Houses of Parliament, the target date for implementing the new two-tier governance structure is the end of the calendar year.