Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
NS&I launched risky parallel transitions lacking understanding and management of programme risks.
Conclusion
In taking forward the Programme, NS&I launched multiple procurements and planned to deliver four transitions in parallel, with no understanding of the risks that this was exposing the organisation and its customers to. NS&I said it had identified supply chain risk as a key area of focus.38 However, NS&I focused more on how it had handled past issues, telling the Committee how it had developed contingency plans when Atos had financial difficulties in 2023; it did not provide evidence that it had considered how to manage the current contracts.39 When asked if it was confident that it had resolved the issues with procurements, NS&I could only say that it had awarded contracts. NS&I acknowledged that these still contain the original milestone dates, which would need to be changed to take account of delays in NS&I’s Programme implementation.40
Government Response
Response Pending
HM Government
Response Pending
The Treasury and NS&I acknowledge these concerns and are committed to addressing them through robust planning, risk management, and governance. NS&I is working to develop a comprehensive integrated plan that includes clear timelines, cost estimates, and resource allocation. NS&I has strengthened its systems integration capabilities and is ensuring that decisions are based on sound evidence and analysis.